Michael W. Balzer, Change Management Email & Phone Number

Oak Park, Il, Us

Chicago, Illinois, United States

As the Business Development Manager, I collaborated directly with C-suite leadership to determine and deliver continuous improvement opportunities for internal operations, strategize and deliver market research and new and sales initiatives, as well as manage and strengthen client and vendor relationships.Notable Successes- Established clear brand ID and IP Trade Dress language for the organization and the Marketing division, and utilized the language in the development of new sales and marketing tools.- Realized and confirmed neglected Trademark and IP Design Patent needs and handled the patent application process.- Designed and developed inventory, estimating, and PO-generating, databases, systems and tools to better track jobs and inventory to reduce inefficiencies and costs.Additional Role SummaryCollaborated with cross-functional teams, including the COO and management, to assess software needs and facilitate the adoption of new project management software, employing the ADKAR methodology for effective communication and training.Cultivated stronger relationships with corporate partners, fostering trust while identifying opportunities for collaboration and business expansion.Leveraged excellent communication skills to articulate complex ideas and proposals to internal stakeholders, effectively conveying company products and services' value proposition and benefits.Exhibited strong leadership qualities in fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.Proactively identified and pursued new sales processes, resulting in a 150% increase in sales opportunities.Adapted quickly to changing market conditions and business requirements, demonstrating resilience and agility in navigating challenges and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

I was the program manager and change lead for the implementation of a new department model, which required evaluating and then adapting the department model to serve the department's 200+ stakeholders in a region of 450 out of the 2200+ stakeholders.Notable Successes- Increased program stakeholder engagement from January 2020 to December 2021 by 30% during the pandemic.- Acquired, coached, and developed 8 people managers for the department- Strategically developed training and communication plans for the iterative implementation of the organization’s new department model.- Created KPIs to track and communicate department health and development.- Delivered highly reviewed dynamic and instructional in-person and digital seminars and workshops with audiences ranging from 20 to 400+Additional Role SummarySpearheaded department restructuring initiatives, optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing stakeholder engagement.Developed and executed strategic plans to drive organizational growth, aligning departmental objectives with broader business goals.Managed complex projects through leadership transitions and challenging environments, ensuring continuity and mitigating risks.Led cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and driving successful project outcomes within established timelines and budgets.Championed a culture of continuous improvement, conducting stakeholder analysis and needs assessments to identify areas for development.Effectively communicated organizational values and mission, fostering alignment and commitment across diverse stakeholder groups.Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs tailored to various audience sizes and learning preferences, ensuring skill development and knowledge retention.Cultivated strategic partnerships with community leaders, leveraging influence to drive organizational initiatives and enhance community engagement.

Burlington, Vermont, United States

As the organization's principal executive and change manager, I oversaw and set the direction, vision, and communication strategy, as well as budget management, stakeholder development, and succession planning.Notable Successes- Managed consistent year-over-year financial growth, resulting in +210% growth over 6 years- Stood up 2 new departments and developed 11 new leaders and people managers through leadership talent acquisition and development coaching in one-on-one and small team settings.- Led successful change initiative, de-siloing departments by creating cross-functional teams, leading to a significant positive increase in cross-department communication.- Delivered headcount growth, averaging 12% year over year during the 7-year period by utilizing regular stakeholder analysis, impact analysis, risk assessments, adaptation of communication strategies, and resource development.Additional Role SummaryCultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, government agencies, and partner organizations, to garner support and advocacy for BCC's initiatives.Developed and executed marketing and communication strategies to enhance brand visibility and promote BCC's programs and services to target audiences.Conducted regular program evaluations and impact assessments to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement, driving continuous innovation and programmatic excellence.Ensured compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including nonprofit governance, financial reporting, and tax filings, to uphold organizational integrity and accountability.Fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration, encouraging staff and volunteers to propose and implement creative solutions to address emerging challenges and opportunities.Oversaw human resources functions, including recruitment, training, and performance management, to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of humility, empathy & excellence.