Cristy Huffman
Virginia Beach
Summary
Strategic leader with over a decade in bookstore management and operations, specializing in marketing strategy, financial management, and team development. As Executive Director, drove growth through innovative solutions and operational excellence. Expertise in strategic planning and team leadership, with a focus on enhancing customer engagement and improving departmental performance for sustainable success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
University of Virginia Bookstore
Charlottesville
07.2015 - Current
- Directed strategic initiatives for enhancing bookstore operations and customer engagement.
- Collaborated with university departments to support academic programs through tailored offerings.
- Established vendor partnerships to diversify inventory and optimize pricing strategies.
- Recruited, trained, mentored, evaluated, coached, and managed staff members to ensure success in achieving their goals.
- Managed the organization's financial resources and operations to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure organizational growth and development.
- Maintained accountability for operational and fiscal integrity, effectively managing designated budget.
- Implemented technology solutions that streamlined point-of-sale systems and improved inventory management.
Associate Director of Satellite Bookstores
University of Virginia Bookstore
Charlottesville
10.2011 - 07.2015
- Led strategic initiatives that improved operational efficiency across multiple departments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align project goals with organizational objectives.
- Managed budgeting processes and resource allocation for various projects and programs.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to align project goals with organizational objectives.
- Developed team atmosphere to drive a supportive and productive work environment.
- Monitored budgeting, forecasting, planning and reporting activities of the department.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of the organization including personnel management, program development and implementation.
- Managed recruitment process for new employees, conducting interviews and evaluating candidates to ensure optimal hires.
- Managed inventory and resources to ensure availability and cost-effectiveness.
Assistant Director
University of Virginia Bookstore
Charlottesville
10.2003 - 10.2011
- Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making and support business growth strategies.
- Participated actively in decision making processes at a high level within the organization.
- Managed daily operations, including personnel oversight and program development, to achieve organizational objectives.
- Coordinated cross-departmental efforts to complete projects on time and within budget.
- Established communication channels between departments to enhance collaboration.
- Assisted senior leadership team in developing long-term strategic plans for the organization.
- Established budgets and tracked expenses to drive operational efficiency.
Store Manager
University of Virginia Bookstore
Charlottesville
09.1999 - 10.2003
- Developed and implemented customer service standards that elevated overall shopping experience.
- Coordinated inventory management and maintained optimal stock levels to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Supervised staff performance and provided ongoing training and support.
- Managed daily operations of the university bookstore and ensured smooth workflow.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints to maintain positive relationships with students.
- Collaborated with departments to align bookstore offerings with academic needs.
- Oversaw inventory management through cycle counts, audits and shrinkage control.
- Identified operational issues and implemented process improvements that increased workplace safety and productivity.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Analyzed market trends to develop strategic purchasing initiatives and improve procurement strategies.
- Showcased and built visually appealing displays and signs to encourage customers to buy specific products.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05-2026
Skills
- Strategic business planning
- Budgeting and financial management
- Contract management
- Inventory management
- Crisis management
- Leadership and people development
- Stakeholder relations
- Organizational development
Timeline
Executive Director
University of Virginia Bookstore
07.2015 - Current
Associate Director of Satellite Bookstores
University of Virginia Bookstore
10.2011 - 07.2015
Assistant Director
University of Virginia Bookstore
10.2003 - 10.2011
Store Manager
University of Virginia Bookstore
09.1999 - 10.2003
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Liberty University