Meghan Blake-Horst Email & Phone Number

Madison, Wisconsin Area

Madison, Wisconsin Area

As the Founder of Absolutely Art, I became the face of the store, collaborating with other business owners and local organizations to promote Madison artists. Absolutely Art became a Madison hub for artists and a community gathering place where events elevated sales, educated the public, and impacted the neighborhood culture. MARKETING CAMPAIGNS AND INNOVATION✓I focused the store’s brand on sustainability and community-building within the arts, and partnered with local businesses… Show more As the Founder of Absolutely Art, I became the face of the store, collaborating with other business owners and local organizations to promote Madison artists. Absolutely Art became a Madison hub for artists and a community gathering place where events elevated sales, educated the public, and impacted the neighborhood culture. MARKETING CAMPAIGNS AND INNOVATION✓I focused the store’s brand on sustainability and community-building within the arts, and partnered with local businesses and organizations to boost foot traffic and sales. ✓I developed a strategic marketing campaign to publicize the gallery’s exhibitions and events, which included writing all press releases, publishing social media content, and developing ads for local publications.✓Absolutely Art and events associated with the gallery have been featured in hundreds of local, regional and national shows, magazines, and websites as a direct result of my media connections and outreach efforts.EVENT CREATION & COORDINATION✓No detail is too small when I create events. I attend to the publicity, the physical set-up of the room, the refreshments, and orchestration of the agenda whether the event is an intimate gathering or an exhibit opening with hundreds of attendees.✓I consistently reduce expenses and partner with other local businesses to leverage resources and produce seamless, cost-effective events.HR MANAGEMENT & INCENTIVES✓I have coordinated all management functions for my team of paid employees and volunteers, including recruitment, selection, training, key performance indicator monitoring, team assignment, and retention.BUDGET OPTIMIZATION✓My fiscal leadership has produced stellar results, including a 5% reduction in the store’s lease amount.✓I analyze industry trends and incorporate them into budgeting decisions. Taking into consideration seasonal variation in sales, I optimized the store’s $200K annual budget through appropriate staffing adjustments. Show less

Madison, Wi

CORE Service Coordinator | Staff Development Trainer | Team Leader | Manager | Community BuilderIn all my initiatives with this organization, I aligned with its mission to serve both clients and their families. It was vital that all clients connect with the community and access resources that enriched their lives. I was promoted to this newly-created position based on my success with managing a team of activity coordinators. I was cross-trained in >50 homes and worked with… Show more CORE Service Coordinator | Staff Development Trainer | Team Leader | Manager | Community BuilderIn all my initiatives with this organization, I aligned with its mission to serve both clients and their families. It was vital that all clients connect with the community and access resources that enriched their lives. I was promoted to this newly-created position based on my success with managing a team of activity coordinators. I was cross-trained in >50 homes and worked with close to 100 clients. Co-workers and supervisors complimented my versatility, enthusiasm, logistical skills, leadership, and capability with clients who had medical as well as behavioral needs. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT✓In this senior role, I supervised two teams: the Activity Coordinators (a team I managed in my previous position with REM Wisconsin) and the Job Coaches. I made decisions about screening and hiring members of my teams, and attended to their professional development. ✓Every position I held with REM Wisconsin was new, including my first position, so I shaped each role without a template or a blueprint. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT✓I created training and development programs both for the teams I supervised for the entire organization. LIASION TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS✓I expanded my coordination with other community agencies and co-led community-based events. Show less

Madison, Wisconsin Area

Senior Community Building Activity Coordinator | Manager | Event Planner | Program DeveloperREM WisconsinI was quickly promoted from Community Building Activity Coordinator, to this newly created senior position in recognition of my ability to get things done expertly and efficiently while maintaining quality care and connection to clients. MANAGEMENT AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT✓With my promotion came management responsibilities for Activity Coordinators. I analyzed staffing… Show more Senior Community Building Activity Coordinator | Manager | Event Planner | Program DeveloperREM WisconsinI was quickly promoted from Community Building Activity Coordinator, to this newly created senior position in recognition of my ability to get things done expertly and efficiently while maintaining quality care and connection to clients. MANAGEMENT AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT✓With my promotion came management responsibilities for Activity Coordinators. I analyzed staffing pattern statistics and adjusted staff members’ schedules to ensure maximum allocation of resources, while also managing clients’ finances.EVENT COORDINATION✓My duties expanded to include planning events and leading team meetings. I organized classes, celebrations and activities for clients, as well as events for the entire organization.PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT✓I analyzed clients’ needs and created content for courses that supported them in building needed life skills; the curriculum I developed focused on increasing clients’ community connections. Show less

Mukwonago, Wi

The second oldest YMCA Camp in the US, Phantom Lake Camp was established in 1896. Since I served at the camp in 1996, I was there for the 100th anniversary. As an entire staff, we were charged with leaving a legacy on the camp that would endure for another 100 years. We chose to plant 11 trees during that summer, and after a local nursery donated the trees, we scheduled time during each camp session to plant a tree. Each camper and staff member threw a handful of dirt into the hole where the… Show more The second oldest YMCA Camp in the US, Phantom Lake Camp was established in 1896. Since I served at the camp in 1996, I was there for the 100th anniversary. As an entire staff, we were charged with leaving a legacy on the camp that would endure for another 100 years. We chose to plant 11 trees during that summer, and after a local nursery donated the trees, we scheduled time during each camp session to plant a tree. Each camper and staff member threw a handful of dirt into the hole where the tree was planted to be part of this living legacy. I still visit the camp, and show the growing trees to my children with pride. Show less

Madison Wi

I supervised the gym floor during gymnastics classes and coached a variety of classes from preschool programs, team and adult classes.