Brenda Olson, Mpa Email & Phone Number

Washington Dc

Responsible for reconciling the incoming grants to the LCV family of organizations, including LCV Education Fund and LCV subject to funder and legal restrictions. Monthly account reconciliations. Participate in Salesforce enhancement to sync with Sage Intaact. Work closely with the Development and the Legal & Strategic Initiatives departments, as well as with Programs staff, to ensure timely and accurate reporting and reconciliations.

Minnesota / Tennessee

Deliver strategic consulting services to diverse entities, including small startups, a national advisory firm and an IGO. Provide assistance spanning strategic business and marketing planning, business development, project facilitation, budgeting, operations, research, data mining, proposals, relocations, and client communication. Recruited by a national, Native-owned advisory firm (Blue Stone Strategy Group) to support infrastructure projects and funding applications. Provided strategic business planning, branding, and budgeting to assist an online clothing retailer to growth the organization, as well as facilitated the planned transition from overseas to U.S. based personnel.

Red Lake, Minnesota, United States

Director of Finance, Government Office, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians2020-2022Chief Financial Officer, Red Lake Inc.2019-2020Recruited to direct multiple cross-functional areas, i.e. Accounting, AR/AP, payroll, procurement, audits, insurance, IT, etc., overseeing eight departments and 35 personnel. Tapped by the CEO as CFO of Red Lake Inc., a for profit, reservation-based company launched to develop and grow profitable businesses. Administered finances, budgets ($365M at peak), forecasting, and advisement/corrective action planning for senior leadership and the Tribal Council.Led the vision, planning, and execution for all operational, administration, financial practices, and process improvements to optimize resources, reduce costs, and drive operational goals. Navigated a homogenous environment (16K tribal members), building consensus among staff (900) as a non-member in a key leadership role (a rarity). Created a collaborative environment; streamlined financial functions; reduced overhead; and improved accountability by identifying best practices and creating RFPs supporting the Government Office and Red Lake Inc.Administered a sizable three-year budget (from $85M to $365M). Led the 15-member Accounting department in a turnaround, resolving program funding issues. Formed organization-wide partnerships spanning 54 programs. Oversaw the relocation of $75M in funds to a new investment advisor. Analyzed and created a plan for benchmarks, deliverables, and improvements. Project managed the migration of financial software (MS Dynamics to Sage). Improved organizational bench strength via new hire training and development. Resolved service issues via new processes/cross-training for AP/Payroll staff, decreasing response times 75% and improving customer satisfaction.

Punta Gorda, Toledo, Belize

Joined a non-profit conservation organization to execute a for-profit business and marketing plan promoting eco-tourism. Oversaw strategic growth initiatives and budgets; supervised international students; and partnered with local businesses/groups. Recruited/coached personnel, guides, and volunteers; trained 30 staff. Surpassed targets, increasing profits 220% and boosting market share while reducing costs via strategic business planning, staff development, new market expansion, local/tour alignment, and community engagement. Initiated/developed a new revenue generator by launching a self-guided jungle tour, providing an alternative to the full-price guided tour.

Reno, Nv

Business Manager2015-2016Executive Assistant2010-2015Brought on board as an EA for the VP of Finance and Administration, Western Nevada College (2010-2012), advancing in 2012 as EA for the Vice Chancellor of Finance, Nevada System of Higher Education. Promoted in 2015 to manage business, financial, and procurement functions, overseeing a $10M budget and three direct reports. Implemented improvements across 35 departments and led projects from $100K to $500K. Transitioned a single company budget to 30 separate department (and program) budgets, reducing annual costs by $100K. Reduced AP processing time (seven to four days), and introduced automation to Procurement. Trained/coached staff and fostered diversity.

Master Of Public Administration - Mpa, Public Administration

Bachelor'S Degree, Business Administration (Emphasis Project Management)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (In Progress)