Ms. Charlene Zak-Knepper is the Vice President of Corporate Operations for JWTC, she brings over 25 years of professional experience in corporate operations management, accounting, project management, marketing, technology, and compliance. Ms. Zak-Knepper’s Construction and Corporate Operations experience enables her to meet the needs of Leadership and provide effective project management solutions for JWTC’s operations and back-office teams to carry out their functions effectively. Problem solving and analytical abilities enable Ms. Zak-Knepper to provide solutions for various aspects of Program Management, Production, and coordinating efforts with satellite locations for CDBG & FEMA funded programs.Key Areas of Focus:Program and Project ManagementDatabase AdministrationContract AdministrationProposals and MarketingContract ComplianceFinancial ManagementInsurance / BondingResource ManagementStrategy and Problem-Solving

Refined office and HR policies and practices, which helped create a cultural transformation through effective change management. Implemented key actions to help reduce turnover, increase employee satisfaction, and boost retention. Facilitated data preparation process for FICA Tip Credit project, which saved the company over $1,000,000. • Managed daily operations, administration, office management, human resources management, employee relations, and facilities management for the corporate office a hospitality organization• Human resources management, full cycle recruiting, payroll, employee performance improvement, disciplinary actions, terminations, conflict resolution, record retention, and conducted investigations• Benefits Administration, including plan research and selection• Implemented onboarding program and conducted onboarding for new hires• Restructured corporate office and accounting team to better facilitate the company’s growth, implemented protocols to improve and streamline work processes; managed employee workflow• Developed and maintained various office policies and procedures to ensure compliance • Co-managed accounting team, assisted with full cycle AP, inventory, COGS, credit card disputes, and daily revenue transactions for more than 80 entities nation-wide• Reviewed financial statements, financial reporting, and closing process• Assisted with updating SOX protocols and processes; worked with team to ensure SOX compliance• Liaised with property management, security, office equipment, and other vendors • Negotiated vendor contracts, procurement of office equipment and supplies, maintained inventory• Reconfigured workspace to facilitate growth and addition of new employees• Liaised with IT and operations team to improve efficiency and profitability

Managed various aspects of the acquisition of another law firm, while facilitating a 50% increase in employee count. Successfully merged 401(k) plans and other benefits programs. Refined HR policies and procedures to allow for seamless cultural and professional transition. Created and implemented paperless systems and protocols with management team. Developed staff programs to increase cohesiveness and teamwork, while reducing turnover by 50%. Created and implemented innovative changes, which enabled the firm to be awarded one of “Houston’s Best Places to Work” for 2012 and 2013 and one of “Houston’s Best & Brightest” for 2013. • Handled all HR issues, employee performance management and improvement, appraisals, compensation management, disciplinary actions, terminations, conflict resolution, and record retention• Analyzed, selected, and maintained insurance and benefits policies, administered all benefits policies and 401(k) plan to employees, managed payroll transactions, HRIS Systems, and daily HR activities • Full cycle recruiting of attorneys and staff • Created and implemented onboarding and training for new hires and technology applications• Developed and maintained employee manual and various company policies and procedures • Ensured adept financial management and increased profitability through extensive work with accounting team, budgeting, forecasting, full cycle AP and AR• Managed daily operations, negotiated vendor contracts, procurement of equipment and supplies, telecommunications, and mobile phone accounts • Liaised with property management for five office locations• Managed projects and change initiatives; streamlined processes• Supervised daily operations and workflow of legal and support staff• Worked with IT regarding employee technological issues and system enhancements

Created and implemented protocol and organized work flow for new regional office in Houston, TX. Effectively managed all aspects of regional office and project coordination. Established and maintained relationships with clients and subcontractors to ensure client satisfaction.• Managed office, facilities, office services, HR, and operations management• Handled project coordination, contract administration with subcontractors, and accounting functions• Negotiated vendor contracts, maintained office equipment, liaised with property management• Assisted owner, project managers, estimators, and marketing director with various marketing initiatives• Prepared presentations, managed project files and record retention

Operated effectively in multiple roles, handling all aspects of the business from bidding to project close-out. Created and implemented policies and procedures to streamline and improve efficiency. Saved company over two hundred thousand dollars through effective attention to detail in vendor billing audits.• Managed office, human resources functions, daily office operations, office services, and accounting • Full cycle AR, AP, deposits, collections, bank reconciliation, and intercompany accounting• Prepared and maintained project budgets, audited projects, prepared project AIA billings • Handled various aspects of corporate risk management, insurance, and bonding • Assisted with bid coordination, project coordination, and contract negotiation/procurement• Handled all aspects of HR, recruiting, training, and benefits administration• Implemented marketing initiatives, assisted with recreating company brochure and website• Prepared certified payroll for all public projects, audited subcontractor certified payroll