Kristine Finco
Coon Rapids
Summary
Diligent operations executive with 20+ years of experience in both the education and retail industries. Specializing in payroll management, human resources and team leadership during these years. Proven in my past positions to optimize efficiency and increase growth through planning, problem solving and SOP improvement. Successfully managed large teams of 70+ staff and managers. Fostered professional development and enhanced employee satisfaction through daily support and using outside sources such as Gallup. I have 20+ years of experience in budgeting, compliance, conflict management and relationships in all aspects. Utilized my education and experience to drive operational excellence across multiple locations at one time. Pride myself in being an extremely loyal and hardworking employee always focusing on company success which includes the staff and the customers having a positive experience. Firm believer in people work for people which shows in high quality staff retention.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
COO
Nursing Values LLC / Epic Real Estate
04.2017 - Current
- Developed and implemented operational policies, procedures and systems to optimize efficiency, productivity and profitability.
- Managed a team of managers and staff across various departments, providing guidance, support and performance feedback
- Oversaw budgeting and finances to support cost reduction while maintaining quality standards
- Collaborated with other executives to develop long-term business strategies and plans for sustainable company growth
- Established strong relationships with vendors, suppliers and partners to negotiate favorable contracts terms and ensure timely delivery of goods / services
- Ensured compliance with relevant industry regulations by staying up-to-date on changes in laws/policies affecting the organization in both the education industry as well as retail.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by training and monitoring staff on positive customer interactions throughout all situations
- Streamlined inventory and supply management systems
- Managed all aspects of staff including training, onboarding, payroll, disciplinary actions, qualifications, scheduling, etc
- Cultivated a positive work environment promoting teamwork, collaboration, open communication and professional development opportunities
- Managed crisis situations effectively minimizing potential damage/ losses through prompt decision-making/ actions all of my centers remained open during the COVID pandemic to support essential workers
- Let the team in all operational aspects when the company acquired 5+ established centers/stores and built new centers/stores from the ground up
Area Manager
KinderCare Learning Centers
03.2011 - 04.2017
- Oversaw the operations of multiple child care centers within the North Metro area, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures
- Managed a team of 7 center directors and 70+ center staff, providing guidance, training and performance evaluations
- Developed and executed action plans to achieve enrollment targets, resulting in an increase of overall revenue based on consistent enrollment and controlling expenses
- Conducted regular center visits to assess compliance with operational standards, family experience, cost management and overall quality with DHS licensing and NAEYC standards
- Provided ongoing coaching, leadership training and development opportunities for center directors and managers. Lead full training days for staff within the Twin Cities market to enhance their leadership skills
- Held extra specialist positions which included Recruitment Manager which supported onboarding for all new hires in North Metro as well as a Subsidy Coordinator Pilot supported billing, copay collection and accounts receivable balances
Center Director
KinderCare Learning Centers
03.2003 - 04.2011
- Led a team of 10+ employees providing guidance and support to ensure efficient operations
- Managed daily operations, including scheduling, inventory management, curriculum development, payroll through ADP, subsidy billing through Anoka county, A/R accounts and all things related to staff and families
- Achieved 98% center capacity in enrollment through effective staff training and providing exceptional family experiences
- Maintained high standards of quality control to ensure customer satisfaction and continued good standing with governing bodies such as DHS licensing and NAEYC accreditation
- Managed the recruitment process, conducted interviews, made decisions based on qualifications and needs
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Superior, WI01-2003
Skills
- Operations management
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Data-driven decision making
- Organizational development
- Supervising
- Human resources management
- Process improvement
- Operations management
- Senior leadership
- Cost savings and reduction
- Personnel development
- Payroll
- Childcare
- Mentoring
- Teaching
- Accounts receivable
Certification
- Certified Food Protection Manager, 9/2023-9/2026
- Certified Sersafe Proctor, 11/2025-11/2028
- MN Teaching Licensure (Birth-6th grade), 3/2021-6/2026
Timeline
COO
Nursing Values LLC / Epic Real Estate
04.2017 - Current
Area Manager
KinderCare Learning Centers
03.2011 - 04.2017
Center Director
KinderCare Learning Centers
03.2003 - 04.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Wisconsin-Superior