Wendy J. Starr
Olathe,KS
Summary
Spearheaded retail operations with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience, enhancing performance across extensive multi-unit retail organizations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
ZONE DIRECTOR
Ross Dress for Less
05.2023 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for multiple retail districts, overseeing 70+ stores through District Manager leadership while driving operational performance, leadership development, and strategic talent planning.
- Lead and develop District Managers while strengthening leadership pipeline across the zone
- Developed two District Manager in Training (DMIT) leaders to support future expansion and succession planning
- Recruited, hired, and successfully onboarded two District Managers
- Strengthened zone-wide shortage culture and accountability across districts
- Achieved 100% Store Manager staffing across the zone through focused development and recruiting
- Partner with senior leadership to execute operational strategy and regional performance plans
DISTRICT MANAGER
Ross Dress for Less
10.2016 - 05.2023
- Directed multi-unit retail operations while developing future leaders and driving operational performance.
- Maintained 90%+ internal promotion rate through leadership development and succession planning
- Delivered double-digit shortage improvements in 6 of 7 years
- Reduced turnover year-over-year through culture and engagement focus
- Selected as Training District Manager responsible for mentoring new district leaders
- Shrink Champion – 2017
- Diversity Leadership Award – 2021
STORE MANAGER
Ross Dress for Less
09.2011 - 10.2016
- Named Store Manager of the Region – 2016
- Leadership Award – 2015
- Promoted nine associates into management roles within 16 months
- Served as Training Store Manager for developing leadership talent
- Consistently exceeded operational and financial metrics
DISTRICT MANAGER
Dollar General
10.2005 - 07.2011
- Oversaw 16–28 retail locations
- Built strong leadership teams through structured development and coaching
- Achieved highest internal promotion rate and lowest turnover in the region
- Delivered 68 basis point shrink improvement in first year
- Ranked 4th in the division for shrink performance
- District Training Manager for the division
STORE MANAGER
Dollar General
07.2004 - 10.2005
- Reduced shrink by more than 200 basis points within one year
- Increased store sales by 21%
- Promoted to District Manager within 14 months
Education
Bachelor of Science - Educational Psychology
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX08.2003
Skills
- Multi-Unit Retail Leadership Executive Talent Development Operational Strategy & Execution
- Succession Planning & Leadership Pipeline Development Shrink & Asset Protection Strategy
- Retail Expansion & Market Development Organizational Culture & Engagement
- Operational Accountability & Performance Management
Affiliations
- Alpha Chi – National College Honor Scholarship Society
- Psi Chi – National Honor Society in Psychology
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP IMPACT
- 20+ years of progressive retail leadership experience
- Oversight of 70+ retail stores through District Manager leadership
- Proven developer of leadership talent with 90%+ internal promotion rate
- Built leadership pipeline including District Manager and DMIT development
- Consistent shortage reduction with double-digit improvements across multiple years
- Known for building high-accountability cultures focused on people development and operational excellence
Timeline
ZONE DIRECTOR
Ross Dress for Less
05.2023 - Current
DISTRICT MANAGER
Ross Dress for Less
10.2016 - 05.2023
STORE MANAGER
Ross Dress for Less
09.2011 - 10.2016
DISTRICT MANAGER
Dollar General
10.2005 - 07.2011
STORE MANAGER
Dollar General
07.2004 - 10.2005
Bachelor of Science - Educational Psychology
Tarleton State University