Kathryn Lea Email & Phone Number

Baton Rouge, La, Us

Zachary, La, Us

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Area

As Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at Louisiana Sea Grant, I lead the optimization of our federal NOAA reporting processes, managing the e-SeaGrant system to coordinate data from over 50 internal staff and external researchers. My efforts have ensured accurate, timely reports, securing $1.9 million in annual funding and enhancing compliance, stakeholder confidence, and decision-making to support Louisiana's coastal and economic sustainability.I developed e-SeaGrant policies, procedures, and training modules, significantly reducing errors and improving productivity. My guidance on RFPs and fellowship panels, including a comprehensive Excel tool for review scores, has prevented potential losses exceeding $100,000 in research funding.My consulting work with California and Florida Sea Grant optimized their e-SeaGrant reporting, reducing reporting time by 30% and generating operational efficiencies valued at over $235,000 annually. I successfully adapted to NOAA’s transition to eRA Commons, creating tools and guides that ensured compliance and eased the burden of change for our program.I also led a workshop that improved reporting accuracy across 34 Sea Grant programs and contributed to the successful search and appointment of Louisiana Sea Grant’s new Executive Director. My work continues to drive Louisiana Sea Grant’s mission forward, securing critical resources and fostering sustainability.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

As Program Development Manager at Louisiana Sea Grant, I played a key role in enhancing the organization’s efficiency, strategic alignment, and stakeholder engagement.I led the selection and implementation of e-SeaGrant, a database solution adopted by 15 Sea Grant programs. Collaborating with LSU, I integrated this system for Louisiana Sea Grant, developing user-friendly forms and providing training that significantly improved reporting accuracy and efficiency.I also helped to spearhead the LaDIA initiative, coordinating nine retreats over three years. These retreats deepened faculty understanding of our mission, increased proposal submissions, and strengthened community relationships. In fiscal operations, I overhauled processes by fostering collaboration within the fiscal team and mastering LSU’s financial policies and Workday system. This approach ensured timely and accurate financial management, preventing significant operational costs and bolstering the organization’s financial stability.I updated all job descriptions within Louisiana Sea Grant, collaborating with LSU’s HR department. By engaging directly with staff to understand roles and address disparities, I ensured equitable job descriptions, resulting in several employees receiving raises.Additionally, I contributed to Louisiana Sea Grant’s Strategic Plan for the National Office, aligning it with national priorities and positioning the organization for future success. I also led the successful integration of Workday, streamlining HR processes and ensuring compliance, which prevented potential costs of up to $70,000 annually.Finally, I managed the 2019 Site Review process, resulting in Louisiana Sea Grant being ranked in the top third nationally. My organization of the review set a network-wide standard for visual metrics, enhancing the program’s reputation and facilitating future funding opportunities.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Responsibilities: During this job role, I delivered confidential executive assistance to executive director as well as facilitated seamless collaboration with stakeholders and other organizations to support office of director. I planned, organized, and coordinated workshops, special events, and conferences, while budgeting for self-generated funding and managing an average of 7-10 meetings annually.Key Achievements:● Prepared professional service contracts for submission to purchasing at Louisiana State University to ensure compliance with established procedures.● Acted as a liaison between Sea Grant, LSU administrative departments, and LSU AgCenter, expertly managing personnel policy and procedures.

Zachary, Louisiana, United States

I managed and executed several high-impact events for the Sea Grant network, ensuring each was successful and met its objectives.Sea Grant Week 2010 and 2012I played a key role in organizing Sea Grant Week 2010 (Louisiana) and 2012 (Alaska), major events with up to 300 participants. My responsibilities included budget management, contract negotiations, venue selection, and logistical coordination. Every detail was meticulously managed to ensure a smooth and productive experience.These events were crucial for networking and collaboration within the Sea Grant community, strengthening relationships and fostering knowledge exchange. Their success was directly tied to my ability to manage complex logistics while focusing on the Sea Grant Association’s goals.Puerto Rico 2019In 2019, I planned the Sea Grant Association’s meeting in Puerto Rico, tackling unique logistical challenges. I coordinated travel, accommodations, and venue arrangements, integrating local cultural and environmental elements. This enriched the experience for participants and highlighted the importance of regional collaboration.The Puerto Rico event was executed smoothly and well-received, showcasing my ability to handle complex planning in diverse environments.ImpactMy event planning was critical in fostering collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing within the Sea Grant network. Each event I organized contributed to the success and cohesiveness of the network.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Dallas-Fort Worth Airport

Worked with customers that wanted 50 rooms or less in the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Hyatt.

Denver, Colorado, United States

Sales Intern where I had experiences in every department including but not limited to Operations, Front Desk, Accounting, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Catering, Sales.

Master Of Science - Ms, Human Resources Development, 3.5

Master of Science in Human Resource Learning and Development

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Hospitality Administration/Management, 3.5