- Giving back to the community
- Organization
- Avid Reader and book collector
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Traveling
Ashley Allen
Clarksville
Summary
Dynamic project management professional with over six years of experience in establishing and leading a Project Management Office from the ground up. Expertise includes engaging non-project managers to emphasize the office's significance, setting clear expectations, developing standardized templates, and monitoring project outcomes to ensure alignment with organizational goals. A strong focus on team building, collaboration, and operational efficiency has consistently driven measurable success. Recognized for adaptability and a commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and excellence while effectively navigating evolving organizational needs.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager, PMO
FORTERA
03.2024 - 11.2025
- Led team of Project Managers
- Taught project management skills, terminology, and standards to brand new PM
- Oversaw their project statuses
- Helped predict risks and possible constraints
- Strategic planning with executive team for future project years
- Resource allocation across 45+ projects annually
- Vendor research, review, and selection
- Built change management process to include ticketing system, procedures, and training
- Stood up three PM Softwares – Asana, Monday.Com, and Teamwork
- Developed project workbook for all aspects of a project from planning to close out.
- Wrote Project Management Policy
- Created templates for project artifacts to include Scope, Charter, Risk Log, Lessons Learned, Change Log, etc.
- Prepared monthly portfolio status updates for Executive Team.
- Reported on all aspects of Change Management including number of tickets, status of tickets, priority levels, etc.
- Recommended changes to project scheduling and future planning to accommodate changes in resources and potential risks.
Project Manager Team Lead
FORTERA
12.2021 - 03.2024
- Mentored junior project managers, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to track progress, address challenges, and adjust strategies.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Streamlined processes to reduce turnaround times and enhance service delivery standards.
Project Manager
FORTERA
08.2019 - 12.2021
- Oversaw the completion of approximately 12-14 projects annually.
- Completed weekly project status reports.
- Identified risks and possible constraints prior to them happening.
- Conducted multiple meetings daily.
- Completed project plans, project charters, and project scopes.
- Conducted lesson learned sessions.
- Communication with upper leadership on status updates and possible changes to plans.
Senior Branch Operations Coordinator
FORTERA
02.2017 - 08.2019
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency across departments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
- Trained new staff on operational processes, ensuring seamless integration into the team.
- Facilitated communication between management and staff, fostering a culture of transparency and teamwork.
- Oversaw scheduling and staffing, ensuring adequate coverage during peak operational periods.
- Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Managed branch budget, optimizing resources to achieve financial goals.
- Prepared project documentation for branch teams.
- Collaborated with other branches to share best practices and improve overall operational performance.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through effective communication and prompt resolution of issues.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable contracts for products and services.
Member Advisor
FORTERA
02.2012 - 02.2017
- Delivered exceptional member support through effective communication and problem resolution strategies.
- Educated members on product offerings, enhancing understanding and engagement with services.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in customer engagement and relationship building.
- Developed training materials to standardize member advisor procedures across the team.
- Implemented process improvements that increased operational efficiency within member services department.
- Delivered exceptional customer service through active listening, empathy, and timely communication with members.
- Increased branch revenue with the successful cross-selling of banking products and services.
- Adapted quickly to new banking regulations, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
Education
Masters in Business Administration - Management & Leadership
Western Governors University
Utah11.2022
Bachelor’s of Business Administration - Organizational Leadership
Southern New Hampshire University
New Hampshire05.2021
Skills
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Complex Problem-solving
- Staff training and development
- Task delegation
- Goal setting
- Documentation and reporting
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Project planning
- Contract Review
- Change Management
- Prioritization and Time Management
- Project planning and development
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- Six Sigma Black Belt
- Asana Ambassador
Interests
Awards
2024 President's Circle - For highest impacting successful project launch across the organization.
2023 - Empower Award - For the continued focus in empowering our organization forward.
Timeline
Manager, PMO
FORTERA
03.2024 - 11.2025
Project Manager Team Lead
FORTERA
12.2021 - 03.2024
Project Manager
FORTERA
08.2019 - 12.2021
Senior Branch Operations Coordinator
FORTERA
02.2017 - 08.2019
Member Advisor
FORTERA
02.2012 - 02.2017
Masters in Business Administration - Management & Leadership
Western Governors University
Bachelor’s of Business Administration - Organizational Leadership
Southern New Hampshire University