Candidate Q&A - Director of Operations 2017

[JeffT]

This thread is for questions and answers for the candidates for the 2017 Director of Operations of Altonimbus Entertainment.

Please remember the following when participating in the Q&A threads. The normal forum code of conduct applies, except:

There is a partial exemption to the rule that forum discussion cannot be about a person. You may incorporate personal comments, including praise or criticism, into your election questions and answers, and ensuing discussion, but only regarding candidates who are running for a position, or about another person if it is directly entangled with an issue germane to the outcome of the election. In so doing, you must still exercise standard courtesy, and refrain from profanity, disruption of the discussion, excessive vitriol, and irrelevant comments. Please keep in mind that there will be an opportunity for spoken comments at the elections meeting.

[Dealrith]

What are some of the things from this year that you think went really well in this department?
What are some of the things from this year that you think need to be improved on in this department?




What makes you think you're right for this position?




Are then any points that you can help improve in other departments if you're director if this one?


And because I have your attention, who isn't your favorite person?

[Kerensky18]

What are some of the things from this year that you think went really well in this department?


My management team was amazing this year. We implemented new techniques which made the transition smooth; including a IT ticketing system and a map to track where our staff are deployed.


What are some of the things from this year that you think need to be improved on in this department?


The partnership with the OCC needs to be improved in regards to badge checking and line control. This may require additional staff to be hired within Operations.


What makes you think you're right for this position?


I have 14 years of experience volunteering for conventions including 9 years in a management role. I have reduced the operations budget by 40% while maintaining the expected level of service. I have made important staffing decisions which have resulted in further cost- savings for the convention. It is my plan to continue to improve the Operations department so that we may continue to scale efficiently as we grow in attendance. I’ve already put into place a good part of the groundwork required to grow seamlessly with minor increases in staff year over year and would like to continue that work this year. 


Are then any points that you can help improve in other departments if you're director of this one?


My team and I work closely with registration and have already made improvements with the registration systems and deployment. Further improvements are planned for this year. Furthermore, based on the rant and rave suggestions I’d like to pursue the following with the relevant departments.


1) Better Signage: Explaining what is down each hall each day, and to denote gaming vs exhibit hall


2) Staff Handbook: This would be done in conjunction with Membership and Secretary to help train staff in all the roles we have at con.


3) Staff Hour Tracking: In conjunction with the staff badge pick-up so that we may track staff hours in total, instead of the department specific sheets we have now.




And because I have your attention, who isn't your favorite person?


I don’t pick favorites / least favorites J