Chandra Pleas
Nashville
Summary
Seasoned Workforce Development Director with a robust background in budget analysis and strategic leadership at the State of Tennessee. Expert in managing multi-million-dollar grants, cultivating partnerships, and driving compliance and resource optimization initiatives. Proven skills in employee training and client relations enhancement, ensuring operational excellence.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Workforce Development Director III
State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
09.2023 - Current
- Oversaw 250 grants/contracts totaling $90 million, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Facilitated communication between sub-recipients and workforce boards for program success.
- Strategically supported state programs through development and implementation of initiatives.
- Enhanced partnerships and funding efforts through stakeholder collaboration.
- Directed grant proposal processes, aligning with goals and regulatory requirements.
- Mentored team in best practices using 2 CFR200 and other federal guidelines.
Workforce Development Director II -
State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
05.2020 - 09.2023
- Oversaw grant proposal processes, ensuring compliance with state regulations and funding requirements.
- Directed budget planning and allocation for development activities, optimizing resource utilization.
- Mentored team members in best practices for donor engagement and relationship management.
- Worked closely with Assistant Adminstrator to develop the Grants and Budgets office
- Oversaw implementation of grants solution software- SmartSimple
Workforce Development Director
State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
08.2018 - 01.2020
- Promoted to Director after 1st year of employment.
- Tasked to manage and develop dysfunctional team
- Implement new processes
- Provide budgetary oversight for grants
- Trained internal and external staff on financial reporting, grant management and customer service
Grants Analyst III
State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
10.2017 - 08.2018
- Identified trends through data analysis, informing effective policy recommendations.
- Generated detailed reports on workforce initiatives for state stakeholders' review.
- Implemented strategic workforce programs by collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Enhanced decision-making by utilizing software for data interpretation and insights.
- Prepared budget and financial reports demonstrating effective fund usage, monthly updates.
Project Lead
Xerox/Conduent
2006 - 11.2016
- Increased efficiency by leading 24/7 TennCare Call Center operations.
- Trained staff on TennCare Medicaid processes, enhancing team knowledge and performance.
- Served as liaison between Xerox staff and TennCare leadership, improving communication.
- Hired and developed high-performing teams, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
- Implemented process improvements by leading cross-functional teams for streamlined workflows.
- Developed project plans aligned with organizational goals and client expectations.
Education
Master of Arts - Literature
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TNBachelor of Arts - English Literature
Hampton University
Hampton, VASkills
- Budget analysis
- Client relations specialist
- Effective team leader
- Strong verbal/written communicator
- Data organization
- Employee training
- Medicaid expertise
- Committed team member
Timeline
Workforce Development Director III
State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
09.2023 - Current
Workforce Development Director II -
State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
05.2020 - 09.2023
Workforce Development Director
State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
08.2018 - 01.2020
Grants Analyst III
State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
10.2017 - 08.2018
Project Lead
Xerox/Conduent
2006 - 11.2016
Master of Arts - Literature
Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Hampton University