Karen J. Haynes
Raleigh
Summary
Dedicated professional with a proactive attitude and quick learning ability. Strong work ethic complemented by effective communication skills. Expertise in managing busy schedules, organizing projects, and providing exceptional executive support. Committed to contributing to team success and achieving organizational goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant To the VP Enterprise Strategy
The Cigna Group
Raleigh
04.2025 - 04.2026
- Coordinated executive schedules and managed ELT meetings and governance forums to enhance meeting effectiveness and maximize executive time.
- Supported Enterprise Strategy team for The Cigna Group by implementing governance frameworks and facilitating effective decision-making.
- Facilitated communication between executives and internal departments to align strategies and improve collaboration.
- Reviewed and prioritized correspondence on behalf of executives to ensure timely responses and maintain communication flow.
- Addressed high-priority issues with professionalism and executive discretion.
- Organized travel arrangements, including itineraries and accommodations for executives.
- Facilitated direct communication with team members and partners to enhance collaboration. with team members and partners to streamline collaboration.
Executive Assistant to Senior VP, Chief Strategy
The Cigna Group
Raleigh
04.2022 - 04.2025
- Coordinated complex executive schedules, optimizing meeting arrangements to facilitate timely decision-making with external parties.
- Liaised between executives and stakeholders to enhance communication flow and align strategic objectives.
- Streamlined communication between senior management and staff, enhancing collaboration.
- Coordinated with internal teams to ensure effective daily operations.
- Organized team meetings and events to foster collaboration and drive strategic planning initiatives.
- Scheduled appointments with prospective customers and vendors to maximize business opportunities.
- Arranged travel logistics for executives, ensuring adherence to travel policies.
- Took detailed meeting notes, disseminating information to relevant parties promptly.
Executive Assistant to Managing Director, Customer and Clinical Analytics
Cigna
Raleigh
06.2019 - 05.2022
- Executed executive duties for senior leaders, applying knowledge of organizational policies to support strategic initiatives.
- Provided advanced administrative support by managing strategic meetings aligned with business objectives.
- Scheduled appointments according to priorities and operational needs.
- Developed meeting agendas, finalized presentations, and organized team meetings to enhance collaboration.
- Coordinated onboarding and travel logistics for management team, streamlining processes to enhance operational workflow.
- Managed weekly chief of staff meetings for six members to ensure effective communication across GD&A organization.
- Cultivated relationships with matrix partners, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive data to support organizational integrity.
- Served as point of contact for communications team, coordinating logistics for on-site and virtual events.
Executive Assistant to Chief Director
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Raleigh
07.2011 - 06.2019
- Facilitated communication between senior leadership and departments, ensuring strategic alignment on key initiatives.
- Collaborated with leadership on budget management, tracking monthly expenditures and revenues to support financial planning.
- Coordinated professional development meetings and events for 15 to 2,000 participants, ensuring effective execution.
- Served as primary contact for inquiries from legislators, deans, superintendents, and the public.
- Created annual contracts for eight teachers-on-loan outside public instruction employment process.
- Prepared agendas using Simbli eBoard solutions for Educator Standards & Policies Committee.
- Typed, transcribed, and edited minutes for North Carolina State Board of Education monthly meetings.
- Assisted chief director and regional case management team in optimizing daily operations, enhancing overall workflow efficiency.
Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator
Wake Area Health Education Center (Wake AHEC) / WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Raleigh
05.2003 - 07.2009
- Provided executive support to senior directors in pharmacy and mental health disciplines.
- Coordinated logistics for 50 to 90 customer meetings, conferences, and events annually, achieving seamless execution and positive attendee experiences.
- Managed contracts, schedules, itineraries, and agendas to optimize operational workflows.
- Monitored expenses and revenue for 50 to 70 events each year, enhancing financial oversight and accountability.
- Reconciled budgets and closed programs efficiently within established deadlines.
- Designed invoice system and coordinated meeting materials to align with budget requirements, streamlining billing processes.
- Communicated effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders during planning processes.
- Developed an evaluation tool that reduced turnaround time by 25 hours weekly, increasing evaluations completed by 42%.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Healthcare Management
University of Mount Olive
Mt. Olive, NC05-2010
Skills
- Leadership and project management
- Effective communication
- Organizational skills
- Meeting coordination
- Detail-oriented and flexible
- Budget management
- MS Office proficiency
- Team support
- Calendar management
- Staff coordination
Timeline
Executive Assistant To the VP Enterprise Strategy
The Cigna Group
04.2025 - 04.2026
Executive Assistant to Senior VP, Chief Strategy
The Cigna Group
04.2022 - 04.2025
Executive Assistant to Managing Director, Customer and Clinical Analytics
Cigna
06.2019 - 05.2022
Executive Assistant to Chief Director
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
07.2011 - 06.2019
Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator
Wake Area Health Education Center (Wake AHEC) / WakeMed Health & Hospitals
05.2003 - 07.2009
Bachelor of Science - Business Healthcare Management
University of Mount Olive