Lesley Ridge Allen

About Lesley Ridge Allen

I started my career in marketing and communications at the moment organizations were learning how to tell their stories in a digital world finding ways to connect with people that felt clear, human, and meaningful.What I didn’t expect was that every project would pull me deeper into operations. I found myself mapping systems, fixing bottlenecks, aligning teams, and building the internal frameworks that created efficiency and empowered teams to do their best work. Across my career, I’ve lead a rebrand for a long-established organization, rebuilt core systems and workflows, redesigned revenue models, guided major transitions, and developed new processes to support long-term sustainability.My experience now spans strategy, operations, communications, and organizational leadership. I’ve led cross-functional initiatives, supported executive teams through planning and change efforts, and built systems that bring clarity where there was previously ambiguity. Whether the challenge is growth, restructuring, modernization, or alignment, I’m often the person asked to make sense of it, design a path forward, and help teams execute it.Currently as vice president, I work across departments on strategic planning, operational improvement, and major organizational initiatives. My work often sits at the intersection of vision and execution helping leadership teams translate ideas into structures, priorities, and workflows that teams are empowered to carry out.My background in communications is one of my biggest advantages in strategy and operations work. Change only works when people understand it, trust it, and know how to carry it out. I enjoy translating big ideas into practical systems, aligning teams around priorities, and communicating in ways that create clarity during periods of growth or transition.I do my best work in environments that value autonomy, accountability, and clear direction as well as places that respect history but aren’t afraid to evolve. I’m especially drawn to roles focused on strategy, operations, transformation, and strategic initiatives, where I can work across functions to improve how organizations think, plan, and execute.Outside of work, I’m usually tinkering with some kind of system to a great song (maybe a spreadsheet, sometimes a framework, sometimes a LEGO build with my son) reorganizing ideas, reading, and convincing myself that the right pair of glasses (or cup of coffee) can solve half of life’s challenges.I’m always open to thoughtful conversations about working at the intersection of strategy, operations, and growth.

Experience

1. Vice President of Communications, Marketing, and Enrollment

   Erie Catholic School System

   Jul 2024 — Present · Erie, PA, US

   Serve as a senior leader responsible for aligning strategy, operations, communications, and enrollment across a multi-campus school system. Partner closely with executive leadership to support organizational growth, improve operational clarity, and guide complex initiatives that require cross-functional coordination. My role sits at the intersection of strategic planning and execution, with a focus on building systems, improving processes, and helping teams move from ideas to action.Key contributions include: • Partner with President and senior leadership to translate organizational priorities into actionable plans across multiple campuses and departments • Lead development of a year-round enrollment and prospect pipeline, improving long-term sustainability and reducing reliance on reactive recruitment cycles • Guide high-stakes organizational initiatives, including campus transition and restructuring efforts, while maintaining strong family retention and stakeholder trust • Identify opportunities for operational improvement and cost savings by aligning communication, technology, and workflow systems across the organization • Oversee cross-functional work involving academics, advancement, finance, operations, and school leadership to ensure consistent execution and accountability • Use strong communication and change-management skills to support leadership decisions, build alignment, and help teams navigate periods of transition

Education

• St. John's College High School

  High School Diploma

  2002 — 2004

• Carnegie Mellon University

  Bachelor of Arts, Professional Writing

  2004 — 2008

• Carnegie Mellon University

  Master of Arts, Professional Writing

  2009 — 2009

Skills

• Press Releases
• Facebook
• Social Media Marketing
• Blogging
• Social Media
• Media Relations
• Public Relations
• Strategic Communications
• Copywriting
• Digital Media
• New Media
• Event Management
• Community Outreach
• Editing
• Research
• Marketing Communications
• Web Content
• Creative Direction
• Event Planning
• Indesign
• Social Networking
• Digital Strategy
• Cms
• Youtube
• Web Analytics
• Google Analytics
• Marketing Research
• Writing
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• New Business Development
• Community Relations
• Pitching
• Brand Awareness
• Community Development
• Community Management
• Content Development
• Content Strategy
• Corporate Communications
• Crisis Communications
• Digital Marketing