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Office with a View

Hi, I’m Steve Townes

Learn About Me

I’m thrilled to invite you to explore my work, skills, and professional experience, and get to know a bit more about me. A born go-getter. I give 100% to every new project I take on. It’s my firm belief that a good challenge is a great way to develop and improve, which is why I make a point of seeking out challenges in the professional realm as well as in my personal life. Take a moment to look around, and contact me directly to learn more.

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Past Experience

What I’ve Done

Day in and day out, I’m constantly taking on new and interesting projects that help me build my personal brand. From industry-related tasks to unusual and sporadic opportunities, each experience I’ve had has turned me into who I am today. Have a look at everything I’ve done, and send any questions my way.

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Signing Contract

Vice President of Operations

November 2023 - Present

Oversee the day-to-day operations of The Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana developing and implementing strategies to ensure the organization's success and growth by managing the organization's staff, budget, and resources.

Stang-up Meeting

Chief of Staff, The Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana

September 2021 - November 2023

Oversee strategic business initiatives from development through successful execution under the guidance of CEO and BOD; Assist and communicate with executives in decision-making, program management, and initiative implementation; Review, design, and execute on improvements to organizational structure, find knowledge and skills gaps, and help address them; Improve current processes and coordinate administrative procedures for optimized efficiency and productivity; Serve as liaison between staff, executives, and CEO, regarding company climate, employee well-being, project updates, proposals, and planning; Assist with new hires, including documentation and onboarding, and collaborate to address and resolve all employee concerns; Oversee daily operations through collaboration with CEO, CFO, and strategic partners, performing an array of administrative tasks from managing calendars, generating correspondence, maintaining hard copy and electronic files, planning and coordinating weekly, monthly, and annual meetings, and scheduling facilities; Build and develop relationships with all stakeholders for increased efficiency and effective responsiveness into existing operations, and help to define new operational strategies, working with CEO, BOD, and stakeholders on special projects; Serve as a subject matter expert, handling inquiries and developing action plans to address them, and assisting with the preparation and dissemination of communications.

White File Folders

Executive Assistant I, Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana

November 2018 - September 2021

Report directly to the President and CEO, provides executive support in a one-on-one working relationship. I serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters of the Office of the President. I also serve as a liaison to the board of directors and senior management teams; organizes and coordinates executive outreach and external relations efforts, and oversees special projects. I am creative and enjoy working within a small, entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven, results-driven, and community-oriented. I can exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, administrative and organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities. I am fully capable of working independently on projects, from conception to completion. I can work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion. I complete a wide range of administrative tasks for the President & CEO, including managing an extremely active calendar of appointments; complete expense reports, compose and prepare correspondence that is sometimes confidential, arranging complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas; and compile documents for travel-related meetings. Plan, coordinate, and ensure the CEO's schedule is followed and respected. Provide "gatekeeper" and "gateway" role, creating win-win situations for direct access to the CEO's time and office. Communicate directly, and on behalf of the President and CEO, with Board members, donors, Foundation staff, and others, on matters related to CEO's programmatic initiatives. Research, prioritize and follow up on incoming issues, and concerns addressed to the President, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determine appropriate course of action, referral, or response. Provide a bridge for smooth communication between the President's office and internal departments; demonstrating leadership to maintain credibility, trust, and support with senior management staff. Work closely and effectively with the CEO to keep him/her well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately. Acts as a "barometer," having a sense of the issues taking place in the environment and keeping the President updated. Provide leadership to build relationships crucial to the success of the organization and manage a variety of special projects for the President, some of which may have organizational impact. Complete critical aspects of deliverables with a hands-on approach, including drafting acknowledgment letters, personal correspondence, and other tasks that facilitate the CEO's ability to lead the company effectively. Prioritize conflicting needs; handles matter expeditiously, proactively, and follows-through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures. Serve as the President's administrative liaison to The Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana board of directors. Assists board members with travel arrangements, scheduling, and meal planning as needed. Maintain discretion and confidentiality in relationships with all board members. Adhere to compliance with applicable rules and regulations set in bylaws regarding board and board committee matters, including advance distribution of materials before meetings in electronic/paper format—senior Management Liaison. Participate as an adjunct member of the Executive Board, including assisting in scheduling meetings and attending all meetings. Assist in coordinating the agenda of Executive Board meetings and off-sites, and all committee meetings. Facilitate cross-divisional coordination of travel and outreach plans. Communications, Partnerships, and Outreach. Ensure that the President's bio is kept updated and responds to requests for materials regarding the President and the organization in general. Edit and complete first drafts for written communications to external stakeholders. Work with the Strategic Initiatives Team in coordinating the President's outreach activities. Follow up on contacts made by the President and supports the cultivation of ongoing relationships. Edit all and create acknowledgment letters from the President to donors.

US Army Soldier in Universal Camouflage

Human Resources, Logistics & Training Director, US Army

August 1995 - March 2018

Executive director for a Headquarters and Headquarters Infantry Company consisting of more than 225 Soldiers, 60 Noncommissioned officers 30 Officers, and 2 Federal Technicians, ensures the unit is always in the highest state of readiness. Responsible for the health, welfare, morale, training, and development of all assigned Soldiers and their families; conducts operations and training on counterinsurgency and full-spectrum operations; assists the Operations Sergeant Major in the planning, preparation, and execution of combat training missions; enforces tactical and Soldier discipline; responsible for the accountability, readiness, and employment of six sections with assigned weapons and equipment valued more than $4,000,000. Facilitates Military Decision-Making Processes (MDMPs) for the command group and nine command directorates; writes and executes the equitable distribution of Operation Orders, Fragmentary Orders, and Warning Orders; coordinates and synchronizes logistical and administrative support among local agencies and authorities to facilitate doctrinally sound, realistic, and efficient training; manages and professionally develops four Staff Sergeants. Advises the Commander, Battalion (BN) Operations Section (S3), and Unit Administrator on all technical aspects of Basic Combat Training to include areas of maintenance, planning, support, and conduct and evaluates training programs for each Military Operation Specialty throughout the Battalion; acts as the primary liaison between Brigade (BDE) S3 to the BN to guide higher; supports Inactive Duty Training/Annual Training activities, schedules military school seats for Officer Education System and NCO Education System career development, provides recommendations for training, Yearly Training Calendar, Yearly Training Guidance, and Standard Operational Procedures. Develops and maintains all training records; monitors, schedules, and prepares training; assists Soldiers in personnel actions and schedules service school attendance; plans and executes unit mobilization plans; attend schools and conferences as required; operates Digital Training Management System and other training systems; maintains positive control of over $80,000 worth of equipment; responsible for coaching, teaching, mentoring and overall health and welfare of all assigned personnel. Reviews and meets or exceeds the unit's mobilization readiness objectives; acts as the Commander's representative when voicing concerns related to readiness; prepares for and recommends solutions to unit deployment requirements; coordinates daily with all other unit support functions to ensure readiness evolves with the mission, policy, and directives; monitors medical readiness of all personnel and oversees the unit Family Care Plan program. Responsible for the day to day supervision of training management, mobilization planning, supply, maintenance, pay and personnel functions relating to the welfare of the Soldiers and mission capability; acts as the Commander's day to day representative and spokesman in the daily operations of the unit. Advises the Commander on training, logistics, personnel, and unit mobilization readiness requirements and ensures that the unit maintains comprehensive mobilization plans including vehicle load plans, unit movement plans, convoy clearance requests, and training and personnel requirements; reviews and implements mobilization directives and regulations; obtains all required data and prepares unit readiness reports; monitors the Equipment on Hand (EOH) and the Equipment Readiness (ER) status and keeps the Commander informed on these and other issues and ensures the highest readiness status of the unit. The senior Non-Commissioned Officer in a Light Infantry Company; Company Commander's primary advisor and the expert on individual and leader skills; advises the Commander on the unit's health and morale; monitors the wellbeing and professional growth of the unit's Soldiers; ensure discipline and integrity is maintained throughout the Company; lead trainer and mentor of the Company's Soldiers; assists the Commander in planning, coordinating and supervising all activities that support the unit's mission; operates where the Commander directs or where he can best influence a critical point or what is viewed as the unit's decisive point. Managed fielding of 6 high-tech, multimillion-dollar products that, in less than 12 months, went from conception to production, these systems were highly instrumental in the success of the Iraqi Freedom Operation. Upgraded training curriculum and methods, cross-trained personnel in job duties resulting in lower supervision requirements, and significant cost savings in replacing unit property and equipment. Managed and automated the Logistics Section of a 160-person installation responsible for budgets, materials, and resources, improved the effective resource utilization rate from 30% to 90% in less than 12 months, saving more than $70,000 in cost of replacing serviceable equipment with minimal change in personnel. Supervised and performed duties involving request, receipt, storage, issue, accountability, and preservation of individual, organizational, installation, and expendable supplies and equipment; received, inspected, inventories, loads, unloads, segregates, stores, issues, delivered and turned in organization and installation supplies and equipment; operated unit level computer (ULC); prepared all unit/organizational supply documents; maintained automated supply system for accounting of organizational and installation supplies and equipment; issued and received small arms and crew-served weapon systems, tactical and non-tactical vehicles; secured and controlled weapons and ammunition in security areas; scheduled and performed preventive and organizational maintenance on weapons, vehicles and equipment; inspected completed work for accuracy and compliance with established procedures; coordinated logistics activities; reviewed and annotated changes to unit material condition status report; posted transactions to organizational and installation property books and supporting transaction files; determined method of obtaining relief from responsibility for lost, damaged and destroyed supply items.

On Site

Soldier, US Army

March 12, 1992 - March 18, 2018

Retired, Sergeant First Class, Various Positions & Locations

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Academic Experience

Learning and Living

Being a lifelong learner is a trait that is really important to me, and I know that a good education is not just for the schoolyard. Some lessons were learned in the traditional way, while others I have received from professional mentors, industry professionals, and in some cases, friends and family. I’d love the opportunity to talk to you about how my academic background could benefit you, so get in touch.

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MBA, International Business, American Intercontinental University

Preparation for diverse career opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad – with business corporations (including multinational enterprises), nonprofit organizations, international institutions, and government agencies. With an “emphasis” in functional areas such as accounting, finance, information systems, management or marketing.

BBA, International Business, American Intercontinental University

Coursework in global awareness by exploring the diverse environments, management concerns, financial issues and marketing questions faced by international business organizations in preparation to conduct business in a variety of global markets.

AA, Business Administration, American Intercontinental University

Core business courses focus on subjects like finance, management, organizational psychology, communication, statistics, economics, accounting, business law, business marketing, information technology and emphasizes critical thinking, mathematics and computer skills.

Proficiencies

Knowledge & Expertise

My skills have been built up over years of professional work experience as well as research and simple observation. I have a great balance between industry-specific skills and soft skills, which means I have what it takes to do brilliant work and make a contribution to any team. If you’re interested in getting to know more about me, and the skills I possess, get in touch. I’d love to discuss with you all the tools, skills and more I can put to use for you.

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Leadership

Advanced

I have both a research area and a practical skill encompassing an individual or organization's ability to "lead" or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations.

Professor Lecturing on Stage

Training

Advanced

 I have a verifiable record of teaching and developing others, skills, and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies focused on goals of improving one's capability, capacity, productivity, and performance.

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Project Management

Advanced

Extensive practice of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria at the specified time by achieving all of the project goals within the given constraints.

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Logistics

Advanced

Well versed in a detailed organization and implementation of complex operations overseeing the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet requirements of customers or corporations by managing tangible goods such as materials, equipment, and supplies, food and other consumable items by the integration of information flow, materials handling, production, packaging, inventory, transportation, warehousing, and often security.

Customer Service

Customer Service

Advanced

Responsive, timely, adaptive, problem-solving oriented, patient, consistent as well as key product knowledge required to provide effective service.

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Human Resources

Advanced

Oversee various employment aspects, such as compliance with labor law and employment standards, administration of employee benefits, and organizing of employees' files with the required documents for future reference. Planning, recruitment and selection process, posting job ads, evaluating the performance of employees, organizing resumes and job applications, scheduling interviews and assisting in the process and ensuring background checks, payroll and benefits administration including vacation and sick time, claim resolutions, reconciling benefits statements, and approving invoices for payment. Also, coordinate employee relations activities and programs including but not limited to employee counseling and regular personnel maintenance, ensuring current HR files and databases are up to date, maintaining employee benefits and employment status, and performing payroll/benefit-related reconciliations.

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Awards


Combat Infantry Badge

Army Commendation Medal (2)

Army Achievement Medal (4)

Army Good Conduct Medal (2)

Army Reserves Component Achievement Medal (3)

Army Service Ribbon

Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal

National Defense Service Medal (2)

Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (3)

Iraq Campaign Medal w/ 3 Campaign Stars

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (2)

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ "M" Device w/20-Year Silver Hourglass

Overseas Service Ribbon (2)

Indiana Volunteer Emblem (2)

Indiana Emergency Service Ribbon

Indiana Overseas Ribbon (3)

Indiana Long Service Medal (2)

Indiana Outside Continental United States Ribbon

Air Assault Badge

US Army Certified Small Group Instructor

US Army Basic Instructor

US Army Battle-Focused Instructor 

US Army Expert Marksman Rifle

US Army Expert Pistol

US Army Expert Machine Gunner

US Army Expert Grenadier

Federal Firearms License

Certified Master Gunsmith

Smith & Wesson Armorer

US Army Small Arms Master Gunner

NRA Certified Pistol

NRA Certified Rifle

NRA Certified Range Safety

Indiana Veteran Business Enterprise (IBVE)

Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE)

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE)

Federal sUAS Certification

Certificate of Completion Ambassador Institute for Civic Engagement

Certificate of Completion for Leadership Fort Wayne

Army Medals
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Traditional Library

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Special Qualifications & Personal Attributes

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PeopleSoft, MS Dos & Enable, GroupWise, Novell Networking, Certified First Responder, Microsoft Excel,  Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Project, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Access, QuickBooks, IBM Lotus Notes, Conflict Resolution Report Writing, Leadership, Strong Writing & Communication  Skills, Interpersonal  Leadership, Mentoring & Training, Manage projects in a multicultural team environment, Knowledge of security screening  or other related security processes, Skill in workforce planning and scheduling,  Lead direct, coordinate, supervise and manage the work of a diverse workforce, Licensed FFL Holder, Certified Minority & Disabled Veteran Business Owner, Certified NRA Instructor, USA Infantry Course, Primary Leaders Course, Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Unit Readiness Leader, Recruiting & Retention Course, Training Officers Course, HAZMAT Leaders Course, Emergency Managers Course, Human Resource Managers Course, Physical Security Manager Course, Cybersecurity Manager Course, Battlefield Instructors Course, Small Arms Master Gunner, Family Readiness Manager Course, Personnel Manager Course, Resiliency Manager Course, Gunsmith, Electronic Military Personnel Office System (eMILPO), Defense Travel System (DTS), Global Assessment Tool (GAT), Defense Integrated Military Human Resource System (DIMHRS), Property Book Unit Supply Enhanced System (PBUSE), Health Readiness Record System (HRR), Central Clothing and Distribution Facility System (CCDF), Interactive Personnel Electronic Records Management System (iPERMS), Army American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS), Information Assurance Support Environment (IASE), Personal Identifiable Information Protection Certification, Commanders Safety Program Certification, Additional Duty Safety Program, Media Awareness Certification, Range Operations Certification, Sexual Harassment / Assault Response Prevention Certification, Radiation Safety Certificate, Public Affairs /Social Awareness & Influence Certificate, Remote Work Certification, Institute for Civic Engagement, Leadership Fort Wayne

Veteran Memorial Service

Memberships

Community Engagement

Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.
Fort Wayne Black Chamber of Commerce
GFW Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Administrative Professionals Fort Wayne
American Legion
American Legion Riders
American Veterans Motorcycle Club
AMVETS
American Gulf War Association
Association of the United States Army-
Come As You Are Community Church 
Combat Vets
Disabled American Veterans
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
National Guard Association of Indiana
Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States
National Association for Black Veterans
National Rifle Association
National African American Gun Association
United States Concealed Carry Association
National Infantry Association
Non-Commissioned Officer Association
Support Our Soldiers
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Wounded Warrior Project
Izaak Walton League of America
Drone Assist Indiana
Indiana Pilot-Institute
Ambassador Institute for Civic Engagement
Leadership Fort Wayne

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Interests

Airplane
Image by Elijah O'Donnell
Image by Advait Berde
Paris
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Image by Thomas Tucker
Bow & Arrow
Image by Element5 Digital

Private piloting, reading, motorcycle riding, cultural activities, martial arts, firearms training, archery, and travel.

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Deschain Arms, LLC

Owner, Gunsmith, Firearms Instructor

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Image by Helloquence

Personality & Leadership Assessment

The Advocate personality type is sporadic, making up less than one percent of the population, but they nonetheless leave their mark on the world. These individuals take concrete steps to realize their goals and make a lasting positive impact. Advocates have an inborn sense of idealism and morality, but what sets them apart is that they are not idle dreamers.

People with this personality type tend to see helping others as their purpose in life. Advocates are often engaging in rescue efforts and doing charity work. However, their real passion is to get to the heart of the issue so that people need not be rescued at all.

These personality types are conscientious, diligent, and pay attention to detail. They constantly strive for accuracy and exacting standards. They have an inner drive to be systematic and precise in all that they do. They are a natural choice for work that requires attention to detail and accuracy.

(D)ominance - 29% | (I)nfluence - 7% | S(teadiness) - 32% | C)onscientiousness - 33%

My Holland Code: SRA (Social / Realistic / Artistic)

Primary Learning Style: Logical, Physical & Social

Clifton Signature Themes: Responsibility, Achiever, Relator, Learner, Maximizer

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Image by Holly Mindrup

“Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”

― Sun Tzu

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Contact

260.410.5586

(260) 673-7079

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