1. Dawn McCullough-LaCosta
dmlacosta@mac.com ● 908.370.8888
1421 Oaklanding Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
SENIOR BUSINESS & CLIENT OPERATIONS
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES ● PROJECT MANAGEMENT
EDUCATION ● TRAINING
Influential business leader with broad business, financial and project management background, skilled at working
with C-Level, Board-Level, senior management, customers and staff to build and drive strong organizational mission,
vision, goals and objectives. Experienced and motivational leader proficient in directing multi-site operations.
Consistently delivers industry leading growth and profitability.
C-Suite & Board Collaboration Team Leadership/Motivation Compliance
Change Management Staff Development Workforce Planning
Purchasing Customer Relations Process Improvement
P&L Responsibility Cost Reduction Policy Development
Organizational Design Procurement Community Building
Curriculum/Training/Development Fundraising
NOTABLE
• Started early childhood education business with full responsibility for all operations, business development,
training, performance evaluation and management, issue resolution and customer satisfaction. Attained full
NAEYC accreditation. Selling business to pursue more challenging opportunities.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lil People’s Playhouse Inc., Stirling, NJ 1990 to Present
Early education center utilizing creative approach to developmental learning. Employs staff of 20.
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Drives all leadership and operations initiatives including developing and supervising staff ensuring compliance with
government regulations education best-practices.
Business-critical initiatives include:
• Drives and delivers all new business strategies, promotions and events to increase revenues.
• Performs all HR processes including hiring, extensive orientation and training, supervision and evaluation.
• Corresponds with State officials to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Maintains curriculum and classroom design to stay compliant with NAEYC Standards
• Created company website.
• Utilizes MS Office applications.
• Extensive knowledge, understanding and proficiency with School Chapters software
• Oversees comprehensive business accounting.
• Reviews curriculum and facilitates parent communications.
Successful business results include:
• Successfully authored 3 grant applications. Awarded significant operational funding.
• Business leadership led to successful operations, efficiency and profitability.
• Employed communications skills in resolving issues, achieving the highest customer satisfaction.
• Successfully defended site against EPA shutdown or remediation charges in excess of $100K.
Overcame internal and external resistance. Researched, networked and resolved issue gaining State
EPA approval.
• Project Manager on NAEYC Accreditation process, with achieved results coming in at 90% on most
areas of the project
• Actively involved in the Early Intervention Process for families in the community

2. BOC Gases 1988 to 1990
HR ASSISTANT
Performed HR functions as a Contractor while in College. Hired upon graduation.
1986 to 1990
Chanticler Chateau and Rolf’s Restaurant Group
Server and Head Banquet Mgr (PT )
Events included Governor Keane’s political event parties, weddings, Bar Mitzvah’s and other event parties
French White glove service ( Chanticler only )
Casual dining and bar service ( Rolf’s )
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION
NAEYC-National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2009 to Present