Laura Blair Email & Phone Number

Overland Park, Kansas, United States

Myself and a small board of directors inherited DivaPets Cat Rescue on the unexpected passing of our founder. We are a small, all-volunteer, all foster -based cat rescue organization operating in the Greater Kansas City area. We are committed to giving cats and kittens from at risk situations the best chance at a wonderful life by providing appropriate medical and socialization in our foster homes. We adopt over 300 cats/kittens per year.

Lenexa, Ks

Charged with creating and executing the strategic plan for the development of 500+ global employees in a fast paced, ever changing industry. Focused the training team's efforts to building sustainable, repeatable, and globally deliverable training solutions for our marketing services teams, online program management teams, and call center through blended learning solutions including e-learning, Skype calls, external sources, and classroom (traditional and distance). Designed and implemented development series for people managers at all levels of the organization. Designed and implemented new annual review process to a format that blends objectives and core values with a Life-Long Learner plan. Developed and implemented eLearning modules to introduce the concept then followed up with team meetings to cascade goal setting. Key Projects: ~ Management development series for all levels of people managers~ On-boarding program for the first 90 days~ Departmental training plans based on new organizational structure and vision~ Training for new technology~ Driving culture change~ Sourced tools for Life-Long Learner plans

Overland Park, Ks

Facilitated and developed public courses for HR consulting clients. Supported client's development needs through training solutions.

Lenexa, Ks

Manage the training function for an 88 store, 105 year old, privately held retail chain. Oversee all aspects of planning, development, budget, and implementation of training initiatives including a $800,000 budget and team of designers. Projects include: ~ New Hire On-boarding process for store associates including manager's guide and associate handbook ~ Coaching and Feedback courses for all levels of store management~ Development and delivery of Customer Service training class including filming video, and development of an advanced Customer Service training class.

Primarily responsible for retail operations, marketing and merchandising. Liaison between corporate and franchise partners through communication, coaching and store visits. Function as 'district manager' for one company owned store. Create and execute training and support for new store teams. Additional duties include project oversite for new packaging launch, AAFCO compliance, product innovation, and new store build-out processes.

Regional Training Manager for the Midwest and Northwest Regions. Supported 54 district managers and their teams. Developed learning materials for the Back to School meeting to improve coaching, leadership, and selling skills.

Facilitate college level courses in Human Resources, Organizational Development and Management to 6-25 adult learners. Provide feedback to students on written and oral communication.

Leadership Institute

Worked with a team of designers and facilitators to create and facilitate extensive leadership programs for high potential store managers, newly promoted area directors, and current area directors. All Leadership Institute courses featured experiential learning, personal growth experiences, and emotional intelligence.

Greater St. Louis Area

Developed and facilitated leadership courses for store managers. Planned and conducted on-boarding and orientation for executives, managers, and field executives. Facilitated company culture and recognitions programs including annual manager's meeting (event planning).Store management functions.

Training Supervisor and Store Manager - March 1994 to July 1998~Conducted management skills workshops ~Trained and promoted three management candidates~Manager of the Year Award, 1997~Best People Development Award, 1997Store Manager - October 1991 to March 1994 ~General management functions for a specialty retail store~Managed ten stores in a seven year period with various sales volumes up to 1 million dollars~Delivered on-the-job training to store associates

Ma, Organizational Management

Activities and Societies: Graduate Student of the Year

Ba, Theatre/Psychology

Activities and Societies: Theta Chi Upsilon - social sorority Phi Beta - professional fine arts fraternityCentral Methodist College