CINDY CROMER
**** ** ******** ******* ( Stuart, FL 34996
E-mail: **********@*******.*** Home: 772-***-**** ( Cell: (772) 214-
2815
CEO / PRESIDENT / COO / VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Instrumental in generating $33 million in revenue and $10 million in
savings during career.
SENIOR OPERATIONS and BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE providing an
outstanding scientific and management career underscored by 20+ years of
experience in environmental and scientific/technical industries. Proven
success as the President of a company, and expertise in business
operations, Profit & Loss management, a financial and corporate turnaround,
new business development, and C-level relationships. Traveled to The
Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Puerto Rico to conduct business.
Strong background in multi-site and multi-divisional leadership, business
reorganization, client services, client retention strategies, contract
negotiations and management, strategic business planning, employee hiring
and management, employee development, and human resources issues. Extensive
knowledge of DEP, DOH, EPA, and OSHA regulations. Offer an extensive
background in storm water, wastewater, aquifer storage recovery wells, and
drinking water plant management, improvements, and expansions. Proven
experience in:
Operations: Financial management... Budget management... Department
management... Organizational turnarounds... Business reengineering...
Revenue and cost saving strategies... Strategic business planning...
Project management... RFP and RFQ responses... Policies and procedures
development... Process improvement strategies... Efficiency
improvements... Community and media relationships... Public relations...
Community relationships... Board of Director relationships... Committee
leadership... Corporate sell... Vendor negotiations... Workforce
safety... Employee hiring and management... Environment compliance
New Business Development: Strategic partnerships and alliances...
Market research... Product pricing strategies... PR firm collaboration...
Direct marketing and event marketing... Traditional marketing... Internet
marketing... Strategic marketing and positioning... Go-to-market
strategies... Client loyalty programs... Sales force collaboration...
Client retention and reactivation programs... Market trends and
competitive analysis... Sales leads generation... Client contract
negotiations... Client account turnaround strategies
EXECUTIVE CAREER HISTORY
Devine Destinies Publishing- Traditionally Published author of
mystery/suspense fiction novels, debut novel, Desperate Measures, won Smart
Writ Book Award 2010 to present
HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION - Ft. Pierce, FL 1997 to 2008
A private, non-profit oceanographic institution employing over 200
Scientists, Engineers, Mariners, and Support Staff.
PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBER, (2001 to 2008)
Staff: 5 Direct Reports - VP, Senior Project Manager, Group Leaders, and
Senior Chemist; 30 Indirect Reports
Inherited numerous problems, and created turnaround strategies to save
the organization from closure. Took swift actions to slash expenses and
increase revenue as expenses doubled annual revenue, downsize employees,
safeguard lab certifications that were in jeopardy, and provide vision
and leadership for this scientific and technical organization.
Promoted by the Board of Directors to lead all aspects of an
environmental laboratory and 7 divisions, and position organization as
one of the best in Florida. Key functions entailed operations, general
business management, Profit & Loss management, financial and accounting
leadership, financial and regulatory compliance, multi-lab and multi-
department management, revenue generation, and cost saving strategies.
Accountable for project and contract negotiations and management, new
business development, client relationships and retention, sales and
marketing oversight, technical leadership, and staff
hiring/management/training. Managed cross-disciplined professionals
including employees with a Ph.D., and supervised Volunteers. Key
Accomplishments:
. Turned around operations and financial position of 4 laboratories, and
took actions to arrest a $3 million annual loss, and began generating
profit.
. Developed a drinking water and wastewater Sales and Business
Development Department from the ground floor. Efforts produced $3
Million in annual sales.
. Renegotiated terms of a contract with Florida Water Services
Laboratory for $1 million, extended payback terms, and extended the
contract to 10 years instead of 5 years. Also, negotiated for
reimbursements of courier and transportation costs associated with
laboratory samples (worth nearly $350,000 per year).
. Restructured a business development compensation plan that encouraged
staff to pursue new business opportunities and sustain current revenue
levels.
. Increased pricing levels across the organization that led to $500,000
in additional annual revenue.
. Analyzed business and aligned staff with the right jobs, improved
employee moral by creating a team-spirited and "can do" culture,
initiated a cross-training program, and streamlined operating
procedures.
. Launched a certified educational program for DW/WW Operators which
allowed them to earn CEUs. Program generated $20,000 per class.
. Involved in an emergency response situation when hurricanes hit
Florida during 2004. Managed city and county water sample activities
that enabled clients to offer safe drinking water to citizens as soon
as possible.
. Directed several projects in concert with Ph.D. Scientists who
submitted proposals regarding marine science, DNA testing, coral
studies for an Aquaculture Division, and Engineering Division
projects. Managed RFPs, proposals, and projects. These projects were
published in local newspapers and televised.
. Developed business by collaborating with several municipalities and
county agencies and their Purchasing Departments. Enabled them to
avoid bidding on projects through a collaborative effort which saved
their department time and money.
. Generated an additional $60,000 per year in courier services when a
client (private drinking water and waste water service) returned to
the company after working with a less-expensive competitor for 6
weeks. Renegotiated pricing structure which was approved by the
client.
. Collaborated with other divisions on complementary projects to
generate revenue; two specific projects delivered $100,000 in revenue.
. Identified a buyer, and negotiated the sale of organization to another
commercial laboratory outside of the university. Established
professional liability insurance, Workers Compensation, and outsourced
HR, payroll activities.
LABORATORY DIRECTOR (1999 to 2001)
ANALYTICAL MANAGER, Harbor Branch Environmental Laboratory (1997 to 1999)
. Promoted to lead all laboratory group activities, ensure regulatory
compliance, and manage staff.
. Established an internal safety program to ensure company avoided DEP
or OSHA fines.
. Executed strategies to decease TAT from 6 weeks to 2 weeks, and
created an Internal Safety Committee.
QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER (1997)
. Promoted to Analytical Manager in 30 days. Created a new strategy to
ensure staff followed compliance procedures regarding sample analysis.
GROUNDWATER TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORIES - Tampa, FL 1991 to 1997
ORGANIC LABORATORY MANAGER
Staff: 15 Direct Reports - Group Leaders, Chemists, and Technicians
. Accompanied a Sales Rep to client visits and provided technical
information to help win new business.
. Piloted an internal training program that was attended by many newly
hired employees and existing employees. Program was vital in meeting
certification requirements with DOH, DEP, and OSHA.
. Wrote new standard operating procedures for all lab systems and
procedures.
. Leveraged expertise to conduct sample tests when necessary; helped an
Organics Manager at a Wichita, Kansas Lab resolve Compquap problems.
Research Chemist / IMC Inorganic Chemist IFAS /UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA -
Tampa, FL 1987 to 1991
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Clinical Chemistry ( University of South Florida,
Tampa, FL