Robyn Hovey
Springfield
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in contract implementation, monitoring, and fiscal analysis within state government and private sectors. Demonstrated success in business services and procurement, including preparation of bid specifications. Skilled in managing customer and vendor relationships, leading to significant enhancements in service delivery and client satisfaction.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
Work History
SBDC Network Coordinator - ICDR II
IL Dept of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Springfield
11.2023 - Current
- Delivered fiscal and program management support for DCEO and the federally funded Illinois Small Business Development Center Network.
- Established and administered contractual agreements with Illinois Small Business Development Centers, operated by universities and private, not-for-profit organizations.
- Monitored centers' contract reporting compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Provided technical support for SBDC network issues affecting centers' goal attainment.
- Gathered financial data monthly, quarterly, and annually from a variety of grantee accounting systems, and entered analyzed and approved information into our GRS accounting system.
- Developed standard operating procedures through the analysis and review of existing and new program requirements.
- Utilized DCEO and Illinois Comptroller reports, and online information access, to determine the status of contracts, obligations, voucher processing, and contract payments.
Owner/President/Startup Founder
Work Space Solutions, Inc.
Springfield
10.2004 - 11.2023
- Oversaw budget planning and expense management for business sustainability.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to retain existing clients and attract new clients.
- Negotiated with vendors and manufacturers to gain optimal pricing on products, and enhance profit margins.
- Reviewed legal documents and contracts related to business operations.
- Oversaw project execution, workmanship, and staff performance to drive on-time completion and customer satisfaction with the products and services provided.
- I have over 20 years of working with the Illinois Procurement Code, have prepared detailed specifications, responded to formal bid requests, and analyzed competitive bids.
Market Manager
Henricksen & Company, Inc.
Itasca
05.2003 - 10.2004
- Developed market strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Collaborated with management team to develop program budgets and monitored operations for compliance with regulatory and company guidelines.
- Planned product launches by coordinating activities between sales team and external partners.
- Reviewed progress of ongoing projects and provided feedback where necessary.
- Answered customer questions and addressed problems and complaints in person and via phone.
District Manager
Kimball International
Chicago
10.2001 - 05.2003
- Formulated action plans to resolve sales performance challenges within district.
- Implemented training programs to enhance distributor product knowledge and sales skills.
- Conducted regular distributor visits to ensure adherence to corporate contract policies and standards.
- Analyzed financial data for each distributor, identifying improvement and growth opportunities.
- Mentored team members by demonstrating effective sales and customer service practices.
- Achieved substantial growth in assigned territory sales through strategic engagement and marketing initiatives.
Institutional Market Manager
Kimball International
Jasper
12.1997 - 10.2001
- Conducted competitor analysis to identify market positioning opportunities.
- Collaborated with sales teams to align marketing initiatives and goals.
- Coordinated trade shows and events to enhance brand visibility.
- Created and managed budgets for campaigns, promotions, and advertising initiatives.
- Managed the design process of promotional materials including brochures, flyers, banners.
- Conducted interviews, made hiring decisions matching appropriate skill level to job and evaluated team member performance.
- Monitored current contract pricing, terms, and vendor capacity to meet client demands and made workable recommendations for improvement.
- Developed and implemented marketing plans to increase brand awareness, market share, and customer loyalty.
Account Representative
Wiley Office Equipment, Inc.
Springfield
01.1989 - 12.1997
- Managed customer accounts and maintained accurate records in CRM system.
- Assisted clients with product selection and provided technical support.
- Provided recommendations and specifications for customers and ensured timely delivery and installation of office furniture ordered.
- Collaborated with the design team to address the identified customer needs with solutions.
- Generated new business through cold-calling prospective clients.
- Reviewed contracts, invoices and other documents for accuracy.
Executive II / Administrative Assistant
Dept of Rehabilitation Services
Springfield
05.1980 - 12.1988
- Led strategic program initiatives to enhance service delivery for individuals with disabilities.
- Developed and managed budgets in excess of $25 million.
- Coordinated communication between the Illinois State Board of Education and DORS to facilitate service delivery to special needs children.
- Assisted in the preparation of reports and presentations for management meetings.
- Prepared detailed RFPs for contracts covering facility services, janitorial services, food services, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
- Administered and monitored federally funded program contracts totaling more than $1 million.
- Served on the merit review team for the agency grant NOFO to private organizations providing services to individuals with disabilities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Administration
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-1978
Public Administration
Sangamon State University/UIS
Springfield, ILSkills
- Contract monitoring and management
- Fiscal analysis
- Procurement processing
- Technical support
- Standard operating procedures
- Customer relationship management
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
SBDC Network Coordinator - ICDR II
IL Dept of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
11.2023 - Current
Owner/President/Startup Founder
Work Space Solutions, Inc.
10.2004 - 11.2023
Market Manager
Henricksen & Company, Inc.
05.2003 - 10.2004
District Manager
Kimball International
10.2001 - 05.2003
Institutional Market Manager
Kimball International
12.1997 - 10.2001
Account Representative
Wiley Office Equipment, Inc.
01.1989 - 12.1997
Executive II / Administrative Assistant
Dept of Rehabilitation Services
05.1980 - 12.1988
Bachelor of Science - Public Administration
Illinois State University
Public Administration
Sangamon State University/UIS
Similar Profiles
Brandy EvansBrandy Evans
Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic OpportunityChief Operating Officer (COO) at Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Starlin LewisStarlin Lewis
Executive II - Grants Manager at The Department of Commerce and Economic OpportunityExecutive II - Grants Manager at The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Diana ThorntonDiana Thornton
Office Coordinator II at Arrowhead Economic Opportunity AgencyOffice Coordinator II at Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency
Tayler AtkissonTayler Atkisson
Marketing Operations Manager at Rise4Marketing Operations Manager at Rise4
Natalie GardinerNatalie Gardiner
Fulfillment Associate at Academy Sports and OutdoorsFulfillment Associate at Academy Sports and Outdoors