NATALIE T.

PEDRAZA
10308 Paddington Crescent, Munster, Indiana 46321
219.924.2494
773.350.5468
natalie1066@yahoo.com

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
Remarkably astute, motivated and results-driven senior executive with an impress
ive record of success in managing all facets of project life-cycle development a
s well as in delivering simultaneous, large-scale projects within quality, budge
t and time constraints. Possess stellar reputation in revitalizing operations an
d reinvigorating underperforming, cross-functional teams and departments to driv
e strong and sustainable productivity gains, cost reductions and quality improve
ments. Show paramount efforts in identifying and implementing innovative solutio
ns to complex problems with a hands-on, lead-by-example style that fosters a cul
ture of teamwork, shared mission and dedication to operational excellence. Extre
mely effective in globally competitive, stressful and fast-paced environment whi
le juggling multiple priorities.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Project Management and Change Management
- Organizational Needs Assessment
- Outstanding Customer Service and Relations
- Continuous Process and Performance Improvement
- Leadership, Training and Team Building
- Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
- Time Management and Prioritization
- Budget Implementation and Cost Control
- Organized with Strong Analytical Abilities
- Problem Resolution and Decision Making
- Articulate Oral and Written Communication
- Superior Interpersonal and Negotiation Skills

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

METROPOLITAN PIER & EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (MPEA) ~ CHICAGO, IL

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT & BUSINESS DIVERSITY 2008–PRESENT
Expertly manage the Procurement Program’s entire purchasing function for McCormick P
lace and Navy Pier. Preside over Diversity Program and meticulously identify pro
curement opportunities for small and diverse businesses. Provide MWBE contract a
nalysis and contractor information to Procurement for Board review and award. Pe
rform comprehensive analysis of applicant financial audits to determine ownershi
p, control, management, experience and performance viability. Build and cultivat
e long-term quality relationships with internal and external customers by provid
ing superior customer service and innovative solutions to their needs.
Notable Achievements:
- Incurred cost-savings to the department by utilizing comprehensive exper
ience in strategic planning, forecasting, supplier management, and negotiations
- Implemented benchmark practices and industries standard for various cont
racts
- Facilitated market and product research to identify market trends and an
alyze business development opportunities
- Developed road map utilizing technology to optimize the entire operation
al process
- Drove all efforts to successfully complete projects within scope, budget
, time, and roles and key responsibilities
- Worked collaboratively with Legal and Procurement Department to streamli
ne processes and implement new strategies pursuant to the MPEA Act and procureme
nt guidelines
- Adhered strict compliance to MPEA Act and procurement guidelines during
the implementation of an online contract compliance system
- Served as an integral member of the Chief Procurement Officers Committee
and Diversity Action Committee
- Significantly reduced the timeline required for completing Board write-u
ps by identifying bottlenecks in the Board report process and by developing shel
l templates
- Maximized skills and potentials of personnel resulting in improved deleg
ation of tasks and rapid attainment of departmental objectives
- Initiated the development and improvement of the existing RFP/IFB proces
s
- Successfully took over and completed two major procurements with stringe
nt timelines and were non functional since early 2008
- Provided expert advice to the CFO on positions and job titles consistent
to industry standards

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CENTRAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES (CMS) ~ CHICAGO, IL (2004–2007)

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM 2006–2007
Displayed unsurpassed leadership and expertise in developing and implementing a
statewide diversity program to assist in overall CMS vision and specific CMS str
ategies supporting statewide procurement. Established and cultivated relationshi
ps with internal agencies and external stakeholders.
Notable Achievements:
- Introduced and implemented a comprehensive strategy that increased oppor
tunities for small and diverse businesses
- Designed a plan that successfully integrated BEP policy decisions with P
rocurements’ daily operations
- Played a vital role in increasing outreach efforts by more than 50%
- Doubled contracts set-aside for small businesses through successful impl
ementation of procurement policy
- Maintained efficient operations by developing compliance and monitoring
outreach component
- Optimized efficiencies through successful implementation of technology t
ools

STRATEGIC SOURCING MANAGER 2004–2006

Applied dynamic leadership talents in all phases of procurements for statewide m
aster services contracts, evaluation of proposals, contract negotiations, and co
ntract compliance.
Notable Achievements:
- Analyzed and approved procurement businesses cases for portfolio spend o
f $2B
- Created a systematic procurement calendar, thus leading to timely and ef
ficient purchase of products and services
- Secured $170M opportunity to minority/women business enterprises by impl
ementing new target market goals
- Instituted a new marketing strategy Sell 2 Illinois and carried out all
aspects of website development, monthly newsletter publication, and 200+ outreac
h events coordination

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ~ CHICAGO, IL

HUMAN RESOURCE IT MANAGER 1998–2002
Conceptualized an overarching hiring plan focused on recruiting qualified candid
ates while integrating best practices in areas of inclusion, teachers, business
managers, teacher assistants, and customer service. Overhauled the image of CPS
in partnership with human resources to drive success in the recruitment plan. Fo
stered an inclusive environment of teamwork and cooperation and successfully mot
ivated employees to participate in operations planning to ensure provision of wo
rld-class customer service. Expertly managed projects encompassing both technolo
gy and non-technical initiatives.
Notable Achievements:
- Exceeded hiring activity by 104% over a three-year period from original
base of 1,500 teachers hired annually
- Forged seven high-performing technology and administrative staff members
who thrived at forming internal technology unit to promote technology for chang
e management and productivity enhancement
- Revitalized relationships between HR department and principals resulting
to a cohesive and well-motivated work environment
- Realigned critical decisions in budget implementation and ensured the su
ccess of an HR website that generated more than 2M hits monthly, as well the sch
ool-based intranet staffing system and online application system for recruiting
new personnel
- Streamlined the HR systems, creating a department recognized by principa
ls and administrators for innovation and responsiveness

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE

SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR, Department of General Services ~ City of Chicago,
Chicago, IL: 1988–1998

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

COURSEWORK IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, 2003
Chicago State University, Chicago, IL
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND BUSINESS, 2002
PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION, 1998
DePaul University, Chicago, IL

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY
SOFTWARE: MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook) and Visio
| DATABASES: Access and Oracle