Karen B. Cusson
*** **** ******, ******* ** *****
Cell: 831-***-**** • *******@*****.***
A Skilled & Proven Administrator/Executive Director
PROFILE
Over thirty-five years of executive-level and executive support-level experience in non-profit organizations. A diligent learner, devoted to the vitality of the organization with an emphasis on creativity, excellence and discretion. Proficient at helping leaders stay focused on organizational visions/goals. A talented communicator, orally, visually and in writing. Thrives in a complex and collaborative environment with multiple projects, along with responsible stewardship and resources to accomplish the mission and cultivate a vibrant support community both within and outside the organization.
Commitment to careful attention to detail, solid professionalism, and tenacious follow-up.
Skilled in budget development and management.
Strong people-skills and an effective teacher; Experience with Substance Abuse/Personal Development programs.
Eight years experience working with QuickBooks; five additional years working with Church Management programs utilizing financial components very similar in structure/design to QuickBooks.
Working knowledge of employment laws, health and safety requirements and licensing/reporting requirements (both federal and state) for non-profit organizations in California.
KEY ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS
MS Word (Advanced) MS Excel (Advanced) MS Publisher (Advanced) MS Outlook (Advanced) Quickbooks (6 years)
Calendar Management Payroll Management Accounts Payable/Receivable
Pledge Management/Recording Various Database Software
Creative Writing Desktop Publishing Personnel Training
Computer Support/Maintenance Ministry Development
EXPERIENCE
Crescent Wharf & Warehousing, Inc. - San Pedro, CA 3 Years
Service Clerk
The Salvation Army - Western Territory, USA 21 Years
Youth/Children’s Program Specialist - Inglewood, CA (3 years)
Assisting Corps Officer - Pasadena CA (6 months)
Commanding Officer/Pastor - Ontario CA (6 month
Commanding Officer/Pastor - Santa Maria CA (3.5 years)
Commanding Officer/Pastor/Administrator (Hale Malama Care Home) - Honokaa HI (3 years)
Youth/Program Officer/Associate Pastor – Las Vegas NV (6.5 years)
Youth/Program Officer/Associate Pastor – Long Beach CA (3 years)
Casady & Greene Software, Inc., Salinas, CA 3 Years
Technical Support Consultant
First Baptist Church, Salinas, CA 9 Years
Director of Media Ministries Executive Director (The L.I.F.E. Center) Artistic Director (Saltshaker Theater)
All Saints Episcopal Church, - Carmel CA 3 Years
Media Development/Technologies Consultant (6 months)
Full-Service Bookkeeper/Interim Church Administrator (2+ years)
First United Methodist Church – Pacific Grove, CA 1 year
Director of Performing Arts
Alisal Tax Services, Inc., - East Salinas, CA 2 Years
Director of Bookkeeping Services
Saltshaker Theater, Inc., - Salinas, CA 5 Years
Artistic/Managing Director
Victory Mission, Inc., - Salinas, CA 2013-2022
Full-Service Bookkeeper (3 years)
Pastor/Executive Director (6 years)
EDUCATION
Music Performance/Accounting
El Camino College, Torrance CA (1968-1971
Studied /Social Service/Religious Studies
Azusa Pacific College (now Azusa Pacific University), Azusa CA (1978-1980)
Studied Social Service/Religious Studies/Ministry Development/Accounting
The Salvation Army College for Officers’ Training, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (1978-1980
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Theater Companies - Monterey County 2003 to Present
Actor/Singer/Director (Over 60 Staged Musicals/Dramas)
Monterey County Theatre Alliance, Monterey CA 2007 to 2013
President, Board of Directors (4 years)
S.T.A.R. Foundation of Monterey County, Salinas CA ……. 2009 to 2010
Member/Treasurer, Board of Directors (Founding Member)
Salinas High Music Parents’ Association, Salinas CA 1998 to 2003
Vice-President, Board of Directors (4 years)
Kiwanis International, Santa Maria CA 1980 to 1982
Club Secretary (1981-1982)
Rotary International, Honokaa HI 1984 to 1985
Member, Board of Directors
International Carnivorous Plant Society 1997 to 1999
International Secretary
Rainbow Speakers 2019 to present
Presenting Speaker
Salinas Downtown Community Board 2017 to Present
Member, Board of Directors Board Secretary (2 years) Board President (1 year)
Chinatown Business Committee 2017 to Present
Committee Member
Chinatown Homeless Action Team 2017 to Present
Committee Member
CoC Leadership Council 2020 to present
Member (Governing Body, Monterey/San Bonito Counties Continuum of Care)
•REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST •