Lea Cho-Gordon

EA + Operations + Office Manager | Finance and Wellness | 18+ yrs supporting execs at orgs with 900+ staff & 9-figure revenues, managed $1.5M+ grants, delivered high-touch C-suite support

New York, New York, United States

About

With 18+ years of experience in executive support, operations, and project coordination, I specialize in helping leadership teams run smoothly and efficiently. I’ve managed complex calendars and international travel for C-suite executives, overseen CRM systems across multi-site organizations, and led logistics for programs and events ranging from $1.5M wellness initiatives to 2,000+ attendee fundraisers. I thrive in fast-paced, high-touch environments, whether juggling last-minute schedule changes, liaising with VIP stakeholders, or coordinating multiple moving parts behind the scenes. Known for my calm presence, sharp attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and ability to anticipate needs, I bring a rare blend of professionalism and grounded energy to the teams I support.

Experience

  • Administrative Receptionist at Searchlight Capital Partners
    Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr

  • Office Manager at Exercise-Intelligence
    Apr 2023 - Jul 2025 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Exercise-Intelligence is a pioneering movement-lab in NYC specializing in neuromuscular function optimization through advanced testing and interventions for athletes and individuals with motor disorders. • Manage scheduling and billing, vendor contracts, office improvement projects, and equipment procurement for a private clinic serving a roster of 60+ clients. • Increased session fees by 40% through office enhancements and improved client engagement processes. • Doubled the annual number of brand collaboration events, and increased average event attendance by 400%. • Implemented SEO and digital strategy, resulting in a 300% increase in website traffic.

  • Project Manager, Marketing & Creative at Kudu Creative
    May 2024 - Mar 2025 · 11 mos

    Kudu Creative is an award-winning, boutique branding agency that develops visual identities and digital strategies for consumer brands and mission-driven organizations. • Provided executive support to the Creative Principal, managing calendars, client meetings, and travel arrangements for video shoots; coordinated expense reports, invoicing, and day-to-day office logistics. • Coordinated digital and print marketing campaigns for 10+ clients, supporting multi-year initiatives totaling $12M+ in value. • Streamlined project workflows and internal communications, supporting 50% client growth and enabling a 30% team expansion within a high-volume creative agency.

  • Director of Special Projects / Certified TM Instructor at U.S. Transcendental Meditation and David Lynch Foundation
    Sep 2017 - May 2023 · 5 yrs 9 mos

    ✸ Certified TM Teacher, U.S. TM organization (Feb 2018 – present) ✸ Executive Director of Special Projects, U.S. TM organization (May 2023 – May 2024) ✸ Director of Programs and Special Projects, U.S. region, David Lynch Foundation (Apr 2020 – Mar 2023) ✸ Director of Programs, Washington, DC region, David Lynch Foundation (Oct 2018 – Apr 2020) ✸ U.S. Transcendental Meditation teacher certification and mentorship (Sep 2017 – Oct 2018) The David Lynch Foundation is a nonprofit providing Transcendental Meditation to underserved communities, including veterans, students, and healthcare workers. Since 2005, it has raised millions and partnered with the U.S. Congress, Department of Defense, and top medical centers to advance mental health nationwide. • Provided high-level support to the CEO and Executive VP, managing calendars, coordinating travel, handling meeting prep, and assisting with personal tasks including groceries, transportation, and temporary housing logistics; collaborated with EAs to ensure seamless cross-project coordination. • Managed research studies in collaboration with Duke University and Brigham & Women’s Hospital (Harvard), including a $300K Department of Defense–funded study published in JAMA; oversaw multi-site coordination, data collection, and stakeholder communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Managed major office transitions, including launching a new Durham, NC office and relocating a Washington, DC office, completing projects on schedule and within budget. • Led the production and logistics for large-scale events, including a 2,000+ attendee gala, contributing to multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts. • Managed CRM databases and contact pipelines for fundraising and national research initiatives, supporting donor engagement across NYC, Connecticut, and the Hamptons. • Directed a national wellness campaign for frontline healthcare workers, scaling it to 1,500+ hospital staff across 63 hospitals in 17 states, with a $1.5M budget.

  • Partner, Real Estate Management and Investing at KUC, LLC
    Sep 2016 - Sep 2017 · 1 yr 1 mo

    KUC, LLC is a private real estate investment company specializing in high-end residential properties. It also handles construction remodeling, interior design, and property management for luxury homes and investment properties. • Managed operations for a $10M+ real estate portfolio, overseeing 15+ long-term rentals and 5 high-end Airbnb properties in historic neighborhoods. • Delivered high-touch hospitality services for short-term guests, coordinating amenities, vendor support, and concierge-style communication. • Led vendor and contractor management, supervising 12+ service providers for maintenance, renovations, and property upkeep. • Handled property logistics and tenant relations, coordinating leasing, repairs, hospitality services, and guest communications.