Catherine Davis-Calnan
Sydney,New South Wales
Summary
Pragmatic professional with solid experience in leadership roles. Adept at implementing strategic business plans, driving growth, and improving operations. Skilled in financial management and stakeholder relations. Collaborative and dedicated to building and leading talented and motivated individuals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
PTO Vice President: Enrichment
Sunrise Elementary School
05.2015 - 08.2017
- Recruited skilled professionals from diverse fields for career day presentations which inspired students'' future career aspirations.
- Championed student-focused programs within the school by advocating for their implementation at district-level meetings.
- Contributed to creating a positive school climate through active participation in special events such as book fairs, carnivals, service days.
- Successfully managed multiple ongoing initiatives simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of all objectives.
- Streamlined PTO operations for increased efficiency, utilizing organizational tools and prioritizing tasks.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
PTO Board Member: Literacy Chairperson
White Eagle Elementary School
08.2011 - 06.2014
- Collaborated with other board members to develop strategic plans for the PTO's literacy programs.
- Recruited and trained volunteers to support literacy events school wide.
- Assisted in grant writing efforts that secured funding for additional library resources.
- Implemented effective marketing strategies for promoting PTO-sponsored events, increasing attendance rates.
- Spearheaded the implementation of new initiatives for enhanced academic opportunities. including peer to peer reading programs.
- Organized fundraising events for improved school resources and extracurricular programs.
- Directed quarterly literacy events such as Book Week, Author visits, reading competitions, and Book Fair
Visual Merchandiser
Loft - Naperville, IL
09.2012 - 03.2014
- Created visually appealing displays that highlighted featured merchandise
- Utilized effective time management skills to complete projects on tight deadlines
- Developed and implemented creative visual merchandising strategies to maximize sales of products
- Ensured all displays were set up according to company standards and guidelines
- Created and maintained compelling merchandise presentations to engage customers and help stimulate sales activity
- Updated mannequins and fixtures to keep visuals fresh and current
- Organized product placement on shelves and racks to enhance visibility and appeal
- Reorganized store displays to create more visual impact and appeal
- Aligned visual displays with store guidelines and brand standards.
Store Manager
White House Black Market - Raleigh, NC
08.2010 - 02.2011
- Hired, trained, and mentored managers and associates to create customer-obsessed sales strategies to attract and maintain a solid client base
- Set sales targets for team members and managers to follow, consistently achieving or exceeding revenue goals, bringing the store from a B grade to a AA $million store.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with staff to ensure job expectations were met or exceeded
- Oversaw day-to-day store operations to foster efficient and profitable operations
- Solved problems and resolved conflicts for team members and customers
- Provided leadership and motivation to team members to increase productivity and efficiency within the store
- Implemented loss prevention strategies, alleviating both internal and external shrink
- Analyzed sales numbers and performance metrics to locate deficits and implement process improvements
- Developed and executed marketing plans to promote store products and services
- Set and implemented strategic goals and initiatives to align with White House Black Market's mission, values, and vision.
PTO President
Creech Road Elementary School
08.2004 - 06.2007
- Collaborated with school administrators to identify areas of need and develop targeted strategies for improvement.
- Empowered committee chairs to successfully plan and execute their respective responsibilities, ensuring timely completion of goals.
- Promoted a positive school culture by recognizing outstanding teacher achievements through awards ceremonies and acknowledgements at meetings.
- Managed budget effectively for various PTO initiatives, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
- Oversaw the planning of annual staff appreciation events, creating a positive atmosphere that acknowledged hard-working educators.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of PTO programs and events, using parent feedback and attendance data to inform future planning decisions.
- Coordinated successful volunteer recruitment drives, resulting in a more active and involved parent community.
- Led fundraising efforts to raise significant funds for school programs and improvements.
- Enhanced communication between parents, teachers, and administration by implementing regular newsletters and updates.
- Implemented new methods of reaching out to underrepresented families within the school community, increasing diversity in PTO membership.
Store Manager
Loft - Cary, NC
06.2002 - 08.2003
- Hired to open a new, high-volume store location and tasked with recruiting, hiring, and training a full staff to meet the needs of the business
- Directed the new staff to successfully set up and launch a new store opening
- Created and curated styling events to coincide with new product launches
- Provided leadership and motivation to team members to increase productivity and efficiency within the store
- Addressed employee issues, performed corrective actions, and terminated employment when necessary
- Utilized KPI data analytics techniques to identify areas for improvement to optimize business performance
- Set and implemented strategic goals and initiatives to align the company with its mission, values, and vision
- Cultivated long-term relationships with key clients to increase customer loyalty and retention.
Store Manager
Gymboree - Cary, NC
09.1998 - 06.2002
- Initially hired to manage and revitalize an underperforming store with multiple loss prevention issues, address challenges, and implement new strategies for success
- Within three months, I was promoted to manage a AAA volume store
- Oversaw all aspects of store operations, including payroll, financial tracking, and loss prevention
- Efficiently executed merchandising plans and diligently maintained Gymboree Best Practices and implemented sales strategies specific to the Gymboree Brand
- Recruited, hired, trained, developed, and maintained a low turnover sales staff who partnered with me to deliver superb customer satisfaction
- My store had the lowest employee turnover rate in the company for two consecutive years
- Successfully managed a high volume store that consistently performed over sales plan, within payroll budget, with a low shrink rate.
Education
No Degree - Law (Pre-Law)
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Education
Florida Christian College
Kissimmee, Florida05.1992
Skills
- Program Support
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Relationship and Team Building
- Leadership and People Development
- Planning and coordination
- Sales Growth
- Profit and Loss Management
- Process Improvements
- Customer Service
- Visual Merchandising
- Retail Operations
- Meticulously detail-oriented
References
References available upon request
Timeline
PTO Vice President: Enrichment
Sunrise Elementary School
05.2015 - 08.2017
Visual Merchandiser
Loft - Naperville, IL
09.2012 - 03.2014
PTO Board Member: Literacy Chairperson
White Eagle Elementary School
08.2011 - 06.2014
Store Manager
White House Black Market - Raleigh, NC
08.2010 - 02.2011
PTO President
Creech Road Elementary School
08.2004 - 06.2007
Store Manager
Loft - Cary, NC
06.2002 - 08.2003
Store Manager
Gymboree - Cary, NC
09.1998 - 06.2002
No Degree - Law (Pre-Law)
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Education
Florida Christian College
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