Paula Ward, Pmp, Csm, Mpa Email & Phone Number

Kennesaw, Ga, Us

Kennesaw, Ga, Us

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Co-manage the GTHR PMO team by assigning projects, planning professional development activities, and redesigning the project intake process. Oversee the work of two Program & Portfolio Manager I direct reports, providing feedback, monitoring their progress, and delegating tasks. Lead PMO team in reviewing and updating templates and request-to-close out project lifecycle to enhance team performance. Manage enterprise level programs and portfolios for Georgia Tech Human Resources through administrative support, data analysis, tracking and reporting. Oversee and support project execution through continual coordination of program and portfolio plans, data analysis, reporting and education. Manage all aspects of assigned programs throughout project lifecycle to ensure completion within the defined scope, quality, and time and cost constraints.

Kennesaw, Georgia, United States

Led implementations of ServiceNow-based software solutions while proactively identifying and closing project gaps among development team members and project stakeholders. Established strong client relationships through the utilization of Agile framework to lead and manage all aspects of project delivery including but not limited to Scope, Schedule, Budget, Risk, Resource and Quality Management. Analyzed and addressed manpower resources, cost estimates, and all applicable interdependencies.

Kennesaw, Georgia, United States

Led a complex multi-year enterprise project to redesign the 19,000+ page institutional website, simultaneously implementing new search and campus map tools. Executed a campus wide classification and compensation study, resulting in positive payroll adjustments for 1,500+ employees. Facilitated the creation and implementation of a website and online learning module to replace face-to-face onboarding sessions during the Covid-19 pandemic, including mandatory training courses, benefits overview and enrollment, and instructional videos. Trained human resources functional teams in implementing project management strategies to prioritize competing projects and allocate resources.

Orchestrated the implementation of an integrated PeopleSoft payroll/HRIS system and its associated modules (talent acquisition, performance management, manager self-service), and also:- Spearheaded campus wide change management, communication efforts and training- Led subsequent/recurring UAT and regression testing efforts as additional institutions were onboarded into the payroll/HRIS system- Coordinated integrated system processes being paused, restarted and tested, following subsequent cohort go live periodsHeaded feasibility study, development and implementation of a campus wide internal communication system, involving UITS and Strategic Communication stakeholders. Executed feasibility study, development and implementation of a campus wide policy management portal, involving institutional leadership and UITS team leads

Kennesaw, Georgia, United States

Assembled project teams to revise fiscal services websites and internal training programs, tracking completion of project milestones and providing guidance to team leads for increasing the speed and quality of project completion rates. Co-led project to implement additional functionalities for electronic billing system.

Paulding Intructional Site, Dallas, Georgia

Worked in coordination with Site Director to develop new academic programs and increase enrollment at satellite campus of Kennesaw State University. Tracked, projected and managed all aspects of department's annual budget, including prioritizing hourly staffing needs and funds against supply and travel needs of department. Worked with main campus academic departments to determine semester course offerings. Coordinated classroom assignments for semester course offerings with partner institution, Georgia Highlands College. Instituted and coordinated inclement weather plan in conjunction with Georgia Highlands College and Kennesaw State University’s main campus. Implemented and coordinated marketing plan utilizing Facebook, webpage, newspaper story placements, and coordinated advertising with University Relations. Provided a point-of-contact for all KSU faculty who teach at the site. Acted as institutional liaison with Georgia Highlands College support staff. Oversaw staffing and operations of elementary education student resource center, including hiring and scheduling of student assistants and federal work-study students. Assisted in planning and execution of 50+ annual community engagement activities. Prepared recruitment materials for prospective students.• Awarded Kennesaw State University Staff Employee of the Month, March 2013.• Appointed as one of two Kennesaw State University Staff Senate delegates to serve on the President’s Strategic Thinking and Planning Committee.• Served as President’s Office divisional representative to Staff Senate.• Graduate of Kennesaw State University’s 2010 Excel Leadership Program.• Nominated for Kennesaw State University’s “Shining Star” Outstanding Customer Service Award.

Office Of Diversity & Inclusion/University Ombuds

Executed high-level office administration for the Chief Diversity Officer and the University Ombuds. In conjunction with cabinet members, faculty, staff and students, worked to establish and administer four diversity-themed Presidential Commissions. Orchestrated university-wide special events such as the Office of Diversity Speaker Series and the University Book Club, including catering negotiations and contract procurement responsibilities. Managed all budget-related transactions and reports. Work involved unrestricted access to confidential information and continuous professional contact with cabinet members, USG officials, and other VIP’s.

Office Of University Communications

Systematized Media Relations staff efforts to procure positive media placement for Emory University and its professors. Maintained sections of Emory University website and wrote press releases. Established online database of faculty experts. Supervised multiple student workers, simultaneous campus printing projects, and performed office management duties like maintaining office supply orders. Facilitated movement of office from one campus building to another. Member of Emory University Employee Council, Emory University Senate, and (Emory University-owned) Houston Mill House Restaurant Advisory Board.

Provided focused administrative support for two facets (welfare-to-work and child health and immunization) of this now defunct nonprofit program of The Carter Center. Orchestrated conference databases, conference invitation letters, and conference registration. Researched state budget data in support of respective project managers. Conceptualized conference theme and assumed all fiduciary responsibilities related to conference registration fees and vendor payments. Supervised collection of conference evaluation data by interns.

Greater Atlanta Area

Managed administrative support for the Asset Management division of a full service real estate company. Performed project management duties in relation to supervision of commercial real estate properties. Managed property repairs, preparation of budget proposals to investors, and monthly reconciliation of rent rolls and rollover schedules.

Greater Nashville Area, Tn

Collaborated in managing a Grammy-nominated Christian music group, Geoff Moore & The Distance, in both personal and business matters. Negotiated costs for printing and merchandise items. Liaison to website designers. Facilitated meetings between our staff and vendors. Wrote copy for and supervised design of newsletter. Wrote and edited various promotional tools such as quarterly update for business associates, direct mail pieces, and promotional narratives.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Worked for two summers (1992 & 1993) and one winter break (1992). Supported three accountants by performing a variety of duties in connection with the processing of fiscal accounting and assignment of costs. Prepared expenditure reports and miscellaneous budget and fiscal tables from records to assist staff in monitoring and controlling agency expenditures.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Mass Communication/Media Studies

Activities and Societies: • Member, Society for Collegiate Journalists • Reporter and columnist for "Orange and Blue" student newspaper •.

Master Of Public Administration (M.P.A.), Governmental Administration, 4.0 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Golden Key International Honor Society, Public Administration Student Association, Graduate Student Association.