Laura H. Email and Phone Number

I produce commissioned fine art pieces and create hand-drawn and digital surface pattern designs for licensing using Adobe Illustrator. I manage e-commerce, social media, and communications, in addition to developing digital content, graphics, and photography using Adobe Photoshop. I also manage finances and analyze sales data.

I was recruited into this wellness food startup as a Project Manager to introduce Phyter brand products to retailers and to cultivate sales through the development and management of our Brand Ambassador Program. I liaised with retailer management for event logistics and product distribution. I facilitated the growth of the national team from 10 to 40 internal and external brand ambassadors covering over 70 locations, and increased revenue by 60% while working with the Phyter team to expand national markets from 12-31 states. I also constructed a cloud-based sales and inventory tracking system and oversaw digital marketing campaigns, social media, email, copy, content, and analytics.

I was promoted to the Director of Operations position from my position as Controller in order to improve systems and processes, onboard and manage performance, and ensure day-to-day productivity in all 7 departments. I oversaw design engineering, IT, accounting, sales, human resources, service, and warehouse departments and ensured cross-functional collaboration. I analyzed business procedures and continually improved operations. I facilitated the company's growth from 13 to 20 staff, directed Customer Relationship Management (CRM) improvements that increased field reporting efficiency by 100%, introduced Gantt charts that maximized time and resources and decreased subcontractor costs by 40%, and overhauled field worker procedures that increased efficiency and decreased labor cost by 30%.

As Controller, I analyzed accounting processes and introduced job costing through data migration from design to accounting software and centralized estimates vs. actuals, which created clarity and informed 20% proposal accuracy improvement. I produced financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and annual reports. I managed accounts payable/receivable, ADP payroll, and taxes. I organized budgets, edited contracts, and maintained annual health insurance plans.

I helped launch Reading With Pictures, a nonprofit startup, by acquiring their 501(c)3 nonprofit status and overseeing their annual budget, fundraising plan, and growth strategies. Additionally, I advised on the development of their website and Content Management System (CMS). I also launched their first Kickstarter campaign, which raised $65,000 and exceeded their goal by 20%.

I transformed and built capacity for 15 adult art programs that were provided to over 3,000 adults annually for the Chicago Artist Coalition. Additionally, I conceived and launched a member-run gallery with artist studios, and managed the relocation of the headquarters resulting in quadrupled physical space for future growth.

I was promoted to Executive Director from my Project Manager position with a plan to build and strengthen the organization. I was responsible for board of directors oversight and strategically leading the organization. I developed budgets and analyzed financials, fundraised and produced events, devised marketing and public relations strategies, and managed human resources, recruitment, and outreach. I built programs, analyzed metrics and data, and wrote annual reports. I generated $1 million through foundation grants, corporate sponsorship, special events, individual giving, and earned income from our mural creation program. I strategized organizational growth that increased the board of directors from 3 to 15 members and increased volunteers from 5 to 200. The growth and development of the board of directors and committees boosted board fundraising by 80%. Collaboratively our team launched 4 inaugural art programs doubling staff and expanding capacity from 500 to 5,000 youth served.

I was responsible for managing our public art program, which hired adjudicated youth for on-the-job training in mural production around the city of Seattle. I coached and advocated for 100 adjudicated teenaged employees; estimated and negotiated 50k in mural contracts; collaboratively delivered on time, scope, and budget; and I increased organizational reach by 90% through marketing and systems development. I designed and developed the website (HTML) and the marketing materials (Adobe Photoshop). I negotiated mural project contracts and developed partner relationships.