A. Tolbert Consulting specializes in leading non-profit organizations and small businesses in systems implementation of financial and human resource operations, project management, grant management, training, and onboarding. Digital Business Systems Implementation | Project Management Excellence | Strategic Planning and Execution | Organizational Development Leadership | HR Optimization | Onboarding Expertise | Change Management Facilitation | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Startup & Non-Profit Support| Continuous Improvement Advocate

Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the leadership, operations, and finance team. Setting clear goals and objectives, and empowering team members to achieve excellence in their respective roles.Collaborated with cross-functional teams to evaluate existing systems and processes, identify inefficiencies and pain points, and recommend and implement innovative solutions to streamline workflows and drive organizational effectiveness.Developed comprehensive budgets aligned with organizational goals and program objectives, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource allocation efficiency.Prepared for and facilitated external audits, coordinating with auditors, providing necessary documentation, and addressing any audit findings or recommendations.Experienced in managing all aspects of the grant lifecycle, from application through reporting, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and organizational policies.Certified in the effective implementation and utilization of Monday.com demonstrating expertise in leveraging its features and functionalities to streamline workflow processes and enhance team collaboration.Successfully led vendor selection processes by evaluating potential vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing relationships to ensure the procurement of cost-effective and high-quality solutionsLead human resources functions of the organization with integrity and establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive work environment.

As the Chief Operating Officer at PAVIA, I lead the operational strategy and execution for a pioneering, black-led architecture and development firm dedicated to placing additional value in every aspect of our projects. PAVIA stands at the intersection of creativity, community empowerment, and development, redefining architectural excellence while fostering inclusive growth.Strategic Leadership: Spearheaded the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to drive business growth, enhance operational efficiency, and expand market reach. Collaborate closely with the Founder and executive team to align operational objectives with the company's vision and values.Operational Excellence: Oversee all aspects of daily operations, including project management, resource allocation, budgeting, and risk management. Streamline processes and workflows to optimize productivity, quality, and client satisfaction.Client Engagement: Cultivate strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders to understand their needs, deliver tailored solutions, and exceed expectations. Act as a trusted advisor, leveraging industry expertise and market insights to drive value for our clients and communities.Financial Management: Develop and monitor financial strategies, forecasts, and budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Identify opportunities for revenue growth, cost optimization, and investment in strategic priorities.Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): Champion DEI initiatives within the organization and across the architecture and development industry. Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster innovation, creativity, and social impact.

Spearheaded day-to-day operations of Madison Strategies Group (MSG) and its six workforce development programs, driving efficiency, productivity, and program success through strategic oversight and leadership.Successfully introduced digital tools organization-wide, enhancing accessibility to critical information and streamlining communication channels, resulting in improved collaboration and operational effectiveness across all departments.Collaborated with a third party to develop MSG's digital employee handbook, ensuring clarity, consistency, and compliance with organizational policies and procedures, fostering a transparent and cohesive work environment.Implemented enhancements to asset management, budget reconciliation, and invoice processes, optimizing efficiency and accuracy to maximize resource utilization and financial transparency within the organization.Pioneered the creation and expansion of MSG's onboarding site and employee intranet, providing centralized resources and fostering a sense of community and engagement among employees.Established MSG's first Learning Management System (LMS) in collaboration with content creators, facilitating new employee onboarding and continuing education initiatives, enhancing professional development opportunities and knowledge-sharing within the organization.Assisted directors in analyzing departmental performance, identifying key metrics and KPIs, and developing strategic initiatives to align with organizational goals and objectives, driving continuous improvement and goal attainment.Led organizational change management and restructuring efforts, guiding stakeholders through transitions, fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience, and ensuring smooth implementation of strategic initiatives to support MSG's growth and evolution.

Responsible for the overall leadership and management of multi-campus operations and campus center personnel. In addition, I provide leadership in all aspects of campus operations to further Park’s position as a leader in the delivery of higher education in the area.This includes business development, public relations and marketing, data analytics, enrollment management, communications, and financial planning/reporting, fiscal budget planning, and analysis. I also work with academic leadership and faculty to create an environment that allows for efficient and effective delivery of courses and academic programs.

Increased student enrollment YoY for the Kansas City Area Campus Centers by creating efficiencies in the staff processes which lead to higher new student start and continuing student retention rates. Created the Park University Course and Financial Planning tool to be utilized by all of the student enrollment. As a result, the enrollment services staff was able to better communicate the expectation to our incoming and current students. Utilized excellent networking and relationship-building characteristics to finalize business-to-business partnerships.Created the Virtual New Hire Training programs for 8-week Admissions, Success, Campus Center Coaches, and Campus Center Directors which allowed department directors to onboard without total interruption of their day-to-day workflow.Started the KC Scholars committee of cross-departmental advisors for KC Scholars students to create a stellar team of Park employees who were dedicated to their success.

Updated processes for enrollment management, campus operations, and administrative operations for the Downtown KC campus which resulted in lower overhead costs for the university.Implemented a new scheduling process for the Kansas City Area Campus Centers which increased the number of students physically attending evening courses. Increased the enrollments for the Downtown Campus year-over-year by the implementation of new and continuing student services process for the Kansas City Area campus center staff. Lead training in topics such as enrollment, student finance, and marketing processes for university-wide student enrollment services.

Successfully implemented the New Financial Aid processes for the Admissions Department Redesigned the new student financial aid team by restaffing and retraining a 9 person team. This teams success was earned by utilizing each person's individual strengths. Worked closely with a large admissions department to make the enrollment process smooth for new students. Ensured that student services, financial aid packaging, and processing operations conform to current Federal regulations and the best practices within the financial aid fieldAssisted the Sr. Manager of Financial Aid Student Services and other University personnel to develop and maintain FA policies and proceduresEnsured that all federal & state guidelines for student enrollment and financial aid eligibility are met Monitor & maintain electronic data entry, retrieval & reconciliations

Developed and implemented an individualized financial and academic plan that promotes student success. Advised new and continuing students on federal financial aid as well as academic advising. Ensured Student Finance advising and issue management complies with applicable federal and state laws.Demonstrated and communicated current, detailed and accurate knowledge of University policies, Title IV and state regulations to prospective and current students. Assisted applicants/students to make an informed tuition investment decision by providing accurate, helpful Student Finance advice.Continuously evaluated the academic and financial plans throughout the student life cycle and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure successful student outcomes.Analyzed reports and student feedback to identify academic or financial concerns affecting student progression, and is able to create an action plan to address these concerns. Coordinated and participated in registration activities by enhancing the new and continuing student experience during advising sessions and new student orientation.

Created the New Student Services department while conducting the implementation of new enrollment processes and managing the existing student success department.Successfully lead staff members through a transition period within the department through collaboration, personal development, and professional development. Under my leadership, the June 2012 incoming cohort achieved a 94% retention rate and the November 2012 cohort received a 96% retention rate.

Successfully lead a team of admissions coordinators and ensuring they were placing the correct students in the correct programs.Interviewed prospective students to ensure they are the right fit for the programs the institution had to offer.Responsible for staffing, professional development and performance reviews for my team.

Interviewed prospective students to insure they are the right fit for the programs the institution had to offer.Guided students through the enrollment process while mentoring new hires.Received promotion to admissions manager after six months.

Gained knowledge and experience in inside/outside sales, office management, and customer service. Planning and execution of outside sales meetings, inside counter sales, generating reports, logging the daily expenses and managing fleet operations.

Customer Service, fleet management, and operations management.