Karen Parker
Mebane, NC 27302--
I am a successful work from home professional interested in expanding into the Human Resources/
Recruiting field.
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Work Experience
Executive Assistant
Manpower@IBM - Mebane, NC
September 2012 to Present
2016 Circle of Excellence Award winner. Named Best of North American Manpower Global
Administration Team by IBM in 2015 as part of the 139 Award Program. Support Vice Presidents located
at various work sites via Lotus Notes, Sametime, Slack, Concur and various other systems. Perform
calendar management by scheduling meetings, conferences and video conferences while making
adjustments based on constantly changing priorities and scheduling conflicts. Coordinate global and
national teleconference meetings with both internal and external participants.. Arrange domestic and
international travel. Complete expense reports and process invoices. Other various tasks and projects
as requested.
Sales Associate
The Gap Factory Outlet - Mebane, NC
2010 to 2012
Greet customers and assess customer needs. Demonstrate and provide insight into the products.
Encourage new products and increase sales to meet daily goals. Provide excellent customer service.
Accurately handle cash transactions; operate fitting room area meeting company standards; assist
with stock room processing stock and replenishing product as needed. Assigned to various teams
such as shipment team receiving and processing incoming stock, promotions team placing sales
signage, and pricing team processing markdowns. Skillfully perform multiple tasks in a high volume
sales environment. Additional responsibility for sale of corporate credit card program. Assisted with the
grand opening of the store when Gap Factory Outlet was opened at this particular location. Assist with
new employee training.
Manager, Field Technology
GREAT AMERICAN LIFE (GAFRI) - Cincinnati, OH
1998 to 2005
Led 3-person team in all facets of technology marketing management for insurance and financial
services organization with $65M in annual revenue and $12B in client assets. Challenged to vitalize
internet sites to optimize customer service and marketing opportunities resulting in a 95% increase
in site usage. Provided expert-level technical support on vital IT projects and implementations for
both operational and marketing areas. Functioned as liaison between field teams and IT, effectively
communicating business needs into technical specifications. Managed key projects, to include
analyzing requirements, establishing scope / deliverables, determining priorities, and allocating
resources. Planned and managed project budgets. Proven success introducing process improvements
and staff development initiatives driving corporate goal attainment. Expert communicator able
to resolve conflict and negotiate solutions. Participated in the development of department job
descriptions. Screened potential employees, hired, trained, mentored and cultivated a successful
team. Communicated and enforced human resource policies and procedures. Executed benefit
presentations and performance evaluations. Experienced with Personnel Improvement Plans as well as
other disciplinary procedures. Participated in termination processing and managing current employees
in a downsizing environment.
Key Achievements:
➢ Applied extensive knowledge/experience in financial services and insurance to identify missioncritical business requirements and translate them into core technology initiatives, streamlining
processes to increase sales and improve operations productivity.
➢ Expanded scope of operations from supporting one product market to assisting all corporate product
lines.
➢ Instituted robust policies and procedures to ensure seamless operation as well as compliance with
industry standards.
➢ Designed, documented, and presented training on various marketing systems.
Field Relations Specialist
INTEGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY - Raleigh, NC
1996 to 1998
Cultivated and managed vital relationships with network of Marketing General Agents to align sales
force goals with organizational objectives. Devised and executed marketing initiatives for various
insurance / financial products and oversaw their integration / production. Developed and presented
training sessions focusing on product knowledge and sales as well as key updates regarding legal/
regulatory issues.
Key Achievements:
➢ Leveraged contact management solution to track customer / stakeholder interaction and to enhance
marketing and sales programs.
➢ Named to task force that assessed internal operations to identify solutions for operational
streamlining of workflows that captured significant cost savings.
Marketing Consultant II
SECURITY LIFE OF DENVER - Denver, CO
1994 to 1996
Identified and analyzed internal / external customer requirements for strategic marketing and
deployment of Inforce illustration system. Prepared and delivered comprehensive training programs on
system use and marketing concepts. Provided general support for enterprise marketing campaigns to
help increase sales.
Key Achievement:
➢ Selected to serve as member of high-profile task force that transformed sales proposal structure to
ensure adherence to National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) standards.** ** **
Additional experience includes role of Marketing Support Representative with Life Partners Group.
Education
HR Assistant
Manpower Acceleration Program via University of Phoenix
May 2018 to Present
Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable
Manpower Acceleration Program via University of Phoenix
March 2017 to March 2018
Bachelor's in Business Administration
Salem State University - Salem, MA
September 1983 to June 1987
