Lead Project Manager of the Pre Kindergarten Construction program for the third largest school district in the nation, Chicago Public Schools, from conception through completion in accordance with program objectives.

Oversaw administration of facilities maintenance budget for the institution. Managed contracts for more than 30 vendors responsible for providing services to campus. Conducted competitive contract negotiations to secure most cost-effective solutions. Prepared and submitted RFPs; reviewed proposals and conducted due diligence on vendors. Ensured quality control measures were in place and contracts were executed according to terms of agreement. Effectively managed relationships with other departments; assessed needs and ensured all concerns were promptly addressed.Highlights:• Managed annual purchasing budget of $13.5MM and operations budget of $6.5MM.• Proved instrumental in delivering $300,000 in annual cost savings through renegotiation of custodial contract.• Served as liaison between custodial contractors and university; managed contract for more than 70 unionized custodial staff responsible for managing 38 buildings with 1.8MM of cleanable space.• Implemented new, department-wide policies and practices to streamline business operations and improve quality of service delivered.• Managed team of two staff members responsible for conducting quality assurance; trained, mentored and motivated staff in best practices.• Assumed responsibility for administering both Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Task Orders (TOs).• Assisted in university-wide program to utilize local contractors within targeted zip code areas.• Ensured all custodial practices met university compliance with APPA cleaning standards, LEED Green Cleaning policies and Sustainability/Recycling practices.• Presented on panel talk at Construction Industry Conference on “How to Work With Project Owners.”

Provided essential support and assistance to business operations for a construction, design and engineering firm administering numerous City of Chicago contracts. Evaluated existing business and staffing processes in order to deliver recommendations for process improvement and operational streamlining. Conducted cost analyses in order to determine most effective allocation of resources. Implemented new tools and practices to improve departmental performance.Highlights:• Implemented change management practices and proved essential in organizational re-design to improve efficiency and competitive advantage within marketplace.• Oversaw administration of Environmental Impact Study (EIS) projects and developed new tools to streamline communication between internal staff members and contracted agencies.

Coordinated and administered contract stipulations for commercial construction projects up to $20MM. Proved essential in development, planning and execution of ambitious construction projects. Conducted regular analyses of ongoing projects in order to identify pain points and develop new solutions to streamline business practices and control expenses. Implemented new management protocols to simplify chain of command and improve communication. Trained and mentored new staff members in organizational policies.Highlights:• Recognized for delivering exceptional results and consistently scored 90% or greater on customer satisfaction surveys.

Led new initiatives to improve administration of business practices within Facilities Maintenance department, including financials, operations, contract administration and employee training. Identified new opportunities for cost savings and provided recommendations to senior management. Ensured staff members received tools and resources necessary for efficient execution of work orders.Highlights:• Provided hands-on oversight of operations for Construction, Project Management and Project Administration activities across campus.• Prepared and delivered new employee training protocols.• Consistently maintained high-level of interaction with internal and external clients.

Provided essential guidance and assistance to Project Managers, Architects and Designers across two field offices responsible for managing projects amounting up to $199MM in revenue. Coordinated activities between internal and external stakeholders. Provided updates on project progress. Continually monitored ongoing project activities. Performed evaluations of project deliverables prior to submission to ensure compliance with contract stipulations.Highlights:• Assisted in coordinating efforts to design, engineer and construct new facilities at University of Chicago (Bartlett Dining Commons, Gerald Ratner Athletics Center, Max Palevsky Residential Commons & Interdivisional Research Building) and Grand Rapids Art Museum.