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Cheri Watson Chicago, Illinois 312-***-****

c3sidney@gmailcom

Operations Executive

20+ years’ success leading engineering innovation for high-growth organizations Highly qualified executive possessing 20+ years of experience developing strategic initiatives that drive objectives and align with organizational values; skilled in human resources management, financial planning and operations management, possessing expertise, spearheading complex and effective programs for small to medium size organizations, catalyzing lucrative results while complying with company policies. Seeking to benefit top-level organizations by improving performance, community engagement, and impacting positive change. Highlights of Expertise

• Strategic Business Planning & Analysis

• Cost Reduction and Avoidance

• Financial Management/ Planning

• Program Development/ Project Management

• Executive Coaching/ Communications

• Budget Administration / Management

• Human Resources Operations

• Process Redesign / Change Management

• Contract Development/ Negotiations

• Motivational Leadership/ Teambuilding

Career Experience

Professional Elevator Services, Chicago, Illinois

Human Resources Consultant (June 2009 to Current)

Oversee the development of recruitment strategies, training and development programs, and implementation of policies and procedures. Provide support regarding employee issues, investigating matters and implementing appropriate resolutions. Deliver timely coaching and feedback in addition to drafting performance review and initiating corrective actions and terminations.

Evaluate programs and processes to identify opportunities and implement strategic trainings to support employee development and drive organizational success

Collaborate with senior leadership to identify and resolve organizational issues pertaining to team dynamics and cultural change initiatives.

Advise to senior leadership; provide human resources solutions pertaining to organizational design, succession planning, development and performance management, and employee engagement. Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois

Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management (October 2011 to April 2016) Directed and provided oversight of University initiatives, maintaining control of diverse business operations; advised senior leadership team regarding financial planning, budget administration, human resources operations, strategic marketing, and fundraising. Established and interpret policies and procedures that aligned with company vision, ensuring functionality of university operations and sustainable growth.

Developed and updated the University Policies and Practices; created and implemented a review process to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, and laws and regulations.

Collaborate with First Year Experience and Student Affairs in designing and implementing a full complement of support services to enhance the out-of-classroom experience and extend student learning.

Consistently resolved and responded to issues to improve the university experience; consulted with various departments, conducting investigations regarding internal concerns and compliance complaints. Cheri Watson Page 2

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Collaborated with key business partners including Payroll, Compensation, Benefits, and Legal; created solutions for complex situations and human resources matters.

Fostered the development of annual budgets, effectively planning, tracking, and analyzing company financials to approve and maintain company expenses.

Director of Enrollment Management (June 2010 to September 2011) Provided direction and oversight of Enrollment; monitored and evaluated academic programs and courses in efforts to strengthen enrollment and meet the career needs of students. Managed student support services, evaluating programs and implementing changes to resolve issues, support students, and drive enrollment.

Increased effective communication through realignment of the Enrollment Service Departments, and implemented a Once Stop Call center regarding enrollment to improve efficiency of student services, and eliminate student bounce.

Developed dashboards and narratives reflecting enrollment management outcomes against identified goals; obtained, retained and analyzed pertinent data and information related to student outcomes.

Created strategic plans regarding enrollment, retention, and graduation, utilizing data analysis, institutional priorities and national best practices.

Performed audits, identifying opportunities and creating resolutions; reduced audit findings in enrollment management YOY by 50%.

Associate Director of Human Resources (November 2009 to June 2010) Provided oversight regarding human resources operations focused in benefits administration and compensation; analyzed, interpreted and applied human resources policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Developed human resources initiatives, collaborating with senior leadership and providing recommendations to employee engagement, promote diversity, and drive human resources objectives.

Acted as a liaison between employees and management to ensure fair, consistent, equitable solutions for employee relation issues; established professional working relationships with all personnel to create dynamic teams and positively affect employee retention rates.

Consistently resolved and responded to employee issues and questions to improve the employee experience; rebuilt and strengthened employee morale while leading and navigating organizational change from within.

Managed HR communications; orientations/on-boarding, benefits administration, compensation packages, internal opportunities, and career counseling.

Developed innovative human resources programs and policies including mentoring and reward and recognition, increasing internal promotion rates and morale.

CNA Insurance, Chicago, Illinois

Human Resources Generalist (May 2003 to October 2009) Provided consultation to business managers and employees regarding human resources operations; analyzed, interpreted and applied human resources policies and procedures, developed recruiting and staffing initiatives, and established employee training and development programs to drive employee retention and morale. Provided support regarding employee issues, investigating matters and implementing appropriate resolutions while ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.

Established training and development programs; analyzed HR metrics to identify gaps and provide supporting data and anecdotal information to develop strategic initiatives. Cheri Watson Page 3

Spearheaded a new HR service center that included change management, marketing, workflow, communications, staffing and systems of measurement.

Designed and prepared compensation reports; currently utilized throughout the HR organization.

Developed and implemented and Exit Interview process to measure quantitative turnover statistics; currently utilized throughout the HR organization.

Harold Washington College, City Colleges of Chicago Director of Student Retention – Part Time Position (March 2007 to March 2009) Directed student retention programs; conducted student retention interviews and focus groups, identifying trends and implementing program improvements. Managed and maintained a system database to gather and analyze data to generate analytical reports and monitor program success. Oversaw project management, ensuring scope of the project aligned with organization objectives.

Developed a strategic retention plan; designed and organizational model, developing job descriptions for needed roles.

Assisted in change management for the retention initiative;

Created and disbursed marketing materials and conducted college wide presentations to promote awareness of how proactive synergies can create success.

Additional Experiences with American Express Tax & Business Services, Chicago, IL Employee Relations Specialist (2000 to 2003)

Professional Development Group Training Coordinator (1995 to 2000) Billing Coordinator (1995)

Education & Credentials

Master of Arts in Applied Sciences, Focus in Organizational Development DePaul University

Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources/ Professional Development DePaul University

Certifications

• CCEP – Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional, 2013 – Current

• SHRM – SCP: Senior Professional Human Resource Certification, 2017 – Current

• PHR - Professional Human Resource Certification, 2008 – 2010

• Langevin Train-the-Trainer Certification, 2003 – 2005 Affiliations

• SHRM - Society for Human Resources Management

• SCCE - Society of Compliance and Ethics Professionals

• NAPW – National Association of Professional Women

• MASSFA – Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Professionals

• NASSFA – National Association of Student Financial Aid Professionals

• ACCRAO - American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

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