Darla Heggem Email & Phone Number

Kearney, Nebraska, United States

Planning and implementing major gift fundraising strategies on behalf of the Rural Futures Institute, one of four interdisciplinary Institutes at the University of Nebraska that leverages the talents and research-based expertise from across the system. The RFI, through a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, encourages bold and futuristic approaches to collaboratively address state, national and global challenges of rural communities.

Successfully recruited over 300 employees for 75 companies in western Nebraska through development of the wehavejobs.net website, led regional and national marketing efforts, attended job fairs, alumni events and conducted community tours for out of area applicants.Added 20 internships in western Nebraska by implementing the Intern Nebraska program as a recruitment and retention strategy with local businesses.Connected over 1000 high school students with 120 employers and post secondary educational institutions by designing and implementing bi-annual Business and Industry tours to encourage students to remain in or return to the community. Awarded 2012 Event of the Year by the Mid America Chamber Executives.Wrote, received and administered multiple grants for $130,000 funding regional and national marketing efforts of the wehavejobs.net website, business and industry tours, and the start up of the NEXT Young Professionals Group.Administered TCD’s Business, Retention and Expansion program by managing teams which conduct interviews with 90 local business executives using the Synchronist system to assist with business planning, expansion possibilities, identifying common issues, strategic planning, employee recruitment and retention strategies and policy articulation.

Provided transportation solutions, developed and maintained excellent relationships for new and existing customers. Negotiated with carriers having the ability to provide equipment and maintain high performance levels to meet customer’s needs. Responsible for tracking and tracing all freight, ensuring timely pickup and delivery. Established rates with customers to provide competitive service. Provided service to high volume corporations such as Bourland and Leverich in Pampa, TX and MiTek Industries in Phoenix, AZ.Increased annual revenue from $100,000 to $1,500,000.Established computerized payroll, bookkeeping and freight tracking systems, ensured proper paperwork, verified insurance and authority qualifications, maintained accounts receivable and payable. Supervised administrative assistant.

Provided staffing resolutions and recommendations to employers, including high volume clients, such as Western Sugar and Aurora Loan Services. Recruited employees to meet these needs in a timely manner, screened applicant resumes/applications, obtained references and background checks where necessary. Interviewed applicants, assessed skill levels through test administration. Developed and maintained client relationships.Processed payroll for all employees, maintained accounts receivable and payable, processed all appropriate paperwork for hiring of employees.

Master'S Of Science In Organizational Management, Entrepreneurial And Economic Development, Summa Cum Laude

Bachelor Of Science (B.Sc.), Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Activities and Societies: Lady Jay basketball

Associate Of Arts And Sciences (A.A.S.), Biology, General

Activities and Societies: Member of women's volleyball and basketball teams. Academic All Conference. Member of College Choir and Young.