Melissa Toombs
• ***** Slate Crossing Lane Katy, TX 77449 • 323-***-**** • **********@*****.***
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
• Fluid interpersonal communication, presentation and classroom facilitation skills
• Perform quick situational analysis and prompt decision making
• Results oriented and motivated team player, requiring limited supervision and guidance
• Managed multiple sites and projects in a high pressure, fast pace environment
• Advanced career by displaying versatility, adaptability, an innovative spirit and an inspirational attitude
WORK HISTORY
Gate Gourmet of gategroup 2005 - 2011
Manager, Training - Region, Los Angeles, CA 9/2007 - 8/2011
Collaborated with leadership at all levels to determine learning and organizational needs for teams and individuals.
Coordinated and implemented training initiatives in the region and supported other regions in meeting organizational goals.
Developed and facilitated training strategies/modules that bridged the gaps between organizational goals and demonstrated
behaviors/skills.
Developed and facilitated regional/national projects and workshops which resulted in organizational innovations: new
employee support and retention positions, streamlined organizational programs, institutionalized employee rewards programs,
employee resource center for work related tools.
Project leader on national training initiatives such as the new employee orientation and the team lead basics curriculum.
• Met regional training needs within budget requirements
• Assisted in identifying and organizing national LMS (Taleo)
• Supported 9 locations, 130 management members and 1,300 non-exempt and union employees
City Workers' Compensation Manager, Chicago, IL 11/2006 - 8/2007
Analyzed workers’ compensation data to identify trends and potential problem areas. Developed action plans with unit
leadership to minimize and control future risk. Managed claims to minimize risk exposure for the 5 Chicago locations through
consistent communication with the health care providers, claims adjusters, employees and unit management teams.
Collaborated with corporate and regional EHS teams to develop nationally standard processes and programs such as the
incident reporting documentation/management process and the company safety team program.
• Reduced accidents in the city by 20%
• Decreased accident frequency by 27%, lost time claims by 66% and claim severity by 55%
• Reduced the incurred costs on OJI claims by over $2 million (YOY 2006 to 2007)
Supervisor, Human Resources and Recruiter, Chicago, IL 8/2005 - 10/2006
Identified and recruited the best internal and external talent for exempt, non-exempt and union positions for the 5 Chicago
locations. Developed timely requisition process, decreasing fill time by 7 days, and facilitated effective communication
between the recruiting office, operational leaders and the training office. Organized and conducted new employee orientation,
fostering committed and inspired employees. Assisted with retention-focused projects.
• Developed reporting tools to effectively and efficiently provide up-to-date statistics on the recruiting process to unit
management
• Provided detailed/analysis reports for EEOC complaints, union grievances and employee reduction evaluations
Contract Recruiter 2004 - 2005
Recruiter, Chicago, IL
Researched and generated solid leads for hiring managers by utilizing internal applicant intake systems, educational facilities
and professional social networks. Facilitated working relationships and screening processes that ensured all candidates meet
the client’s job qualifications and the current departmental needs. Organized and managed recruiting events for potential
candidates and hiring managers.
• Sample of organizations supported: DeVry, Zurich and Navteq
• Disciplines: finance, education, public relations, human resources, healthcare and technology
AIU Online of Career Education Corp. 2002 - 2004
Career Services Advisor, Hoffman Estates, IL
Coached students on organizing a focused job search, generating leads and effectively marketing themselves to employers.
Built relationships with employers across the nation. Marketed students to employers by sending customized resumes and
scheduling interviews and assisted students with employment negotiations.
Wrote career and job search related articles, led weekly online chats and managed online career discussion board.
• Assured that at least 90% of graduating students were placed in a degree related position
Admissions and Financial Aid Advisor, Hoffman Estates, IL
Interviewed and recommended prospects for acceptance into the university. Advised students of their educational and financial
options based on their current or desired career paths. Acted as a liaison for interdepartmental communications to encourage
and counsel students.
• Maintained a >70% student retention rate, company averaged 60%
• Attained funding for 98% of students, prior to starting classes
EDUCATION
DDI Certified Trainer 2011
American Intercontinental Univ. 2003 - 2004
Master of Education course work, Hoffman Estates, IL
Texas Tech Univ. 1993 - 1998
Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Design Communications, Lubbock, TX
ASTD Member