Catherine Dunko

About Catherine Dunko

I’m a fashion merchandising professional with 10 years of experience in product selection, trend forecasting, and strategic merchandising for retail environments. Holding a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising, I’ve developed a strong eye for design and a keen understanding of consumer behavior.Over the years, I’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to create compelling product assortments and drive sales in fast-paced retail settings. My experience spans both corporate buying and visual merchandising, with a passion for translating market insights into curated offerings that appeal to diverse customer bases.After spending a decade in retail, I transitioned into the construction industry, where I’ve spent the past five years managing permitting and project coordination. This role sharpened my project management, organizational, and collaborative skills, which I’ve found complement my design sensibility and retail background.I am particularly drawn to roles in home staging, interior design, and corporate retail buying or merchandising, where I can merge my creativity with my operational expertise to create spaces and assortments that resonate with customers.

Experience

1. Permit Coordinator

   Waltbillig & Hood General Contractors, Llc

   Apr 2024 — Present

   Oversee all aspects of permitting for construction projects. Consistently manage large scale projects throughout multiple municipalities from pre-construction through project completion- Monitored progress of ongoing projects closely, consistently over 50 permits at a time, addressing any unexpected changes or hiccups proactively- Advised clients on required documents and necessary steps in obtaining permits to streamline their experience- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, leading to smoother coordination efforts- Enhanced workflow efficiency by implementing a digital permit management system.

Education

• Western Illinois University

  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Family and Consumer Sciences, Fashion Merchandising

  2004 — 2009