Carrie Pratt

About Carrie Pratt

Strategic operations leader with a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, animal welfare, and wildlife conservation. I bring a unique blend of field experience and business acumen, combining hands-on knowledge with proven leadership in driving organizational success.With a strong track record in program development, policy implementation, and team leadership, I thrive on turning big-picture strategies into meaningful, measurable outcomes. I’ve led high-performing teams, cultivated collaborative cultures, and consistently delivered innovative, efficient solutions that advance mission-driven goals.Passionate about making a difference—both in the field and at the organizational level—I’m focused on building systems that empower people, protect animals, and create lasting impact.CORE COMPETENCIES• STRATEGIC THINKING: Develop and implement strategies to achieve organizational objectives.•DECISIVE DECISION-MAKING: Able to make data-driven and timely decisions for the benefit of the organization. • COLLABORATION: Encourage a collaborative environment both internally and externally by building and maintaining strategic relationships• PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensure successful execution of projects and initiatives. • SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP: Demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all aspects of leadership while working to align the organization\'s strategies with socially responsible practices. • RISK MANAGEMENT: Identify and mitigate potential organizational risks. Effectively manage emergencies and crises. • EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Convey ideas and information to stakeholders across disciplines. •STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT: Build and maintain positive relationships with partners, donors, board members, employees, and other key stakeholders. •CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Committed to professional development as well as the exploration of new technologies and methods.•ADAPTABILITY: Navigate and lead through change and uncertainty

Experience

1. Director of Operations

   Gigi\'s

   Nov 2019 — Present · Columbus, OH, US

   Direct the daily operations of our state-of-the-art campus, providing homeless dogs from rural communities with high-quality shelter, veterinary care, behavior support, and adoption services.• Collaborate closely with the Leadership Team to enhance our facilities, elevate the standard of medical care, and expand our outreach and community engagement efforts.• Lead and support a dedicated team of 30 staff members, fostering a collaborative, compassionate, and mission-driven workplace culture.• Contribute to strategic planning initiatives, helping shape and execute the shelter’s long-term goals and organizational vision.• Design and manage comprehensive training programs for staff and volunteers, promoting best practices in animal care, behavior evaluation, and customer engagement.• Implement data-informed decision-making processes using key performance indicators to assess outcomes and continuously improve operational efficiency.• Build and maintain strong partnerships with animal welfare organizations, community leaders, and local stakeholders to advance our mission and expand our impact.• Oversee budget and financial operations, including procurement and accounts payable, ensuring efficient practices, fiscal responsibility, and strong vendor relationships.• Cultivate and steward donor relationships by leading events, collaborating with marketing on impactful campaigns, and effectively communicating the shelter’s needs, outcomes, and impact to inspire ongoing support.

Education

• Nova Southeastern University

  Master's of Science, Ocean Science, Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management

  1994 — 1997

• Denison University

  Bachelor's of Science, Biology

  1988 — 1992

Skills

• Marine Biology
• Field Work
• Environmental Education
• Wildlife Conservation
• Animal Welfare
• Wildlife
• Museum Collections
• Conservation Issues
• Animal Behavior
• Plant Identification
• Animal Husbandry
• Ecology
• Animal Work
• Zoo
• Printmaking
• Biology
• Museums
• Zoology
• Exhibit Design