Karen Cook
Mt. Pleasant,SC
Summary
Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in sales and customer service as well as a talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Development and Civic and Engagement
Department of Veteran Affairs VA Medical Center
02.2024 - Current
- Establish, promote and maintain positive relations with volunteers, VA staff, patients and the public
- Build and maintain a positive relationship with volunteers and VA Medical staff and patients
- Educate and train all volunteers, and summer youth
- Log and maintain donations and hours
- Purchase items as needed for patient care
- Develop ideas, programs and volunteer assignments
- Document
- Lead volunteer recruiter
- Process new volunteer applications
- Monitor volunteer onboarding time
- Reconcile government purchases
- Welcome and engage with VA patients and family members
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Service to the Armed Forces/ International Program Manager
AMERICAN RED CROSS
10.2017 - 01.2024
- Build and develop relationships with state and local resources, military commands and VA Medical Centers
- Educate and train staff and volunteers for all Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Programs
- Collaborate with all lines of service to build stronger relationships to increase blood drives, readiness, resiliency, fundraising, and recruit volunteers
- Manage and develop internal and external relationship with VA Medical Centers, Military Treatment Centers, Veteran State Homes, National Cemeteries and Veteran Centers as well as other military and veteran partners to support veterans, military and their families through American Red Cross programs and services
- Develop and foster a robust network with internal and external stakeholders to build a resilient working coalition
- Service Delivery Management through constant delivery of all core SAF services
- Presenter/Briefer at Newcomer Orientations, Yellow Ribbons and Pre-Deployments
- Program Management: create new programs, manage the success of all services provided
- Volunteer Management: recruit, manage, train, develop and engage 200+ volunteers
- Maintain volunteer files in accordance to the Red Cross
- Accounting for all HOP monies spent budgeting for supplies, awards, and promotional items
- Document volunteer hours, donations for accurate accounting
- Responsible for Interviewing, scheduling, evaluation and placement of volunteers
- Responsible for the coordination and management of all monetary donations
- Achievements: Developed an Art program for the South Carolina Region that has gone national, Consult with other program managers and directors to launch service offerings in other regions, Launched program in South Carolina Department of Corrections, Expanded Resiliency Workshops into Federal prison system for incarcerated veterans – program resulted in six veteran inmates grated early release, Relaunched Dental Assistant Program during COVID-19 pandemic with two classes graduating since 2021, Develop a 30, 60 90-day plan for staff and volunteers, Developed an SOP for the Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Program for South Carolina
- Managed budgets for multiple international programs, optimizing resources allocation and reducing operational costs.
- Evaluated program performance using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
Bank Teller
WELLS FARGO
10.2015 - 10.2017
- Delivered excellent customer service, greeting and engaging customers
- Promoted team building by creating new ways to learn and engage with each other
- Conducted sales and banking transactions
- Sales
- Balanced cash drawers accurately at the end of each shift, minimizing discrepancies in financial records.
- Managed high-volume transactions during peak hours while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring seamless customer experience.
- Improved customer satisfaction by efficiently processing transactions and addressing account inquiries.
- Counted and packaged currency and coins.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business
Weber State University
Ogden, UT05.1989
Education
George Mason University
Fairfax, VASkills
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Program/Volunteer Management
- Trainer/Educator
- Effective Public Speaker
- Sales Force
- Power IB
- Organized
- Goal-Oriented
- Conflict Resolution
- Team Player
- Independent
- Casework
- Patient
- Excellent Customer Service
Community Service
- Executive Administrative Assistant, 2011-01-01, 2012-03-01, Supported the Executive Director by maintain her schedule for meetings and travel, Managed the reception area by greeting visitors, Answered and transfer call from a multi-line phone system, Compiled, prepared, and deposited donated monies, Reconciled Executive Director credit card statements, Supported Director of Human Recourses with onboarding and training
- DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBERSHIP MANAGER, 2010-06-01, 2011-01-01, Maintained the Associations membership and donor database in File Maker, Prepared all correspondence for the Association, Assisted in planning all Association fund raising functions, Drafted and mailed donor Thank You letters
Certification
- People Manager Development Program | AMERICAN RED CROSS
- Train the Trainer | American Red Cross
- Conflict Resolution | American Red Cross
Affiliations
- Staff Engagement Committee
- Volunteer Awards Committee
- Diversity and Inclusion Committee
- Sustainability Committee
PRE SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
- Maintain accurate records on each student’s progress
- Maintain age-appropriate curriculum
- Participate in all IEP planning meetings
- Create a learning plan for students with IEP’s
Timeline
Community Development and Civic and Engagement
Department of Veteran Affairs VA Medical Center
02.2024 - Current
Service to the Armed Forces/ International Program Manager
AMERICAN RED CROSS
10.2017 - 01.2024
Bank Teller
WELLS FARGO
10.2015 - 10.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Business
Weber State University
Education
George Mason University
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