ORA PANITZ CHAIKEN

1036 Sonoma Avenue

Menlo Park, CA 940252

Mobile: 650-207-1173. Email: ora@odsd.org

Web: http://www.linkedin.com/in/orachaiken

SUMMARY

Motivated manager with broad skill set, including financial and data analysis, accounting, sales and customer support, program management and web content management. Experience working at high-tech and start-up companies, willing to jump-in where needed. Expertise in identifying key information and presenting it clearly, translating between technical and non-technical audiences. Seeking staff or contract position in the renewable energy / energy efficiency industry.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

· Implemented complete web commerce solution for Stagecast Creator, award-winning software

· Created database-driven web sites for Softbank Expos events, providing competitive differentiator

· Analyzed key sales data for Data General executive sales staff, enabling the development of targeted sales and marketing programs

· Initiated online banking for Menlo Park PTO accounts and reorganized monthly reporting, resulting in greater clarity of operations

EDUCATION

Cornell University. MBA with Distinction, 1988; B.A. with Distinction in Economics, 1987.

Businesswomen's Association; Phi Beta Kappa; Dean's List; Cornell Tradition Fellow.
London School of Economics. Geography Department, 1985-86.

EXPERIENCE

Financial Analyst / Treasurer, Encinal PTO & PTO Council, Menlo Park, CA. 2006-2008, 2009-2010.

• Developed and managed Encinal’s $100,000 annual budget, allocated to 40+ committees.
• Filed taxes, managed accounts receivable and accounts payable, monitored cash flow, and prepared annual and monthly financial statements and variance reports.

Manager, Web Site Marketing and E-Commerce, Stagecast Software, Palo Alto, CA. 1998-2001

• Designed, implemented and maintained corporate web site.
• Implemented e-commerce solution, including merchant accounting, online and offline ordering, transaction processing, manufacturing and order fulfillment.
• Presented software at industry trade shows.
• Designed and implemented interactive content database integrated with web site; managed electronic software distribution; implemented and promoted discussion lists; participated in web site marketing and general marketing and sales activities; ensured compliance with COPPA; analyzed usage data; managed web contractors, performed search engine optimization (SEO).
  
  

Director, Web Site Strategy, Design And Implementation / Director of Client Relations, Softbank Expos (Formerly Part of Ziff Davis), Foster City, CA. 1995-1998

• Created site content and maintenance plan for all Softbank events.
• Managed web site producers and HTML/programmers.
• Wrote specifications and selected developers for content management application and event marketing and scheduling tool.
• Developed and documented business processes needed to implement new Web functionality, leveraging existing resources and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure solutions achieved common goals.
• Managed client expectations and developed clear statements of work for each account.
• Developed proposals for external clients.
  

Account Executive, Internet Media Services, Palo Alto, CA. 1994-1995

• Consulted with sales prospects, prepared site development proposals and closed sales.
• Managed contracts from proposal to project completion.
• Assisted with business strategy and resolved operational issues.  
  
  

Sales Automation Analyst, Data General Corporation, Westborough, MA. 1993-1994

• Trained sales staff on the use of sales automation tools.
• Improved closed loop system to track sales activity in targeted areas.
• Integrated plans between Sales, Marketing, Executive Management and Information Systems to increase value derived from sales automation tools and Lead Management System.

Sales Support Manager, Data General Corporation, Westborough, MA. 1990-1993

• Developed and executed strategic and tactical plans required to win commercial sales opportunities in the Americas.
• Wrote proposals in response to RFPs; coordinated and prioritized corporate resources needed for responses.
• Analyzed and secured executive approval of pricing strategy.
• Participated in associated projects including Executive Partner Program, Corporate Quality Council, New Business Steering Committee, compensation analysis and lead generation program.

Lead Generation System Manager, Data General Corporation, Westborough, MA. 1989-1990

• Developed and executed sales lead generation programs.
• Coordinated telemarketing, field sales seminars and direct mailings to market computer systems and applications. Managed telemarketing training and workload.
• Worked with sales executives to implement strategic and fiscal objectives.
• Developed feedback and measurement system to monitor effectiveness.

Management Associate, Data General Corporation, Westborough, MA. 1988-1989

• Supervised the 9-person Production Control Department at the Printed Circuit Board Fabrication Plant, utilizing automated stockroom and shop floor control system.
• Produced MRP II (Manufacturing Resource Planning) Sales Guide.
• Analyzed product costs, risks and opportunities, in cost accounting group.

PERSONAL

Enjoy writing, travel, gardening, woodworking, skiing. Married with two children. Member of SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Write, edit and critique fiction and non-fiction for pre-K through young adult readers.