Theresa ODonnell

Liaison for all district-wide strategic projects and facilitate the project management process for the district, analyzing projects to improve efficiency, quality, satisfaction, and financial results. Collaborate with leadership to identify and prioritize process improvement strategies. Review processes for identification of possible future projects and support future project leaders with training, support and coaching in Project Management.

Manager of Process Improvements & Strategic Projects at Rockford Public Schools (2024 – Present)

• Liaison for all district-wide strategic projects and facilitate the project management process for the district, analyzing projects to improve efficiency, quality, satisfaction, and financial results.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify and prioritize process improvement strategies.
• Review processes for identification of possible future projects and support future project leaders with training, support and coaching in Project Management.
• Engage with project leads and participants to encourage the timely closure of open projects, assess whether system objectives have been achieved, and provide necessary support to facilitate project completion.
• Utilize continuous improvement strategies such as Kaizen Events, Lean Manufacturing, 5S Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis through all; process improvements and strategic projects.

Professional Affiliations & Leadership Committee Member at Illinois ASBO (2026 – Present)

• Actively contribute to committee initiatives and collaborative efforts supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in school business administration.
• Collaborate with school business professionals to support professional learning, resource development, and inclusive practices within educational organizations.
• Selected Conference Presenter - Illinois ASBO Annual Conference, May 2027

Continuous Improvement & Accountability Coordinator at Rockford Public Schools (2022 – 2024)

• Conduct district wide assessments ordering, registering, helpdesk support, communication to schools for students. While planning and providing survey distribution, and logistics to staff for teacher, administrator and support staff from yearly engagement surveys.
• Manage improvement processes through Six Sigma methodologies while compiling, maintaining, and filing all computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
• Record and track metrics, conducting annual analysis of the effectiveness of the plan.
• Working cooperatively with third party companies for survey disbursement, and internal IT department.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in Computer Science/ Management Information Systems; Minor: Business Administration – Rockford University (2022)

MASTER OF EDUCATION in School Business Management; Endorsement: Chief School Business Officer (CSBO) – Northern Illinois University (2028)