Blythe Kingston

Director of Administration at Womble Bond Dickinson

San Francisco, California, United States

About

A professional with over twenty years of leadership and advocacy experience, I will produce creative solutions to complex problems. In the non-profit and law firm sectors, I have accumulated extensive experience procuring board members, fundraising, managing staff, overseeing large events as well as attaining sponsorship and writing grants. I understand what it takes to help a company become successful from the ground up. I have always been a leader and work well as a team member. I have a passion for the arts, any kind of sports and being an active and productive community member.

Experience

  • Director of Administration at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

  • Administrative Manager at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Jan 2020 - Mar 2023 · 3 yrs 3 mos

  • Administration and Operations Manager at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
    Feb 2018 - Oct 2019 · 1 yr 9 mos

    • Directed administration and operations in three offices (Washington, DC; Raleigh, NC; Austin, TX.) • Supervised, recruited, managed performance, and review compensation for Facilities Manager and all office support staff. • Onboarded all new hires. • Managed overtime procedures, scheduling, employee relations and engagement. • Managed vendors and service provider relationships, including review of cable television vendor contract to reduce Washington, DC contract expense by $3,000 annually. • Collaborated with the firm’s Human Resources leadership team to develop and implement programs aimed at maximizing utilization of operation systems and processes. • Oversaw buildout of 33,000 square feet and coordinated consolidation of three D.C. offices into one, on time and under budget. • Recommended improvements in administrative, systems and support functions for efficiency. • Directed external and internal event planning and coordination with vendors, building management and outside parties. • Administered capital improvement and operating budgets for three offices. • Managed facilities including space planning for existing and new space, renovations, furniture purchasing and other investments. Primary interface with Building Manager for tenant, real estate and security issues. • Oversaw IT functions locally, worked with firm leadership to ensure successful integrated IT operations.

  • Office Manager at Shipman & Goodwin LLP
    Apr 2016 - Nov 2017 · 1 yr 8 mos

    Managed general office operations and implemented firm policies and initiatives. Coordinated and managed compliance with appropriate regulations with New Business Intake Manager and General Counsel. Responsible for compliance with state regulations as they pertain to human resources and benefits. Reported directly to Washington DC Office Managing Partner. Negotiated competitive contracts and monitored service levels with suppliers and vendors. Defined firm brand through external events in Washington DC. Oversaw build-out and managed office assignments including temporary assignments for visiting clients, partners and associates. Coordinated details of internal events. Managed operational and administrative functions. Managed budget. Hired, managed, educated and trained staff. Oversaw 25 associate attorneys, 13 staff including paralegals, legal administrators, receptionist, IT analyst, file clerk and docket specialist. Participated in professional development organization and attended seminars and informational meetings.

  • Palos Verdes Art Center (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA)
    • Events Manager/Visitor Services
      Jul 2015 - Mar 2016 · 9 mos

      Oversee budget and report regularly to Executive Director. Create and implement plan to increase income from space rental which increased sales by 25% in one month. Set up system for feedback from clients and follow up for staff to ensure successful event execution. Reduced costs by implementing creative staffing solutions. Increased Palos Verdes Art Center membership through event bookings. Negotiate contracts with clients. Book rental space for wedding ceremonies and receptions, bar and bat mitzvahs, reunions, engagement parties and many other types of gatherings. Organize and act as liaison between clients, catering, rental, floral and audio-visual vendors and the Palos Verdes Art Center. Organize, delegate tasks to, and oversee Palos Verdes Art Center staff during events. Created online query system. Maintain database of potential clients. Execute surveys at completion of event. Maintain online event marketing accounts. Create marketing materials and maintain all social networks. Work with Palos Verdes Art Center Executive Director and curatorial staff to install and de-install exhibits. Perform registrar duties. Act as liaison between Palos Verdes Art Center and artists. Create display labels. Plan and organize exhibit openings. Recruit, train and supervise two part-time receptionists and 5-10 volunteers. Recruit volunteer staff, as needed, for special events. Maintain database of visitors. Give docent tours. Create, implement and organize special events for high-level donors and patrons.

    • Visitor Services, Retail Sales
      Feb 2014 - Mar 2016 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Handle all phone and walk-in inquiries. Provide tours of exhibits. Oversee two part-time receptionist positions. Organized a 5k running event to raise awareness and funds for The Alzheimer's Association in conjunction with an exhibit. Compile visitor statistics.