Ella Kanode
Stanfield,NC
Summary
Communications and training professional with 9+ years of public sector experience and a proven ability to support organizational initiatives through strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, training, and business process improvement. Experienced developing communication plans, creating audience-focused communication deliverables, and partnering with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to support system modernization and change initiatives. Skilled in maintaining SharePoint and Microsoft Teams resource repository, managing communication distribution lists, developing surveys and training materials, and translating complex information into clear, actionable messaging. Recognized for delivering high-quality results, building collaborative relationships, and managing multiple priorities with strong attention to detail.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Analyst
Virginia Department Of Social Services
01.2025 - Current
- Advised on change management strategies for executive leadership and project teams, enhancing the effectiveness of system modernization and agency initiatives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional project teams, executives, and stakeholders to design and implement change management and communication strategies.
- Developed and managed communication plans aligned with organizational change management objectives.
- Crafted and delivered tailored change management communications, including executive emails, infographics, animated videos, presentations, newsletter, job aids, and visuals to engage diverse audiences.
- Managed a Microsoft Teams channel and communication distribution lists for a Change Network of more than 155 members, delivering targeted messaging to key stakeholder groups.
- Produced high-quality project deliverables while maintaining an organized resource hub that supported cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Developed and implemented stakeholder engagement surveys, integrating feedback to drive continuous improvement and measure change readiness.
- Interpreted survey and project data with pivot tables to identify key trends, measure engagement levels, and inform executive leadership with data-driven recommendations.
- Developed and executed an automated system for change management project intake and tracking to enhance reporting efficiency and project visibility.
Quality Assurance Specialist and Training Lead
Virginia Department Of Social Services
10.2023 - 12.2025
- Engaged with technical and project teams to validate completeness and accuracy of functional requirements and design specifications, aligning them with business objectives.
- Advised project teams on child support system modernization and process improvement initiatives as a subject matter expert.
- Documented workflows, business processes, and system changes to support training, testing, and operational readiness activities.
- Engaged with agile scrum teams to refine backlogs and plan sprints, ensuring effective training and communication alignment.
- Collaborated with business stakeholders to validate requirements and ensure system functionality aligned with operational and compliance standards.
- Orchestrated instructor-led training sessions to convey critical updates on system enhancements and project milestones to the training team.
Support Enforcement Specialist Senior
Department of Social Services
03.2017 - 10.2023
- Interpreted federal and state regulations and translated policy requirements into operational business processes.
- Assessed existing case management processes and recommended actionable improvements to optimize operational efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Developed and delivered targeted training sessions that support agency objectives and adhere to established policy requirements.
- Created comprehensive surveys to evaluate training outcomes, enhance program quality, and gauge readiness for change.
- Executed comprehensive training assessment to pinpoint training requirements and adapt learning styles for effective staff development.
- Performed data analysis to inform management team on actionable recommendations for enhancing operations.
- Documented procedures, workflows, and business rules to support consistency, compliance, and knowledge transfer.
- Analyzed case documentation and actions through quality reviews to guarantee compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA12.2021
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC05.2011
Skills
- Change Management
- Agile Methodology
- Project Coordination
- Communication Planning
- Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation
- Content Development and Management
- Data Analysis and Performance Metrics
- Training Development and Knowledge Transfer
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Microsoft 365
Timeline
Program Analyst
Virginia Department Of Social Services
01.2025 - Current
Quality Assurance Specialist and Training Lead
Virginia Department Of Social Services
10.2023 - 12.2025
Support Enforcement Specialist Senior
Department of Social Services
03.2017 - 10.2023
Master of Social Work -
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Appalachian State University