HI THERE! I’M KAREN BROOKS MYERS

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Background & Expertise

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, BIG LOTS

May 2021 - Present

Regional Manager responsible for total P&L, omni operations, and annual sales volume of $600M, spanning FL, GA, AL, and MS. Team includes 10 District Managers and supporting Regional Partners; +140 store locations, and 2,500 associates.

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, BELK STORES TEXAS

February 2018 - May 2021

Inspire, lead and manage total regional Talent Development and Operations for Texas Brick-and-Mortar and Omni Operations; span of control includes Regional Field Support Team, 13 store locations, and 500 colleagues. Responsible for annual sales volume of $125M.

DISTRICT SALES MANAGER, CVS PHARMACY

September 2013-February 2018

Regional Manager, emerging Leader responsible for annual sales volume of $223M. Led a district team of 20 Store Managers and 21 Pharmacy Managers; team included 300 Front Store colleagues and 350 Pharmacy Technicians.
•Selected as CVS Executive Development Program attendee. Developed and executed Sales/Profit strategies in Miami, Texas and Chicago; graduated 2017
•CVS Annual Paragon Award, 2016 & 2017

VICE PRESIDENT, STORE MANAGER MACY'S

January 1998-September 2013

Ultimately and successfully promoted from Department Manager, to Merchandise Manager, Regional Merchandising Manager, and V.P. Store Manager.
•Selected to attend Macy’s STAR Leadership Strategic Leadership Institute, graduated 2010
•Appointed as representative on Macy's Star Council 2009-2013

ABOUT ME

I learned retail growing up in my grandfather's toy store. I was taught how to treat people well and how to sell things, it's in my blood! I’ve always had a sense of motivation and passion driving me forward, and a desire to inspire teams to win. I also have a skill for selling things - merchandise, ideas and concepts alike! Whether it’s exploring unique opportunities, learning additional skills, or meeting new people, I bring these values to every experience throughout my life on a personal and professional level. To learn more about me, keep exploring my site or reach out directly.

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ACADEMICS

RUTGERS COLLEGE, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY

Bachelor's Degree with Triple Major in Organizational Psychology, Communications and English. Graduated magna cum laude with a GPA of 3.9; graduated #1 in Class in School of Communications.

UNIVERSITY OF YORK, HESLINGTON, ENGLAND

Completed Junior Year Abroad in Psychology Department with GPA of 4.0.

MY SKILLS

Tricks of the Trade

LEADERSHIP

Leverages the experience of 9 years playing soccer, and 30 years Leading in Retail; builds strong Teamwork and winning cultures.
Supported development and promotion of several associates into Stretch Assignments, +25 associates into Store Manager and Merchandise Manager Roles, and 4 colleagues into District Manager roles.
Servant Leader who empowers high-performing teams and develops top talent.
Leads Change Management and ensures successful outcomes.
Collaborates cross-functionally and with Executive Leadership.
Fosters engagement and customer-first culture.

COMMUNICATION

Strong, persuasive written and verbal communication.
Communicates effectively and maintains positive relationships with executives, direct reports, vendors, customers and teammates.
Demonstrates and coaches Emotional Intelligence
Adept at quickly building trusting and lasting relationships that foster honesty and creativity

STRATEGY

Creates company strategies and sets team direction aligned with company directives and initiatives.
Deep understanding of the business and market.
Thinks and acts strategically to build budgets and deliver on P&L.
Leverages Omni Channel sales and builds solid processes to increase productivity and fulfillment rates.

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”