Nichole Gokenbach
VP of Marketing | Chief of Staff | Operations | Healthcare
Strategic Planning, Operational Efficiency,
Data Analysis, Leadership Development
An accomplished Marketing & Operations Leader known for guiding strategic direction, fostering operational efficiencies, and expertly navigating through complex marketing landscapes and client relationships. Continuously discovers innovative solutions and strategic initiatives, bolstering brand presence and significantly enhancing productivity and cost-effectiveness.
A collaborative, highly inspirational professional who has:
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Boosted staff retention by 10% and reduced departmental workloads by 5%.
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Slashed placement time by 90% and decreased costs by 8-20% through service
agreement system innovation. -
Uplifted productivity by 10-20% by overhauling operational standards.
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Elevated company stature, earning prestigious accolades across 2022 and 2023.
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Designed a client dashboard, achieving a 15% hike in client satisfaction scores.
EXPERIENCE
January 2021 – October 2023
Chief of Staff
Advised CEO in strategic direction. Oversaw priority projects to fruition. Forged strategic plans and policies, bolstering company procedures. Enhanced team efficiency through relationship cultivation. Directed staff development and training. Conducted data analysis. Led the Marketing, Requisition, and Talent Support divisions.
December 2019 – January 2021
VP of Marketing & Client Relations (Genius MSP)
Directed Marketing and Requisitions and oversaw the subsidiary MSP. Managed Client and Vendor Relationships, steering the MSP's operation and marketing efforts. Developed strategic initiatives for growth and managed critical RFP/RFI processes. Provided expert consultation for MSP client crisis staffing and strike preparation.
January 2015 – December 2019
Marketing & Requisition Director
Charged with the leadership of the Internal Marketing and Requisition teams. Crafted and put into action strategic marketing initiatives. Conducted market and business development research. Managed creation of advertising content, social media presence, website upkeep, and pivotal projects. Orchestrated event logistics for major industry conferences.
January 2013 – January 2015
Marketing & Requisition Specialist
Oversaw social media campaigns and marketing initiatives. Led a pivotal website development project. Crafted internal and external marketing collateral. Managed requisition processing in HRIS from 20+ VMS platforms. Curated job postings on external boards.
January 2012 – January 2013
Lead Generator | Jr. Recruiter
Engaged in recruitment procedures, cold calling, and candidate negotiations. Reviewed resumes and screened candidates, ensuring a robust pipeline for various healthcare roles (allied & nursing). Managed and optimized job postings across external job boards.
January 2009 – January 2012
Patient Care Tech
Provided comprehensive patient care within a large academic medical center. Maintained high standards in patient services across various units, ensuring adherence to hospital policies and quality standards. Collaborated effectively with a diverse team of healthcare professionals and leadership teams.
RESULTS
Boosted staff retention by 10% and reduced departmental workloads by 5%.
Slashed placement time by 90% and decreased costs by 8-20% through service agreement system innovation.
Uplifted productivity by 10-20% by overhauling operational standards.
EXPERTISE
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Strategic Planning
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Operational Efficiency
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Data Analysis
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Leadership Development
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Brand Presence
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Client Satisfaction
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Innovation
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Productivity
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Cost-Effectiveness
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Strategic Marketing
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Client Relations
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Crisis Management
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RFP/RFI Execution
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Transparency
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Consulting
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Business Operations
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Change Management
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Cross-Functional Collaboration
MEET NICHOLE
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Expected Completion, June 2025
TESTIMONIALS
Sara Sedia (former Talent Support & Success Specialist at Health Providers Choice)
Nichole is an absolute gem. She was my direct supervisor for over a year wherein she established her reputation for being well informed, unbiased, and a great teacher that cares for her employees’ well-being. Her meticulous organization is only rivaled by her fair and conscientious leadership. Most importantly, however, is that Nichole is truly a great person. Working with her every day was a genuine pleasure, and if it were up to me, I would choose her as my boss for life.
Jeff Kleckler (former VP of Recruitment at Health Providers Choice)
Working alongside Nichole was an absolute privilege. As an Executive Leader, her leadership style not only helped shape our company’s direction but also inspired every team member to strive for excellence. Nichole successfully, and often, navigated complex challenges with integrity, professionalism, and determination, always exceeding expectations.
Nichole’s commitment to fostering a comfortable, inclusive, and positive work culture was evident in every interaction as she was able to create an environment where innovation thrived, and collaboration flourished. She possesses an unparallel ability to bring out the best in people and empower team members to reach their full potential.
I have no doubt that whatever Nichole does next, she will continue to make a significant impact and drive success. Her expertise, dedication, and integrity are unmatched, and any organization would be fortunate to have her on board. I wholeheartedly recommend Nichole for any leadership role she pursues.
Marisa Panchenko (former Director of Talent Acquisition & Development)
It was my pleasure to work with Nichole, for over 4 years. In that time, I was able to learn from her and collaborate with her on multiple projects. She is a critical thinker with the ability to assess a situation from all angles and achieve a solution. She was always prompt and had projects completed timely, which allowed for time to revise then present polished work in time to meet any deadline. She is incredibly organized, thoughtful, and talented with a vast knowledge of many subjects which includes but is not limited to, branding, marketing, policies, business strategy, informative infographics, planning orientations, and training new employees are just some that come to mind. I wholeheartedly recommend Nichole to anyone who values a principled, expert, team player and mentor!
Q & A
What is your management style?
My management style is characterized by a blend of inclusive leadership and transformational leadership. I believe in empowering my team members, valuing their input, and fostering a collaborative environment. An example that illustrates this is when we were tasked with further developing a new department. Instead of dictating the entire plan, I organized a team meeting to discuss the challenges and potential solutions. Each team member had the opportunity to contribute their insights, and together, we developed a comprehensive strategy that played to each team member's strengths. This approach not only ensured that diverse perspectives were considered but also instilled a sense of ownership and commitment among team members. The initiative was not only successful but also strengthened the team's cohesion and confidence in their abilities.
Who are your main influences?
My main influences are a blend of mentors, experiences, and thought leaders. Professionally, I've been fortunate to have mentors who provided guidance and insights, helping me navigate challenges and grow in my career. Additionally, I draw inspiration from experiences that have tested and strengthened my skills. Overall, my influences are diverse, reflecting a combination of personal interactions, hands-on experiences, and the wisdom shared by respected figures in the field.
What is your strategy for getting your team a high standard of work?
As a team leader, my strategy for maintaining a high standard of work revolves around clear communication, empowerment, and continuous improvement. I was inspired by a keynote speaker at a conference who spoke about the 'elephant and rider' analogy, where the rider represents the rational side, and the elephant represents the emotional side. Setting clear expectations and providing necessary resources appeal to the 'rider,' ensuring a logical understanding of the task. Simultaneously, empowering and recognizing the team taps into the 'elephant,' appealing to the emotional aspect. Overall, guiding the rider with clear direction, motivating the elephant by finding an emotional connection, and shaping the path to reduce obstacles, fine-tune the environment, and promote a smooth and seamless journey. I started applying this methodology to my leadership style, and found that it was very effective.
I believe in setting clear expectations and providing the necessary resources and training for my team. Regular feedback loops are essential to identify areas for improvement and recognize exceptional performance. I encourage collaboration, where team members can learn from each other and collectively raise the bar. Leading by example is crucial, demonstrating the expected standard of work through my own actions. Recognizing and rewarding outstanding contributions further motivates the team. Ultimately, fostering a culture of continuous improvement ensures that the team is not only meeting but exceeding established standards over time.
Was there a time you needed to gain the trust and support of your peers in order to be successful in something?
In a previous endeavor, I found myself in a situation where gaining the trust and support of my peers was crucial for the success of a transformative strategy. Assigned to reshape daily workflows across departments, I proactively tackled resistance through transparency and open communication. Hosting informal meetings, I listened to concerns and feedback, incorporated suggestions where possible, and emphasized how the changes would not only streamline our processes but also positively impact each team member individually. Additionally, I collaborated with influential peers, securing their endorsement, and ultimately cultivating team-wide support. Through clear communication, empathy, and a collaborative approach, I successfully gained the trust and support of my peers. This laid the foundation for a smooth implementation, with the team actively contributing to the strategy’s success.
How would you define 'success' for someone in your chosen career?
I believe success is not just about reaching milestones; it's about embracing challenges, pushing boundaries, and unlocking one's full potential. It's a journey of continuous growth, where each achievement becomes a steppingstone to greater heights. Success is not only measured by personal accomplishments but also by the positive impact on others, the ability to inspire and lead, and the courage to innovate. It's about turning dreams into reality and leaving an everlasting mark on the industry and all the lives that have been transformed in the process. Success, in essence, is the relentless pursuit of excellence, fueled by passion, resilience, and the unwavering belief that every effort contributes to a larger, extraordinary legacy.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
