Experience

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  Wkpr

  Mar 1996 - Oct 2004

  News editor and on-air announcer

  I was the morning drive announcer and news editor at the Kalamazoo radio station. I wrote daily news for broadcast, as well as advertisements and promotional spots. Later, i managed the station for a year, scheduling staff and production schedules.

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  Kent district library

  Sept 2006 - Feb 2022

  As Programming Manager, I managed thousands of library programs for all ages at our 19 branches. I created and led the Programming Department that planed creative programs for our library community. I managed budgeting, staff training and evaluation of our programming, which also included large county-wide initiatives like KDaLe brewery programming, Super Party Wonder Day, Writers Conferences and much more. It's was awesome to be able to connect with our communities to provide these important programs. Show less My focus as an Adult Librarian at KDL was event management and program creation. I led a team of 10 to create all of the system-wide programming for adults. These programs ranged from presenters on interesting topics to hands-on programs to events outside of our libraries like at breweries, wineries and coffee shops. These events served hundreds of patrons each quarter.I createded KDLcast (found at kdl.org/kdlcast), the library system’s podcast channel. I interview library partners and direct and edits multiple podcasts a month, including a round table discussion about library materials. I regularly presented to library peers on a variety of topics and projects. Along with my co-workers, we created several displays a month, highlighting library programs and materials for patrons to discover.This was all on top of helping patrons at the information desk and providing excellent customer service. Of course, I'm a big reader and I organize a brewery book club at a local brew pub. I love creating partnerships between the library and the community and create an amazing experience for library patrons. Show less I filled in for a position of need at KDL by acting as the Interim Branch Manager at the KDL Nelson Township/Sand Lake branch. I was excited to lead the branch through a time of transition by creating schedules, training staff, running programs, dealing with building issues and implementing new initiatives at the library.I also retained many of my previous tasks, meaning that I created programming and outreach connections and opportunities. I also co-chaired the Adult Services Work Group, which created the 2016 summer reading program for adults that reaches thousands of adults in the county. Show less As the Teen Librarian, I was able to focus my efforts on creating programs and experiences for school-age kids and teenagers. We created weekly programs for teens, as well as video game tournaments, new book release celebrations and large Guys Read programs. I managed all of these programs recruiting volunteers, writing contracts, planning trips for visiting authors and coordinating promotions of the events with teachers, schools, other libraries and the local press.I also managed a team of teen volunteers who worked year-round putting in thousands of hours for the library each year. One of my biggest successes was writing and receiving a grant which resulted in the creation of a video editing lab for teens to support the library system's annual teen video contest. Another success was beginning a collaboration with local schools called Literary Lunch where men from the community would read to students during their lunchtime. This program reached dozens of classrooms and hundreds of 5th and 6th grade students each year.Promoting reading, learning and fun among area students and schools was a great honor and a wonderful way to spend the work week. Show less

  • Programming Manager

    Jun 2017 - Feb 2022

  • Adult Services Librarian

    Feb 2013 - Jun 2017

  • Interim Branch Manager

    Oct 2015 - Jul 2016

  • Teen Services Librarian

    Feb 2007 - Feb 2013

  • Adult Services Librarian

    Sept 2006 - Feb 2007
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  Abacus cpas, llc

  Jun 2022 - Dec 2023

  Strategist of project results excellence (project manager)

  Used project management principles to manage, create and improve internal processes. Managed planning and logistics for all community events, staff trainings and leadership meetings. Worked with internal stakeholders to review and update firm procedures, processes and guidelines.

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  Advantive

  Jan 2024 - now

  Project manager

  Managing projects to deliver results on time, within scope and within budget.