Manager, projects and people

PHONE 847-***-**** • E-MAIL *********@*****.***

KAREN A. RUESCH

S UMMARY

I am a smart and dependable manager of people, processes, and projects most recently in publishing

manufacturing and operations. Communication, organization, team-building, problem solving, superior

customer service and interpersonal skills are my strengths. I am resourceful, creative, and proficient with

estimating and budgeting. I am responsible and take initiative; I meet deadlines and goals, and attend to

details. My skill sets are applicable to many industries and positions. I want to work for a successful

company that cares about employees as much as customers; the company should be dynamic, growth-

oriented, and allergic to complacency.

Software:

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint, plus some Access

Proficient in Adobe InDesign, Acrobat, moderate in Photoshop, and some Illustrator

Proficient in QuadGraphics Publisher’s Studio, and AdShuttle

Proficient in DataPlan (a WoodWing Technology Partner) JournalProducer and JournalDesigner

Basic experience with Intuit QuickBooks

Some experience with WiredContact cloud-based CRM, and Thomson Reuters FileCabinet and

UltraTax; fast learner on systems and software

P ROFESSIONAL EXPERIE NCE

2012 - Present Independent Contractor La Grange Park, Ill.

Bookkeeping, general ledger (Sales Vision, Carlsbad, CA)

Print publishing production (PACKEXPO Show Daily, Chicago and Las Vegas/O&B

Communications, Paoli, PA; CSP Media, Oakbrook, IL)

General office support (Consecra Housing Network, Downers Grove, IL;

Zoller, Swanson & Co. Certified Public Accountants, Oak Park, IL)

Design, proofreading and editing (American Hospital Association, Chicago, IL; private citizen

resume consulting)

2011 - Present Dame of Frames La Grange Park, Ill.

Sole Proprietor

Custom framing of fine art and photography

General framing repair

2010 - Present Karen A. Ruesch Fine Art La Grange Park, Ill.

Sole Proprietor

Pastel painter and photographer

Commissioned paintings of animals and people; insurance photography; special projects

1995 - 2010 Reed Business Information Oakbrook, Ill.

Group Production Director, 2004–2010

Responsible for all print publications comprising the Chicago Division

17 monthly and one weekly plus peripherals and estimating special projects

Supervised a department of 15 people providing print production, e-production,

graphic production, and directory services

Negotiated pricing with printers to eliminate cost increases and procure best pricing

Karen A. Ruesch page 2

Worked with upper management and other site directors on manufacturing operations

continuous improvement initiatives with new technologies, software, and processes

Project Manager for the migration of directories to a new database platform

Met with clients at the printer for press checks

Conducted interviews for open positions, annual review of incumbents, and training and

mentoring for all staff

Project Lead for migration of specific production functions to outsource vendors

Attained 10% reduction in force via outsourcing and streamlining processes

Production Director, 2000–2004

Responsible for approximately 14 print titles in the Chicago Division

Supervised a department of 15 production and order entry personnel

Migrated all titles from film to computer-to-plate print PDF workflow

Budget forecasting, cost variance reconciliation, scheduling, and estimating

Primary contact for RBI-US' flat-planning (book mapping) software, supporting production

staff at seven US sites for all trouble-shooting and maintenance

Associate Production Director, 1999–2000

Primary contact for group financial reports

Supervised workflow for multiple publications

Created the original digital ad specifications document and file-naming

convention that was rolled out company-wide

Primary backup and go-to for department employees

Maintained production schedules for all group titles

Migration of RBI-US’ very first publication (Quick Print Products) from film to computer-to-plate

workflow and established new production process within the department

Production Manager, 1995–1999

Single point of contact for print vendor, publisher, editors and sales

Responsible for daily production tasks for two monthly publications

E DUCATION

American Picture Framing Academy Schaumburg, IL

Professional Picture Framing Cour ses I and II

La Grange Art League La Grange, IL

Painting with Pastels

Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL

Completed classes for Quark XPress and Adobe Photo shop

University of Illinois Urbana, IL

B.S. Communications, Broadcast Journalism

Two years Art History and Graphic Design

RESOURCEFUL, EFFICIENT, RELIABLE, DYNAMIC, DEPENDABLE, DETAIL -ORIENTED, SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE, MANAGEMENT

SKILLS, WEB, AD SERVING, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, TEAM-BUILDING, MANAGER, PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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