Karen Johnson

Experience

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  Delta Sigma Pi

  Jan 1981 - Jan 1985

  Brother
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  The White House

  Sept 1982 - May 1983

  Paid Intern in Mail/Messenger Operations - Office of Administration

  20 hour per week position as Assistant to the Chief of Operations under President Ronald Reagan, while a sophomore at Georgetown University.Passed intense investigation of 50 references to gain security clearance.

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  IBM

  May 1984 - Aug 1984

  Financial Apprentice

  Summer paid internship abroad in the Finance and Planning Division of IBM Zurich.

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  Citibank International

  Aug 1986 - Nov 1990

  International Services Manager

   Recruited from management training program to supervise 11 customer service representatives handling intense investigations and corrections of US dollar money transfers by European banks. (Swiss/Israeli) Trained 100+ staff on new Microsoft Windows software, including Citibank Paris staff.

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  International Business Service Alliance (IBSA)

  Oct 1991 - May 1993

  Development Director

  • Reported directly to the President of international venture capital firm, specializing in lending for land development, commercial real estate and film production. • Developed mailing lists, presentations and phone scripts for staff.

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  Waccamaw Media

  Sept 1993 - Jan 1998

  Office Manager

   Managed advertising clients/payroll/HR for private cable TV advertising and film production group.  Procured products/ services, including printing and location needs.  Contributed to script creation, design, cover art and post-production product.  Performed voiceovers.

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  AVX Corporation

  Apr 1998 - Mar 2001

  International Sales Manager

   Evaluated sales/projections for local, regional and international manufacturing and distributors of the Thomson Passive Components division. Reported to TPC International HQ in Paris, France. Developed and led employee training seminars, booked sales, traced shipments.

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  Chicora Property Management

  Sept 2001 - Sept 2006

  Portfolio Community Association Manager

   Managed public relations, property operations and communication for a portfolio of single family, high rise & condominium HOAs, as well as emerging communities under developer control.  Supervised administrative and maintenance staff. Active in Chamber of Commerce activities. Secured bulk purchases, job bids, negotiated contracts and advised each Board of Directors.

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  Sands Resorts Group

  Sept 2006 - Mar 2012

  Director of Owner Services & Design Sales

   Member of Executive Council, developing hospitality improvements  Built relationships with new, prospective and existing owners. Evaluated condo interiors, recommended and sold (over quota) repairs and renovations to improve the quality of lodging offered to resort guests.  Established an onsite showroom, a password protected owner website and new vendor relationships. Improved lease contract rental agreements, created Excel based inspection forms.  Negotiated contracts for goods by container, online, wholesale and from local providers. Show less

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  K.A. Diehl Inc.

  Apr 2012 - Jan 2013

  Community Management- Myrtle Beach Resorts

   Supervised operations for staff of 35 at resort with over 1,000 units, recreational facilities, F & B operations, convenience store, coin laundry and conference center.  Cultivated relationships with realtors. Planned and managed improvements as well as satisfied owner expectations. Responded to emergencies and needs of five independent Boards of Directors.

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  University of Pikeville

  Apr 2014 - Feb 2016

  Executive Assistant to the CFO

   Managed establishment process for the new Kentucky College of Optometry, including USDA loans, bond issue, grants, proposals, private donor solicitation and stewardship. Supervised project staff from IT, Development, Public Relations and President’s office. Negotiated with contractors, architects, bankers & state/local officials on plans, costs, timing & PR. Participated in Board of Trustees committee meetings & workshops.

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  Self-employed

  May 2014 - Jan 2022

  Freelance Writer
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  UPIKE's Career and Professional Development

  Sept 2014 - Mar 2016

  Major Gifts Officer

  Created an edited content for letters to major gifts program repeat donors

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  West Virginia Community Action Partnership

  Apr 2016 - Sept 2019

  Executive Assistant

   Manage grants and compliance for nonprofit programs such as SSVF, CSBG and RCAP in WV. Develop training for staff in the 16 WV CAP agencies. Support Board of Directors. Created marketing plan for outreach. Enhance Social Media presence. Photographer/Designer. Ensure smooth operation of annual conference. Liaison with speakers, caterers and vendors. Organizes travel arrangements for national and state-wide commitments. Proficient in MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook and PowerPoint. Show less

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  Liptelligence

  Aug 2019 - Jan 2024

  Voice Talent and Writer
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  FirstService Residential

  Aug 2020 - Jan 2021

  Community Manager

  Tidewater Colony

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  THE EYES HAVE IT, LLC

  Dec 2020 - now

  My goal is to help startup companies, small businesses and wildly excited entrepreneurs increase their presence develop their brand and get new business. Contact me for a personal analysis, free 30 minute chat and more.. text me at (843) 780-1824 to request a consult.

  • Social Media Coordinator

    Mar 2022 - now

  • Company Owner

    Dec 2020 - now
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  Saltwater Grande

  Mar 2021 - Jul 2021

  Administrative Assistant
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  Dream Finders Homes - The Carolinas

  Feb 2022 - Feb 2025

  Office Coordinator
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  University of NC Greensboro

  Jan 2025 - Mar 2025

  Senior Development Assistant

  • Supported the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development in the Advancement Division at the University of NC Greensboro.• Managed office operations at both downtown Greensboro and the Johnson Alumni House on campus.• Coordinated meetings, events, and travel arrangements for the development team.• Assisted in donor relations and fundraising efforts to support the university's initiatives.