Whitney Baker
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Results-driven relationship leader with 11 years of experience building impactful connections. Skilled in communication and detail-oriented training, with a focus on enhancing customer experiences through effective coaching and collaboration. Dedicated to creating environments that support growth for clients and teams.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Wellbeing Strategist
Clayton Homes
Maryville, TN
08.2022 - Current
- Led the strategic development of holistic wellbeing initiatives across Clayton Homes, enhancing enterprise-wide engagement. Pioneered the creation of impactful wellbeing programs, significantly boosting organizational visibility and acceptance. Directed comprehensive communication and marketing efforts, performing in-depth analysis and evaluation of program effectiveness.
- Spearheaded initiatives to boost engagement among team members in divisions with low wellbeing participation.
- Enhanced wellbeing initiatives by engaging team members and leadership in high-needs areas, fostering a supportive environment.
- Collaborated with wellbeing team to develop and evaluate initiatives focused on supporting organizational objectives and strategic goals.
- Led group workshops and discussions to provide training and information sessions for participants.
- Executed marketing strategies to effectively showcase wellbeing programs and registration periods throughout the year.
- Assessed marketing needs for locations and programs, developing customized materials and strategies to address specific requirements.
- Collaborated with existing initiatives to enhance overall wellbeing framework and cross-reference related efforts.
- Utilized communication strategies to educate participants on health-related benefits-programs.
- Coordinated efforts with team to ensure effective communication of data and outcomes to relevant business partners.
- Communicated results with leadership on all program components.
Executive Director
Girls on the Run of Greater Knoxville
05.2021 - 08.2022
- Developed and implemented the overall strategy and vision for the Girls on the Run program, covering administration, financial operations, revenue generation, program development, activities, personnel management, and strategic planning.
- Planning, in coordination with the Board and staff, for the direction and leadership of the overall program; develops and implements a council growth plan the addresses program and site development strategies
- Coordinated with Board to identify and plan infrastructure growth aligned with program expansion goals.
- Developing diverse funding streams and long-term plans to best support the mission and goals of the organization.
- Oversaw fundraising efforts including sponsorship, donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, grants, special events, etc.
- Executing all financial, operational and programmatic reports to GOTR-I and to state and local funding agencies in a timely manner
- Maintaining ethical standards and accountability, manage risk, perform due diligence, and implement operational best practices.
- Establishing efficient business systems and strategies and ensuring appropriate implementation.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures.
- Ensured successful participation in quality programming through targeted outreach and engagement strategies.
- Cultivating relationships with coaches, donors, parents, participants, sponsors and volunteers
- Represented Girls on the Run’s mission and programs as an ambassador.
- Developed collaborative projects/partnerships with other community providers.
- Developed relationships with the local media and serve as the Girls on the Run primary contact to market the program and build additional community support
- Partnered with Girls on the Run International to maximize Cause Related Marketing and other national opportunities locally.
Mentor 2.0 Program Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East TN
10.2015 - 05.2021
- Implemented Mentor 2.0 program with high school students focusing on non-cognitive development, social capital skills, and college readiness. This program utilizes technology as the platform to create and sustain lasting positive relationships between mentors and mentees. We are the 1st and only agency in the state of Tennessee to implement this program.
- Facilitated weekly Mentor 2.0 group learning sessions for mentees at participating schools, including discussion of weekly curriculum. Served over 250 students over a four year period.
- Led recruitment and selection of volunteers through comprehensive background interviews and reference checks, ensuring quality and suitability for mentorship roles
- Onboarded new volunteers through in-person orientation and one-on-one meetings focused on ensuring positive relationships between mentors and mentees as well as high participation in the program activities
- Organized and staffed large-scale mentor-mentee events, managing event planning, catering, learning objectives, and teambuilding activities to foster strong mentor-mentee relationships
- Continually assessed match relationships focusing on child safety, relationship development, positive youth development and volunteer satisfaction. Identified, addressed, and resolved existing and potential concerns and barriers as early as possible utilizing strict confidentiality.
- Coached volunteers and students one-on-one through various challenges that they were facing related to their match relationship, navigating high school, and the post-secondary pathway process.
- Assessed and provided for individual training and support needs for each match participant to assure a positive youth development experience for the child, and a successful and satisfying experience for the volunteer.
- Initiated and lead a work culture committee focusing on incentives to boost staff morale and used feedback from staff surveys to evaluate progress.
- Managed the workload and evaluated the performance of a team of three Mentor 2.0 Program Coordinators who were responsible for the program implementation and support of their own individual cohorts.
- Taught financial aid based curriculum resulting in 94% of my seniors completing the FAFSA on time; an almost 10% greater rate over the local high school average of 84.8%.
- Stressed the importance of continuing education, that led to 77% of the first senior class applying to a two-year or four-year program, trade school, or military service; 17% higher than the local high school average and 13.8% greater than the state of Tennessee average.
- Communicated impactful match stories, statistics, and other data to the business development team that were used to apply for funding and grant reporting purposes.
- Developed interventions to identify and strengthen match relationships requiring additional support, enhancing overall program effectiveness and participant satisfaction.
- Ensured high-level expertise in applying child safety and risk management knowledge, policies and procedures throughout all aspects of job role.
School Climate Counselor
Helen Ross McNabb Center
10.2014 - 07.2015
- Conducted school-wide surveys to assess school climate, informing strategies for positive change and enhancing overall student experience.
- Supported students in crisis by implementing de-escalation techniques and teaching healthy coping mechanisms, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
- Assisted Guidance Department in implementing individual student support interventions; provided regular one-on-one student sessions to support individual needs.
- Provided mentorship to students to guide their personal and academic growth. and provided additional social support to make positive choices.
- Co-taught study skills/life skills course in Summer Bridge program for approximately 30 rising 9th grade students.
Education
Certified Heath and Life Coach -
Health Coach Institute
04-2021
M.A. - School Counseling
Johnson University
Knoxville04-2015
B.S. - Counseling
Johnson University
Knoxville05-2012
Skills
- Training and onboarding
- Workshop design
- Client engagement
- Coaching and mediation
- Virtual meeting management
- Remote self-management
- Database proficiency
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Effective communication
- Adaptability
- Committed to building relationships
- Respectful demeanor
- Integrity in all situations
- Strong work ethic
Timeline
Wellbeing Strategist
Clayton Homes
08.2022 - Current
Executive Director
Girls on the Run of Greater Knoxville
05.2021 - 08.2022
Mentor 2.0 Program Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East TN
10.2015 - 05.2021
School Climate Counselor
Helen Ross McNabb Center
10.2014 - 07.2015
Certified Heath and Life Coach -
Health Coach Institute
M.A. - School Counseling
Johnson University
B.S. - Counseling
Johnson University