Colleen Bies Email & Phone Number

Neenah, Wi, Us

Greenville, Wisconsin, United States

Spearheading a comprehensive ROI analysis initiative, introducing data-driven and evidence-based approaches to ensure financial accuracy and accountability across departments.Leading the development of financial models and forecasts that support strategic decision-making.Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure that financial strategies and IT investments are optimized for maximum return, while also identifying cost-saving opportunities.Driving process improvements in financial… Show more Spearheading a comprehensive ROI analysis initiative, introducing data-driven and evidence-based approaches to ensure financial accuracy and accountability across departments.Leading the development of financial models and forecasts that support strategic decision-making.Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure that financial strategies and IT investments are optimized for maximum return, while also identifying cost-saving opportunities.Driving process improvements in financial reporting and analysis to provide leadership with deeper insights into performance and project success. Show less

Greenville, Wisconsin, United States

In this role, I led a team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with diverse expertise across educational disciplines, fostering cross-functional initiatives that helped strengthen School Specialty’s position as a leader in the K-12 education market. While overseeing the team, I expanded the role by incorporating strategic leadership, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making to elevate our impact across the organization.Strategic Leadership: Developed and implemented a… Show more In this role, I led a team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with diverse expertise across educational disciplines, fostering cross-functional initiatives that helped strengthen School Specialty’s position as a leader in the K-12 education market. While overseeing the team, I expanded the role by incorporating strategic leadership, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making to elevate our impact across the organization.Strategic Leadership: Developed and implemented a comprehensive "strategy matrix" that mapped the company’s KPIs with the outputs of the team. This matrix highlighted the intersections between merchandising, training, marketing, and sales, aligning efforts across departments. This also optimized resource management by making it easier to prioritize time and personnel effectively to each area of the organization.Data-Driven Decision Making:Leverage (financial, company specific and market) data in strategic planing and decision making to evaluate potential risks, identify company shortfalls, and prioritize team and company efforts that align with the future of the industry. Professional Development:Developed a "Mini-MBA" program to expand the team's understanding of core business functions - operations, sales, marketing, finance - empowering them to think strategically and enforced those concepts by inviting guest speakers from key departments to share insights on how the teams work impacts the broader organization. This form of professional development boosted team confidence, fostered cross-functional collaboration and helped strengthen their role as a strategic company-wide resource. Show less

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States

As a board member of The Paine Art Center and Gardens, an accredited non-profit museum, I support the institution's mission to preserve and enhance its historic estate, art collections, and gardens. In this role, I collaborate with fellow trustees and the professional staff to ensure the continued success of the museum's educational programs, exhibitions, and community outreach initiatives. My contributions include guiding strategic decisions related to financial sustainability, donor… Show more As a board member of The Paine Art Center and Gardens, an accredited non-profit museum, I support the institution's mission to preserve and enhance its historic estate, art collections, and gardens. In this role, I collaborate with fellow trustees and the professional staff to ensure the continued success of the museum's educational programs, exhibitions, and community outreach initiatives. My contributions include guiding strategic decisions related to financial sustainability, donor engagement, and expanding the museum’s impact through arts-integrated educational programs, like the ArtsCore partnership, which supports educators and students. Through this role, I help promote a cultural and educational resource that serves visitors of all ages. I also serve on the events committee and exhibitions committee. Show less

Appleton, Wisconsin, United States

WWBIC is an Economic Development Corporation and CDFI focused on helping....in particular; women, people of color, veterans and low-income individuals in starting, strengthening or expanding their small business. As Regional Director, I provide a duel leadership position serving as the Director of a Women’s Business Center in education, training and financial awareness programs and am also responsible for one of WWBIC’s regional offices in regards to lending operations as a CDFI and… Show more WWBIC is an Economic Development Corporation and CDFI focused on helping....in particular; women, people of color, veterans and low-income individuals in starting, strengthening or expanding their small business. As Regional Director, I provide a duel leadership position serving as the Director of a Women’s Business Center in education, training and financial awareness programs and am also responsible for one of WWBIC’s regional offices in regards to lending operations as a CDFI and advocate for various statewide programs such as KIVA, Wisconsin Saves, VBOC and statewide grants and programs.• Provide oversight of financial operations, including creating and managing annual budgets, monitoring financial performance, and providing reports to the SBA and other funders.• Work with SBA through the Office of Women’s Business Ownership to submit proposals along with performing tasks and reporting of federal dollars.• Direct and implement business education, financial awareness and outreach initiatives to ensure efficient outcomes of the regional office.• Oversee volunteer program, processes and statewide initiatives.• Manage the loan pipeline and drive advocacy and fund awareness to support lending operations, providing technical assistance to clients.• Expand local and regional partnerships, collaborations and contract opportunities to achieve goals.• Facilitate, oversee and distribute CDBG dollars for respective communities while working with local Housing Authorities, Economic Development organizations and other non-profits. Show less

Neenah, Wi

Producer | Creator | Business Educator | Finance ConsultantWith over 14 years of experience in professional photography and production, I have built a business that spans a wide range of services, from portrait and wedding photography to commercial projects, including managing full-scale photo and video productions. My work often involves bringing creative visions to life, ensuring high-quality results for my clients.In addition to my photography and production work, I consult… Show more Producer | Creator | Business Educator | Finance ConsultantWith over 14 years of experience in professional photography and production, I have built a business that spans a wide range of services, from portrait and wedding photography to commercial projects, including managing full-scale photo and video productions. My work often involves bringing creative visions to life, ensuring high-quality results for my clients.In addition to my photography and production work, I consult with and mentor other small business owners. My consulting services focus on helping entrepreneurs better understand their business operations and finances. I guide them through the critical aspects of financial management, helping them grasp their numbers and make informed decisions to drive sustainable growth. I enjoy empowering other business owners with understanding and using the tools they need for success.Some key highlights of my entrepreneurship career include:Leading photography projects for nonprofit organizations, including the Color-Brave Photo Exhibit, a large-scale, grant-funded project that traveled across Wisconsin and was showcased at a prestigious art gallery. This work also resulted in the publication of a 400-copy book.Holding workshops on business and photography, sharing industry knowledge and practical insights to help others develop their skills and build their own successful ventures.Keynote speaking engagements to empower young minds and creative entreprenuers.Collaborating with clients on diverse projects, from personal portrait sessions to commercial productions.Through a combination of professional photography and production work and my passion for mentoring, I help individuals and businesses thrive in their creative and entrepreneurial endeavors. Show less

Appleton, Wi

As the owner of Fika Tea Bar, I gained valuable experience in launching and managing this business, including hiring and leading a strong team of eager and dedicated employees. Fika became known in the community for its unique offerings and our strong focus on creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

Appleton, Wi

As a leader with the Rising Tide Society, I guided local small business owners in fostering #CommunityOverCompetition through collaboration, education, and personal development. I had the privilege of speaking to fellow leaders on the topic of "Dealing with Conflict in Leadership," helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges in their businesses.One of the highlights of my time with Rising Tide was helping raise over $50,000 to build a school in Laos through the non-profit Pencils of… Show more As a leader with the Rising Tide Society, I guided local small business owners in fostering #CommunityOverCompetition through collaboration, education, and personal development. I had the privilege of speaking to fellow leaders on the topic of "Dealing with Conflict in Leadership," helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges in their businesses.One of the highlights of my time with Rising Tide was helping raise over $50,000 to build a school in Laos through the non-profit Pencils of Promise. As a representative of the organization, I was honored to visit the school in Laos, my family’s homeland, and witness firsthand the impact of our collective efforts. Show less

Appleton, Wi

During my 7 years with the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI), I held various leadership roles, including Chairperson of the Board, Chapter President, and Vice President of Individual Development. In these roles, I led initiatives that enhanced community engagement and fostered individual growth for members.Key Contributions:City of Appleton Fireworks (2013-2015 Chairperson; 2016-2017 Committee Member): Managed the planning and execution of the City of Appleton Fireworks, a… Show more During my 7 years with the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI), I held various leadership roles, including Chairperson of the Board, Chapter President, and Vice President of Individual Development. In these roles, I led initiatives that enhanced community engagement and fostered individual growth for members.Key Contributions:City of Appleton Fireworks (2013-2015 Chairperson; 2016-2017 Committee Member): Managed the planning and execution of the City of Appleton Fireworks, a large-scale community event with an annual budget of nearly $50,000, over 1,000 volunteer hours, and more than 50,000 attendees. Oversaw logistics, fundraising, vendor relations, and volunteer coordination.Event Management & Project Leadership: Led and coordinated a variety of community charity events, including the Cerebral Palsy Charity Event, Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt, Give Back for Thanksgiving and more. The goal was to foster positive community impact through well-executed project management and event planning. These events also made way for professional development to other young leaders that sought out leadership experience in ways they were unable to recieve at their current full-time roles.Training & Development Programs: As Vice President of Individual Development, I organized and developed numerous training opportunities for members, including etiquette dinners, public speaking workshops, and golf lessons. These programs helped members enhance their personal and professional skills.Leadership & Governance: Chaired board meetings, ran chapter meetings as President, and led committees focused on executing large community projects. Ensured alignment of initiatives with organizational goals and drove volunteer engagement.My involvement with the Appleton Jaycees allowed me to develop strong leadership, project management, and community-building skills while fostering personal and professional development opportunities for our members. Show less

Oshkosh, Wisconsin Area

• Maintained all financial strategy and accounting functions within organization.• Provide leadership to staff members and the executive team.• Conduct and manage employee payroll and benefits.• Consulted CEO and leadership on financial strategies including budgeting and process. • Integrated new CRM across company and created a process of production workflow.

Oshkosh, Wi

• Manage AR department and overseeing AP to include mentoring and training 2 interns.• Improved company cash flow by decreasing AR by 68% within 6 months.• Responsible for the yearly financial planning, forecasting and budgeting process.• Performed purchasing duties, responsible for managing and creating accounts with multiple vendors.• Additional responsibility serving as company’s marketing expert.

Beloit, Wi

In charge of 44 Soldiers. Includes scheduling, creating, and monitoring training. Created/Handled evaluations of Soldiers and other subordinates. Collaborated with multiple Contracting Officers, Joint Forces and Multi-National Corps - Iraq to secure funding.Managed the Battalion's finances and Field Ordering Funds of over 100k in cash. Maintained 100% accountability and created an approval process for use of funds.Opened and worked on existing contracts in excess of $14m without… Show more In charge of 44 Soldiers. Includes scheduling, creating, and monitoring training. Created/Handled evaluations of Soldiers and other subordinates. Collaborated with multiple Contracting Officers, Joint Forces and Multi-National Corps - Iraq to secure funding.Managed the Battalion's finances and Field Ordering Funds of over 100k in cash. Maintained 100% accountability and created an approval process for use of funds.Opened and worked on existing contracts in excess of $14m without default or delay in contract administration.Created and submitted Purchase Requests and Commitment documents in order to procure items required for specific missions. Includes pricing, budgeting, bid requests and proposals.Mentored subordinates on future military and civilian career paths. Tasked as the Company's Equal Opportunity, Physical Security, and Unit Movement Officer to include organizing and coordinating of transportation and hazardous materials hauling. Show less

Oshkosh, Wi

Prepared, administered and submitted bids and proposals to the Government.Participate and lead negotiations with customers. Reviewed contracts to ensure compliance and documentation are completed accurately per contract requirements, to include labor, inspection, acceptance, and personnel forms in preparation for potential DCAA audits.Monitor company costs to ensure company stays within budget and suppliers do not exceed the authorized amount.Prepare monthly and yearly sales… Show more Prepared, administered and submitted bids and proposals to the Government.Participate and lead negotiations with customers. Reviewed contracts to ensure compliance and documentation are completed accurately per contract requirements, to include labor, inspection, acceptance, and personnel forms in preparation for potential DCAA audits.Monitor company costs to ensure company stays within budget and suppliers do not exceed the authorized amount.Prepare monthly and yearly sales forecasts for Army Aftermarket items.Create daily/weekly progress reports on contracts to include: Financial Dashboards, Accountability Reports, Work Order and Labor Variance Reports all to track revenues, expenses, personnel and production.Analyze and review progress reports to ensure that costs, delivery dates, and performance are compliant to the established guidelines for the assigned contracts. Wrote Standard Operating Procedures for all the tasks associated with the position along with each individual contract.Track, review and authorize sales, invoices and payments sent to and from the Government and other Contractors. Show less

Milwaukee, Wi

Compliance reporting to the SEC and other significant institutions.Prepared financial documents that were published in the Semi-Annul/Annual Reports to Shareholders and the Board of Directors of the Mutual Fund.Created/prepared presentations and documentation for quarterly Board of Directors meetings.Initiated standards for writing daily, weekly, and annual procedures for the position. Created two binders of Standard Operating Procedures for all reports generated through the life of… Show more Compliance reporting to the SEC and other significant institutions.Prepared financial documents that were published in the Semi-Annul/Annual Reports to Shareholders and the Board of Directors of the Mutual Fund.Created/prepared presentations and documentation for quarterly Board of Directors meetings.Initiated standards for writing daily, weekly, and annual procedures for the position. Created two binders of Standard Operating Procedures for all reports generated through the life of the mutual fund.Served as a primary contact with fund clients to include activities and communication of fund operations. Managed multiple tasks/projects and deadlines simultaneously.Re-evaluated procedures and produced new and more efficient ways to complete the tasks in a well organized manner. Show less

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Business Administration And Management, General

MBA graduate from UW-Oshkosh

Associates Certificate, Contract Management

Bba, Finance

Graduated with a Degree in Finance and gained my Military Officer Commission through ROTC.