Joey Ward

About Joey Ward

I’m an operations leader who likes owning the “how”.I’m at my best when I’m making the messy parts of work feel simple—and making sure the systems behind the scenes are strong enough that a team doesn’t need heroics to hit its goals. I like to see how work moves from idea to execution, how information gets tracked, how teams stay aligned without endless meetings, and how data stays clean enough that reporting isn’t a monthly fire drill. I build dependable operating systems with clear workflows, tight documentation, and trustworthy reporting, so teams can move faster with fewer mistakes and less stress.I’m a self-motivated builder by nature. I like small, high-trust environments where you can take ownership, move quickly, and make improvements that show up immediately, empowering leaders to make impactful decisions because the data is finally telling the truth that move the business forward.In my current role at Align Impact, I’ve done this across complex, high-volume workflows. I’ve constructed or reworked processes to improve accuracy and turnaround time, built dashboards that translate operational noise into leadership-ready insight, and strengthened data quality across platforms like Salesforce and Addepar. I\'ve also used Salesforce automations and Python scripting to reduce manual data entry, validate inputs, and catch issues early. I’m comfortable in the details (data reconciliations, system version control, KYC requests and audits, SOPs) and I’m equally comfortable zooming out (define KPIs, standardize definitions and data structures, single source of truth databases)The part of operations I enjoy most is designing for people. A process isn’t “good” if it looks clean on paper but is hard to follow in real life. I care about clear ownership, clean handoffs, and tools that teams actually stick with. I’ve partnered across functions, coordinated with vendors, and trained teammates with different levels of comfort around data and systems, because adoption is the difference between a system that exists and a system that works.Outside of work, I volunteer with a mutual aid group in LA\'s Los Feliz neighborhood, distributing meals and essentials to unhoused neighbors. It keeps me grounded to local concerns and teaches me what consistency and follow-through look like in the \"real world\". I’m open to roles across operations, data analytics, and systems administration, whether in impact or beyond. If you’re building something and need a steady operator who can bring structure, clarity, and momentum, I’d love to connect.

Experience

1. Operations Associate

   Align Impact

   Apr 2024 — Present · Santa Monica, CA, US

   Managed end-to-end reporting pipeline for 1,500+ active alternative investments-Constructed diagnostic Python script to identify data discrepancies using calculated values for Unfunded Commitment, Paid-in Capital, and Since Inception Distribution history-Developed 5 additional Python scripts that automate monthly and quarterly reporting tasks-Oversee administrator role within Salesforce related to user permissions, field requirements, and page layouts-Designed a Salesforce task-management dashboard to centralize project tracking and capacity planning, improving visibility and accountability across teams-Built an Addepar data-quality dashboard that identified reporting issues across 45 fields and delivered clear, one-step fixes to improve data hygiene and reduce ambiguity -Streamline Salesforce service cloud through the creation of 70+ flow automations, reducing average clicks per action by 67%-Built a KPI framework and dashboard (34 metrics) translating 1,400 operational data points into leadership-ready insights to guide adoption and performance improvement-Automated cross-team collaboration using Salesforce and Monday.com to process 24 grants for foundation and DAF clients

Education

• University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business

  International Business and Operations Management

  2018 — 2022