K A R E N A . J O N E S

QUADKJ@MSN.COM I PRESCOTT, AZ 86301 I Join me at LINKEDIN

HIGHER EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL AND ADVOCATE

Dedicated to serve and enhance student success in higher education through entrepreneurial

thinking and strategies. My innovative approaches are accomplished through continued

professional development, collaboration with other experts, and strong leadership to bring

about sustainable action plans.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Yavapai College 2009–Present

Executive Assistant for the District Governing Board and the President 2013–Present Coordinator for the President’s Office 2011-2013 Purchasing Assistant 2009-2011

Service to the College has been highlighted by rapid advancement to a leadership position. Possess knowledge and a respected understanding of Board/College procedures and operations to assist the Board and College Executive Leadership in a continued focus on our education mission. My experiences give me a unique perspective of Executive Leadership within Higher Education regarding the challenges, resources, and initiatives for success. This experience also provides insight of how my role, and the role of others, conduct valuable work that assists the College and Board to work in concert to meet the expectations of students, community, and national/state agencies.

Summary of Accomplishments

District Governing Board (DGB) Special Projects: o Conduct annual Outreach Projects with civic leaders and community members through

Focus Forums, surveys, and written/verbal communication strategies o Initiated and continued support of a Board Advisory Committee to gather community

feedback o Deliver objective analysis and summary of community feedback using Institutional

Research (IR) Standards o Provide Orientation/Training for new Trustees to include introduction to Policy Governance,

Board and College policies/procedures, along with Arizona State regulations. o Produce the DGB Annual Report o Sustain the DGB Website to include Board members bio/photos; biennial survey of county

residents; agendas and minutes for public record; news & information; annual report; annual budget; and governance process/policies

o Leader of the International Policy Governance Association (IPGA) - Board Administrators’ Hub to share policy governance best practices, training, and continued education

o Presenter at the 2013 and 2014 Annual IPGA Conference which hosts organizations from around the globe

K A R E N A . J O N E S

President’s Special Projects: o Pathways committee member that is implementing a National Initiative for Student Success o Public Relations with national, state, and local leaders through day to day correspondence

and annual communication strategy o Support member for the Executive Leadership Team, President’s Leadership Team, and

Faculty Professional Growth Committee o Professional support for the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council of

Presidents from 2013 to 2014 o Assist with Buckey O’Neill Society, President’s honorary club, to enhance student

leadership skills. o Yavapai College Representative for the Arizona Women of Higher Education Association o Coordinated the 2015 Annual National Conference of Rural Alliance of Community

Colleges that was hosted by Yavapai College

Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe 2004-2005

Purchasing Agent

Position required an expert understanding of both Federal and State Tribal Gaming procurement regulations, along with thoughtful consideration to coordinate the diverse cultural customs with regulated business practices.

Summary of Accomplishments

Accountable for all purchasing transactions for Yavapai Gaming Agency. Initiated procurement transactions by locating state authorized vendors, establishing

conditions, and negotiating price that best met the needs of the agency. Presenter of monthly purchasing proposals to the Yavapai Gaming Commission.

Processed requisitions, executed purchase orders, tracked delivery, verified conditions, and authorized payment.

Leader of five (5) staff positions to include job delegation, training, and evaluation.

JC Penney 1994-2004

Assistant Store Manager

Career highlighted by rapid promotion to Management. Position required a diverse skill set to successfully interact with Executive/Senior Leadership, entry level employees, and customer relations. Essential understanding of local demographics to successfully purchase and offer the correct mix of merchandise to meet customer needs and wants.

Summary of Accomplishments

Retained as the sole In-store Merchandise Manager after company implemented downsizing from four (4) to one (1) management position.

Leader for 90 to 110 associates. Accountable for hiring, developing and annual performance appraisals.

Maximized store sales and profit by implementing merchandising programs including: customer service, training, merchandise space allocation, exit strategy, and effective communication with corporate officers.

Chairman’s Award 10 years (1994 – 2004). Award presented to the top 10% of all JC Penney stores exceeding sales and profitability.

K A R E N A . J O N E S

EDUCATION

Master of Education Degree Educational Leadership with emphasis in Community College/Higher Education 2014-2016 • Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

Bachelor of Science Degree Business Administration and Management with Minor in Marketing • Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

Continuing Education Varity of Accounting, Information Technology, and Leadership courses • Yavapai College, Prescott,, AZ

AWARDS AND HONORS

Roger Runyon Scholarship Yavapai College Foundation August 2015

Professional Staff Nomination Association of Community College Trustee (ACCT)

October 2015

P.E.O. Scholarship Philanthropic Educational Organization

Fall 2015

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Universal Public Procurement Certification Council 2012