Senior Executive Assistant to C-Suite Leaders
Resume:
Karen Cologne
Oakton, VA ***24
703-***-**** *********@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Senior Executive Assistant with a proven record supporting high-level leaders in both government and private sectors. Skilled in complex calendar management, executive operations, and organizational coordination. Recognized for discretion, sound judgement, and a proactive approach that ensures leaders work efficiently and strategically.
EXPERIENCE
Executive Assistant 8/2025 - 3/2026
Office of Scheduling and Advance
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.
Managed the intake, vetting, and tracking of all external meeting requests and invitations received for the Secretary ensuring prompt review, and adherence to established protocols.
Maintained and monitored the Scheduling Office inbox, identified and flagged urgent and high priority requests for the Deputy Director of Scheduling, and provided support throughout the day.
Produced clear concise reports and Excel trackers summarizing meeting requests, recommendations, and outcomes to help leadership decision-making.
Utilized SharePoint to organize, route, and keep scheduling data and documentation.
Collaborated with the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs and other internal stakeholders to review requests and communicate scheduling decisions professionally and diplomatically.
Executive Assistant to the President and CEO 6/2023 - 8/2025
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
Partnered with the Chief of Staff to plan and manage a high-volume, fast-moving, complex executive calendar, balancing competing priorities and strategic goals.
Collaborated with senior leadership to ensure the President and CEO was fully prepared for all meetings, events, internal and external engagements.
Compiled and organized materials for the CEO’s daily briefing book and mail folder.
Coordinated more than twenty domestic and international trips annually, oversaw all commercial and private air travel, ground transportation, lodging, and detailed itineraries.
Scheduler 3/2021 - 6/2023
The Hon. Lloyd Smucker
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Primary point of contact for all requests for Member’s time and attention while in Washington, D.C., managing a high volume of internal and external stakeholders.
Planned and managed the Member’s daily calendar, monitored the House voting schedule, and communicated real-time changes. Partnered with senior staff to prioritize meetings and requests to align with legislative, constituent, and leadership priorities.
Welcomed visitors, screened calls, processed Member and office expenses, planned and organized annual staff retreat and constituent visit to Washington, D.C. to take part in the National Prayer Breakfast.
Executive Assistant to the President and CEO 1/2005 – 10/2020
Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Washington, D.C.
Managed the successful transition of the President and CEO from Congress to the private sector including the closure of the congressional office, and establishment of the new office.
Planned and managed a demanding, high-profile executive schedule, coordinated complex domestic and international travel, and compiled briefing materials.
Prepared and supported the CEO through BIO’s Annual International Convention, CEO, and Investor Conference and four Board of Director meetings.
Utilized a CRM to track CEO outreach to Board members to ensure regular touchpoints. Flagged news items mentioning Board, State Association leaders and member companies for CEO recognition.
Scheduler and Office Manager 1/2001 – 1/2005
The Hon. James C. Greenwood
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Served as administrative lead for a senior Member of Congress who chaired the House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
Ensured seamless communication between the Member, Committee, and legislative staff.
Created and managed the Member’s calendar with input from senior staff to ensure alignment with priorities.
Greeted visitors, screened calls, tracked constituent comments and concerns for daily review by the Member and routed comments to appropriate staff for action. Managed office budget, processed expense reports.
Scheduler and Office Manager 1/1993 – 1/2001
The Hon. Bob Franks
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Managed and coordinated the setup of the Washington, D.C. congressional office for a Freshman Member of Congress prior to swearing-in events for more than one hundred family members, friends, and supporters.
Partnered with the Chief of Staff to develop office policies, procedures, and operational workflows.
Managed the Member’s Washington D.C. schedule and oversaw daily office operations.
Planned and managed annual Steering Committee visit to Washington, D.C., and coordinated district-wide, quarterly mailings with the Press Secretary.
Office Manager and Scheduler 1/1991 – 1/1993 The Hon. John Boehner
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Coordinated setting up the Washington, D.C. congressional office for a Freshman Member of Congress.
Collaborated with the Chief of Staff to set office policies, manage the budget, and develop an intern program.
Created and managed the Member’s Washington D.C. schedule in partnership with senior staff to align with Member priorities. Coordinated all travel and meeting logistics.
EDUCATION
B.A., Political Science, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
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