Mary R. Lightbourne, Turks and Caicos Islands, (649) 232-2917, maryrlightbourne@gmail.com, Detail-oriented and performance-driven executive with over 10 years of experience in human resource management, team leadership, operations management, performance management, HR policies/procedures, relationship building, conflict resolution, and compliance management across various industries. Highly skilled in leading and developing teams in cross-functional environments, cultivating strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and developing recruitment strategies to advance organizational objectives., Performance Management, Workforce Management, Relationship Management, HR Policies/Procedures, Employee Lifecycle, Staff Development/Training, Recruitment Processes, Project Management, HRIS (PeopleSoft, Banner), Deputy Director of Tourism, Grand Turk Tourist Board, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, 12/2016, 06/2023, Governed the Grand Turk Tourist Board, which included overseeing human relations and the overall management of the Human Resources Unit to maintain strong relationships with staff., Staff Recruitment, Selection, on boarding, Retention and training and development., Record keeping and management of confidential staff documentation., Planned and executed special events for VIP guest into the Turks and Caicos Islands, Handled challenging situations and addressed guest complaint and concerns in a timely manner, Complied with all relevant tourism and hospitality regulations, Contributed to the development of the TCI Assured portal, to maintain health and safety protocol for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Over saw Product Development and effectively overseeing cruise-related activities to enhance the tourist experience., Utilized market and consumer research to identify new tourism products., Forged strategic partnerships with community stakeholders to maintain and enhance existing tourism products., Cultivated and maintained excellent relationships with various stakeholders, including the Board, Government Departments, Non-governmental Organizations, the Private Sector, and other community members, resulting in an increase in funding and support., Facilitated the development and execution of the overall marketing plan for the TCI Tourist Board, contributing to increase in brand awareness and an increase in visitor traffic., Aided in the successful management of the annual budget of the TCI Tourist Board., Acting Director of Tourism, Turks and Caicos Island Tourist Board, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 09/2019, 04/2020, Managed a team of 17 organization employees and the overall organizational operations to achieve strategic objectives & set goals., Ensured Company compliance with all applicable laws and regulations., Planned and executed over 20 TCI Board signature events, which enhanced stakeholder engagement and brand awareness., Demonstrated expertise in financial management, including department budgeting, Fostered strong relationships with the media, resulting in increased visibility and positive coverage for the TCI Board., Networked with key stakeholders, partners, and the TCIG to achieve common organizational goals., Leveraged skills in procurement and project management to optimize resources and ensure the timely delivery of projects., Led the organization's signature event, the 2019 Tourism Environmental Awareness activities, achieving significant success in raising awareness of environmental issues within the industry., Head of Secretariat – Ministry of Education, Turks and Caicos Island Government, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, 12/2012, 12/2016, Established and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders including the Permanent Secretaries Board, Cabinet/House of Assembly Secretariat, and Deputy Governor's Office to facilitate smooth and efficient communication and collaboration., Assisted the Permanent Secretary/Minister in the preparation of policies and papers for the Permanent Secretaries Board., Liaised with Deputy Governor's Office for advice regarding Permanent Secretaries Board, Cabinet, and House of Assembly matters., Reviewed/tracked issues coming to the Permanent Secretary from the House of Assembly, Ministry, TCIG, and outside TCIG., Coordinated the Ministry's business plans & risk register, ensuring accurate records were kept to support informed decision-making., Responded to Parliamentary Questions on behalf of the Minister, demonstrating exceptional communication skills., Administered a database of relevant Cabinet actions for the Ministry and worked closely with the Permanent Secretary to ensure actions were implemented in a timely and effective manner., Documented records of the Permanent Secretary's and Minister's decisions, providing a reliable reference for future planning., Orchestrated and managed protocol for Ministry functions and Permanent Secretary's and Minister's international travel engagements, working collaboratively with senior press and protocol officers within the Office of the Premier as required., Registrar, Turks and Caicos Community College, Grand Turk, Turk and Caicos Islands, 01/2011, 12/2012, Functioned as the Custodian of grades, registration numbers, and student personal records/data with impeccable attention to detail., Updated & disseminated student academic records in compliance with established policies and procedures, ensuring accuracy., Fostered the implementation of academic policies and procedures, collaborating with the faculty to ensure seamless execution., Showcased proficiency in the implementation and management of information systems for more than 200 staff and students., Served as the official record keeper for faculty/staff contracts and leave entitlement, ensuring compliance with established protocols., Organized classes in the absence of professors, leveraging communication and organizational skills to facilitate learning outcomes., Implemented a comprehensive backup system for storing student academic records, ensuring the protection of sensitive data., Exceeded goals and assigned tasks, consistently delivering high-quality work while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence., Human Resource Executive, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, 05/2009, 12/2010, Maintained confidentiality of employee information through the HR database, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations., Collaborated with the Training Department to deliver comprehensive orientation and induction programs to 15+ new staff, showcasing excellent collaboration skills., Presented high-quality reports to the Director of Tourism, providing valuable insights to enhance organizational performance., Addressed complaints and resolved staff issues, leveraging conflict resolution skills to maintain a productive work environment., Streamlined the recruitment/selection of competent staff, utilizing a range of sourcing methods to identify and attract top talents., Conducted thorough organizational needs analyses to identify gaps in staffing and skill sets., Monitored advertisements and shortlisted 30+ candidates for vacant positions, ensuring fair and transparent recruitment processes., Researcher, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Davie, Florida, 07/2007, 04/2009, Consulted with the Director to successfully plan and execute projects, utilizing proactive data acquisition from internal NSU sources and external software., Directed research on prospects to evaluate their capacity, and assigned them to the appropriate Development Professionals., Developed research profiles for university-wide Development Professionals, contributing to the enhancement of their performance., Updated the development database (Banner) by conducting thorough research, ensuring the accuracy of information and data., Assistant to the Registrar, American InterContinental University (AIU), Weston, FL, 08/2006, 07/2007, Supported the University Registrar in maintaining/monitoring students’ database, through (People Soft) records and file auditing., Provided valuable support to the University Registrar in critical areas such as transcript evaluations, student certifications, attendance record keeping, registration of new and continuing students, grade processing, and progression initiatives., Verified the completeness of relevant application documents for prospective students, ensuring a smooth admissions process., Public Relations Officer, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Miami, FL, 06/2000, 08/2006, Produced engaging and effective weekly press releases and newsletters to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands., Represented the Turks and Caicos Islands at various international trade shows, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills., Cultivated relationships with members of the Caribbean Tourism Organization & stakeholders of the Turks and Caicos Islands., Office Executive, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Miami, FL, 1997, 2000, Operated office telephone hotline and mailed promotional information to clients, contributing to the success of marketing efforts, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, 09/30/09, American Intercontinental University, Weston, FL, Bachelor of Business Administration, Human Resource Management, 06/2007, Human Resource Development Masters Certificate – Nova South Eastern University, Human Resource Management Certificate – University of the West Indies, Trinidad, Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Certificate – George Washington University, Tourism Management Certificate – BIMAP, Barbados, Public Relations Certificate – BIMAP, Barbados, Tourism & Travel Agency Management Diploma (Distinction) – Cambridge Tutorial College, Administrative Corporate Secretary-Ship Certificate – University of the West Indies, Trinidad, Rotary Club of Grand Turk, Grand Turk, President, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, Turks & Caicos National Trust, Turks and Caicos Islands, Member, 2019, Microsoft Office Suite (MS Outlook, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Publisher), Google Workspace, People Soft, Personal and Professional Development, Languages: English (Native)