Krista Candela

Krista Candela

Chief of Staff Cultivating Exceptional Work Cultures Through Operational Excellence

15 yrs experience · Washington, DC · <10 hrs/week

About

I am a Chief of Staff with a unique background and extensive experience in business operations and organizational efficiency. My passion is using a human-centered approach to support organizations by partnering with executives to drive the company’s vision, creating collaborative work environments, and streamlining operations by designing processes and policies that support both employees and clients. My areas of expertise include strategic thought partnering, business operations, HR - recruiting, hiring, onboarding, policies, performance management, benefits, payroll, and offboarding, SOPs, system and tool implementation and training, culture development, vendor management, project management, and people management and development.

Skills

Business OperationsBusiness StrategyCollaborationCross-functional collaborationHuman ResourcesInterpersonal CommunicationLeadershipOperations ManagementProcess ImprovementStrategic PlanningTeam Building

Experience

  • Chief Of Staff · Star Cypress Partners2022-08-01 – 2024-12-01

    As a trusted advisor to the CEO, I drove operational initiatives that aligned with the company’s vision, mission, and culture. I oversaw HR functions such as recruitment, benefits, compliance, and employee experience while streamlining processes across HR, finance, and business development. By implementing systems and training, I enhanced staff performance and operational efficiency. Leveraging data analysis, I guided staffing decisions for executive insights. Additionally, I developed SOPs, led operations, and coordinated professional development programs and company-wide communications to foster growth and alignment.

  • Chief Of Staff · Measured Results Marketing2020-01-01 – 2022-08-01

    Advised CEO on strategic decisions and staffing, streamlined processes to boost productivity, and organized management meetings to track KPIs. Managed sales processes, marketing campaigns, and project delivery while mentoring the sales coordinator. Oversaw proposals, resolved delivery issues, and handled client onboarding, including contracts and invoicing. Coordinated accounts receivable/payable by ensuring contract accuracy.

  • Senior Executive Assistant · Measured Results Marketing2019-01-01 – 2020-01-01

    Optimized the CEO’s time by managing calendars, scheduling, and prioritizing meetings. Prepared professional documents, presentations, and contracts, ensuring timely execution. Maintained the CRM database and coordinated logistics for conferences, travel, and meetings. Fostered relationships with vendors, partners, and clients through effective communication. Streamlined the CEO’s tasks and took on additional HR responsibilities, including payroll and onboarding, to enhance organizational efficiency.

  • Executive Assistant · Measured Results Marketing2017-11-01 – 2018-12-01
  • Independant Contractor, Data Entry Specialist · National Grocers Association2016-08-01 – 2017-10-01

    Entered data, managed, and ran reports in Impexium database; provided quality control for member data; and performed database administrative duties.

  • Stay-at-Home Parent · Home2003-01-01 – 2017-01-01

    As a stay-at-home mom, I developed a broad range of transferable business skills, including leadership, time management, and conflict resolution. I honed my ability to streamline processes, manage budgets, and coordinate complex schedules, all while fostering collaboration and strong relationships. From handling logistics and planning events to resolving challenges creatively and efficiently, I cultivated adaptability, problem-solving, and communication skills. These experiences have equipped me with the resilience, emotional intelligence, and strategic mindset essential for success in any professional environment.

  • Contract Specialist · HAMMER, SILER, GEORGE ASSOCIATES, INC.2000-01-01 – 2003-01-01

Education

  • Southern New Hampshire UniversityBachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Business with a concentration I/O Psychology
  • College of Southern Maryland

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