Michelle Simon

About Michelle Simon

I specialize in supporting private retail, wireless, and senior living CEOs and boards of directors through elite executive office ownership and in-depth strategic operations and governance. I work closely with executives and board directors to expose early warning signs of execution blockers by focusing on the objectives that matter to the business, and act as a support structure rather than a barrier.As an accomplished C-Suite Chief of Staff, I develop high-performing, winning executive office teams and corporate programs. I provide business continuity across restructures, office builds, and large-scale transformations and foster clarity and trust so the C-Suite can sleep at night knowing the organization is protected against operational, financial, and executions risks.I’ve done this successfully for $400M-$850M mid-market companies including Leisure Care (7K residents), Wireless Advocates, and Car Toys (600+ employees) and multi-state footprints. With a powerful blend of financial and operational acumen, high EQ, and a knack for leading cross-functional teams and working across complex matrices, I develop talent, inspire proactive action, and position the company C-Suite to execute successfully.BUDGET, PORTFOLIO AND EQUITY STEWARDSHIP - managed corporate multi-million budget cycle, real estate portfolio, and capital improvement budget while leading long-range budget planning and lease strategies that protected revenue and reduced costs.RESTRUCTURE AND CHANGE LEADERSHIP - executed confidential Chapter 11 and multi-state restructures, closures, and asset transfers for 48 locations and 600+ employees within weeks while sustaining continuity of operations and communications.EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND BOARD GOVERNANCE - governed 60+ board meetings, 320+ leadership meetings, and executive assistant standards for a 7 C-Suite executives - improved follow 80%, reduced schedule conflicts 20%, and cut contract approval times 50%. CULTURE, COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT - led 1,500+ corporate events and communications, including TED-style company meetings and cultural programs for 80K+ attendees while sustaining up to 100% participation through strengthened engagement. I solve complex business challenges, anticipate and close execution gaps, build trusted relationships, think big, and have the courage to develop bold ideas. Let’s connect!Michelle S••••••••@gmail.com20••••••58Gallup® CliftonStrengths® - Maximizer® Relator® Belief® Strategic® Arranger®

Experience

1. Chief of Staff to Chairman & CEO

   Car Toys

   Jan 2023 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Partnered closely with the CEO to execute strategic initiatives and organizational priorities across multiple national business units with 700+ employees. Successfully supported WA-based executives remotely from FL.C-Suite Chief of Staff - Trusted thought partner, advisor, and confidant to the Chairman & CEO, President, CFO, CIO, VP Marketing, COO, and CHRO of confidentialities and early warning execution blocker detection- Governed quarterly and ad hoc board meetings- Led C-Suite office operations: calendars, travel, meetings, off-sites, agendas, access, communication, and legal- Executive assistant governance improved communication, and standards- Sustained C-Suite retention through onboarding and company integration.Budget & Portfolio Management - Managed real estate portfolio, capital improvements, and led key store lease negotiations and renewals- Led annual corporate budget cycle and cross-department strategic planning sessions to synthesize strategy, plan, priorities, budget, resources,+1 and +3 long-range goals and forecasts- Led contract renewals and partnerships. Operations Excellence - Corporate Restructure, Office Build/Moves - Executed confidential voluntary Chapter 11 restructure pre-filing, closure, inventory and sale for 48 locations, 4 states, and 600+employees- Managed 60K sq. ft. office build and a 2-company move into 1 location on time and on budget- Sped up contract approval for new and existing vendor contracts by implementing digital legal reviews, signatures, filings, and a CEO-approved authority matrix.Corporate Programs, Events, Communications - Led company meetings, kick offs, leadership meetings, financial closes, and remote town halls- Keynote communication preparation and delivery of branded CEO communications- Hosted culture and holiday events- Managed employee/board equity program- Raised $1M through corporate match across 50 national stores.

Education

• University of the Nations

  AA, Early Childhood Education

  1989 — 1991

Skills

• Office Administration
• Microsoft Word
• Spreadsheets
• Human Resources
• Budgets
• Event Management
• Marketing
• Meeting Planning
• Outlook
• Training
• Customer Satisfaction
• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Confidentiality
• Fundraising
• Leadership
• Payroll
• Public Speaking
• Expenses
• Travel Arrangements
• Social Media
• Employee Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Project Planning
• Event Planning
• Management
• Team Building
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Customer Service
• Public Relations
• Process Scheduler
• Hospitality
• Time Management
• Purchasing
• Inventory Management
• C-Level Executive Support
• Calendaring