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Experience

Master Remote Leadership Agility Training with Kristina Manuel.

Unlock your potential with remote leadership agility training. Kristina Manuel's expertise empowers leaders and teams to lead with resilience, inclusive leadership, operational excellence, innovation, and measurable execution across mission-driven organizations.

AI Certified | 2026 Inductee Marquis Who’s Who in America | Agile Innovator and Collaborator | Inclusive Leader | Resilient Operations | Execution Focused | Strategic Thinker.

As a leader rooted in operational strategy and service-first leadership, Kristina is dedicated to thoughtful stewardship of resources. Her professional foundation spans financial, manufacturing, skilled trade, healthcare, supply chain, and GPO environments, bridging clinical requirements, stakeholder needs, and operational efficiency through data-informed execution.

Throughout her career, Kristina has optimized people, processes, and tools to drive revenue growth, strengthen compliance, improve Per Patient Day management, support SKU rationalization and standardization, and align sales teams, members, distributors, manufacturers, and distribution partners around shared objectives and long-term operational success.

Professional timelineStrategic partner, founder, operational leader, financial steward, procurement specialist, and executive support roles.

Career timeline

Job positions and held roles moved into their own Trailblazer page.

Navigator Group Purchasing Organization, LLC

Field Implementation, West Region

A subsidiary of Managed Healthcare Associates, Inc.

As a Strategic Partner for the West Region, I orchestrate the seamless implementation of GPO offerings by aligning the objectives of sales teams, healthcare members, and food distributors. My focus is on the creation of high-impact food programs that prioritize both operational efficiency and fiscal health. By serving as a dedicated liaison for purchasing and dietary leadership, I provide the specialized guidance necessary to navigate complex product decisions, drive program compliance, and capture high-value conversion opportunities. My approach is rooted in stewardship, leveraging industry best practices and operational expertise to offer strategic insights into SKU rationalization and standardization, ultimately supporting effective Per Patient Day (PPD) management for every member I serve.

I am responsible for the end-to-end success of the member experience, beginning with the design and delivery of comprehensive education to facilitate the onboarding of new organizations. To ensure sustainable results, I maintain a rigorous focus on Order Guide Management and supply chain synchronization, working in close collaboration with Foodbuy personnel, broker partners, and distributors to align on product adoption and stocking strategies. Through the delivery of quarterly optimization reports and detailed performance follow-ups, I ensure a culture of accountability across the distribution network. By collaborating across internal operations, formulary, and manufacturer engagement teams, I ensure that every corporate initiative and program requirement is executed to the highest standard, positioning West Region members for long-term success.

The Lucky Foundation

Founder; Chief Executive Officer

Mission-driven nonprofit leadership supporting military and first-responder families

As the Founder and CEO of The Lucky Foundation, I am driven by a singular mission: to provide a steadfast pillar of support for the families of our nation’s fallen and seriously injured Military and First Responders. We recognize that the sacrifice of these Heroes extends to their families, and we are committed to honoring that legacy through direct financial assistance and the establishment of educational scholarships that secure the future for their children.

Our foundation’s unique model bridges the gap between high-impact philanthropy and the spirit of the American wilderness. We curate premier, guided expeditions that bring together adventure enthusiasts from across the country, transforming a shared passion for our land into a powerful engine for communal healing and charitable giving. These expeditions are more than just journeys; they are a tribute to the freedoms our Heroes protected.

I have led The Lucky Foundation through a period of rapid evolution, ensuring our growth is rooted in the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am dedicated to fostering a culture where every volunteer and constituent is empowered to lead, ensuring that our organization remains a place of growth, positivity, and belonging. At the executive level, I am focused on building a sustainable, transparent, and inclusive environment that doesn’t just respond to tragedy, but actively builds a legacy of change for the families of those who gave everything.

PFS Investments, Inc.

District Leader

Financial education across North America and U.S. territories

As a District Leader, I spearheaded a mission-driven financial education practice dedicated to empowering families across the United States, Canada, Guam, and Puerto Rico. My leadership focused on demystifying complex financial principles to help clients achieve debt freedom, secure their assets, and build long-term generational wealth. By conducting comprehensive Financial Needs Analyses, I partnered with individuals to identify critical short- and long-term objectives, implementing strategic solutions that optimized monthly cash flow and mitigated the impact of the rising cost of living.

In this multifaceted leadership role, I managed a diverse portfolio of financial and protective services, including investments, life insurance, senior healthcare, and identity theft defense. My commitment to total household security extended to overseeing programs in legal services and home automation, ensuring a holistic approach to client wellness. As a servant leader and educator, I was dedicated to providing the tools and mentorship necessary for families to navigate their financial journeys with confidence, clarity, and fiscal resilience.

PFS Investments, Inc.

Senior Financial Services Representative

Client contracts, operational support, and trainee mentorship

During my tenure as a Senior Financial Services Representative, I acted as a vital operational anchor, supporting the Regional Vice President through high-level administrative oversight and the mentorship of new trainees. I was responsible for the end-to-end management of client contracts, ensuring absolute accuracy and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced environment. By leveraging deep product knowledge and a commitment to meticulous detail, I cultivated enduring client relationships and served as a trusted resource for complex financial inquiries, consistently delivering resolutions with a 24-hour response standard.

My focus was centered on the intersection of client satisfaction and operational integrity. I utilized professional communication and proactive research to resolve customer concerns efficiently, maintaining the high standards of loyalty and trust essential to the financial services industry. This role allowed me to refine my skills in contract management and employee development, establishing a foundation of excellence in corporate procedures and client-facing account management.

PFS Investments, Inc.

Financial Services Representative

Client-focused financial empowerment and strategic education

As an entrepreneurial-minded Financial Services Representative, I successfully launched and managed a client-focused venture centered on financial empowerment and strategic education. I specialized in translating complex financial principles into accessible strategies, equipping clients with the foundational knowledge necessary to take control of their fiscal futures. My role was instrumental in business development, where I collaborated with senior investment professionals to identify, cultivate, and strengthen high-value client relationships through trust and expert guidance.

This experience served as a launchpad for my career in professional services, allowing me to refine my skills in strategic financial management and life insurance advisory. By balancing the demands of a new business venture with the responsibility of client education, I developed a results-oriented approach to account management that prioritizes long-term relationship building and the delivery of mission-aligned financial solutions.

Sysco Corporation

Partner — Headquarters Center of Excellence; Global Support Center

High-volume account support, stakeholder alignment, and supply-chain coordination

In my role within the Global Support Center of Excellence, I was responsible for the strategic execution of business processes supporting a massive portfolio of over 50,000 accounts. I acted as a high-stakes point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring operational excellence across complex distribution networks. My focus was on maintaining absolute precision in a high-volume environment, where I consistently achieved customer satisfaction targets while upholding a processing error rate of less than 1%. I managed the full lifecycle of the customer experience, from facilitating seamless onboarding efforts to leading recovery planning and managing supply chain complexities for Limited Time Offers (LTOs).

I served as a vital liaison for multiple concurrent initiatives, including the management of Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) business events, Targeted Redistribution Strategies (TRS), and Committed Market Unit (CMU) lead house activities. My work centered on enhancing data usability and operational efficiency; I developed custom tools and automated processes that significantly improved accuracy across Sysco’s platforms. As a servant leader, I took pride in mentoring coordinators on data analysis best practices, fostering a culture of continuous development. My commitment to organizational success and community impact was recognized when I was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award for leadership in corporate and community service initiatives.

Sysco Corporation

Customer Success Coordinator; Global Support Center

Operating-company support, CRM precision, and account-health execution

In my role as Customer Success Coordinator, I served as a central operational driver for the Global Support Center, ensuring the seamless execution of business processes across a complex network of Operating Companies and stakeholders. I acted as a high-visibility point of contact, facilitating responsive communication and leveraging Sysco’s proprietary CRM technologies (Sysco 360) to enhance both customer satisfaction and organizational efficiency. By mastering the intricate details of supply chain administration, I became a trusted partner to Customer Success Analysts and Managers, providing the technical and operational support necessary to maintain large-scale account health.

I specialized in the execution of complex, high-volume tasks that are critical to the supply chain lifecycle, including order guide development, account maintenance, and the strategic tracking of sales orders and new item requests. My work required navigating cross-functionally within the organization to resolve multi-layered issues and ensure uninterrupted operations for our customers. Through a combination of reporting analysis and proactive task management, I refined my ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, remote environment, consistently delivering the precision and operational integrity required to drive long-term customer success.

Sysco Business Services

Master Data Management, COI Project Team — Risk Management

Delivery Transformation, risk management, and vendor-domain governance

As a key contributor to the Delivery Transformation and Risk Management teams, I focused on the intersection of data integrity and organizational resilience. I was responsible for performing statistical and relational analyses of massive data sets to identify and resolve inconsistencies, ensuring that global master data met the highest standards of governance. My role was critical to the organization’s risk management strategy, where I validated and executed mass data maintenance requests and oversaw the verification of Certificates of Insurance (COI) to ensure total policy compliance. Beyond data maintenance, I spearheaded efforts to design a prototype for a "One-Stop Customer Portal," an initiative aimed at centralizing data management to drive operational efficiency and enhance the end-to-end customer experience.

My work extended into the Vendor Domain, where I was cross-trained to manage the lifecycle of global vendor data in a complex, multi-system environment. This involved the precise creation, modification, and activation of vendor records according to strict business review approvals and enterprise standards. I acted as a strategic liaison, informing and advising key stakeholders while collaborating across business units to maintain service level targets. True to my commitment to servant leadership, I also focused on the "human" side of data management—promoting teamwork across domains and engaging in transformation programs that cultivated internal talent and boosted employee morale. This role solidified my ability to balance technical data governance with a proactive, culture-first approach to project management.

Sysco Corporation

Master Data Management — OSD Project Team, Supplier Management

Enterprise material-data integrity, syndication, and supplier alignment

During my tenure on the OSD Project Team, I held decision-making authority over complex data maintenance projects, focusing on the integrity and syndication of enterprise-level "Material" master data. I specialized in transforming raw back-end transactions into meaningful business intelligence by performing advanced data mining and relational analysis on massive datasets. My role was critical in ensuring that global data standards and governance rules were strictly maintained, which involved validating, modifying, and activating material records through a rigorous business review process. By identifying and remediating anomalies in large-scale datasets, I protected the quality of the information that drives the organization’s supply chain and distribution decisions.

As a strategic partner to Suppliers and internal business units, I managed the end-to-end lifecycle of data collection and validation projects, ensuring timely production and distribution of critical output. I was responsible for maintaining and enhancing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and naming conventions, providing a foundation for enterprise data consistency. Beyond technical execution, I acted as an advisor to Analysts and Project Managers, offering data-driven insights and recommendations that influenced high-level business decisions. By balancing workload priorities and system constraints, I consistently met service level targets while ensuring that all stakeholders remained informed of the broader impact of master data changes on the organization’s operational success.

Sysco Corporation

Master Data Management, Command Center — Hypercare Escalation Team

Enterprise support, escalation, service management, and metric visibility

In this high-velocity Command Center role, I served as the primary escalation point for the creation, validation, and rationalization of enterprise master data. During a single fiscal year, I personally managed 18,158 support requests and executed a total of 31,458 transactions, demonstrating a high-capacity for precision under pressure. Beyond transaction management, I redefined the department's service management approach, architecting a central point of contact that prioritized transparency and end-user functionality. I was responsible for re-leveling all Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and developing real-time dashboards that provided stakeholders with unprecedented clarity and visibility into operational metrics.

As a driver of business process improvement, I designed a prototype for a "One-Stop Customer Portal" to streamline administrative tasks and improve the customer journey. I also pioneered a transformative tax classification update process, moving the organization toward a proactive, enterprise-wide maintenance solution. This initiative significantly reduced expense reimbursement costs and audit risks while empowering Sales Consultants to pivot from administrative tasks to revenue-generating activities. By collaborating across geographic and functional boundaries to implement global best practices, I ensured that our delivery transformation efforts cultivated internal talent and fostered a high-performing, inclusive culture.

Sysco Corporation

Master Data Management — Material Domain

Global enterprise master-data stewardship and cross-domain collaboration

In this cross-functional role, I acted as a guardian of data integrity, performing the high-precision activities required to create, validate, and rationalize global enterprise master data. I specialized in statistical and relational analysis of expansive datasets, identifying and remediating anomalies to ensure a "single source of truth" for the organization. A key achievement in this role was my orchestration of complex "child-to-parent" item relationships, where I implemented cross-viewpoint logic to eliminate duplicate entries. By introducing automated attribute carry-over processes for item creation, I significantly increased departmental productivity and reduced the manual burden of data entry.

My responsibilities extended into the strategic governance of master data, where I analyzed and executed mass maintenance requests in strict adherence to enterprise standards and governance rules. I served as a critical liaison between business units, providing expert guidance on the impact of data changes and ensuring that business requirements were met with total accuracy. Beyond the technical scope, I spearheaded initiatives to build cross-domain relationships and improve employee morale, fostering a collaborative environment during large-scale data collection and validation projects. My focus remained on balancing workload constraints with service level targets, ensuring that the foundational data driving the company’s operations remained accurate, accessible, and high-quality.

Sysco Corporation

Master Data Management — Customer Domain

Customer-domain lifecycle management and stakeholder alignment

In this foundational contract role, I served as an architect of data quality within the Customer Domain, managing the high-volume lifecycle of global enterprise master data. I specialized in performing statistical and relational analyses to identify and remediate data anomalies, ensuring that customer hierarchies and records met rigorous governance standards. To drive operational efficiency, I designed and implemented automated follow-up protocols and response templates; this initiative allowed the team to focus on high-priority new requests by automating the closure of stagnant files, significantly increasing overall departmental productivity and output.

Beyond technical data maintenance, I was deeply committed to the growth of the team and the satisfaction of our stakeholders. I spearheaded the training of new employees, which led to a measurable increase in reported customer satisfaction rates. As a strategic liaison, I communicated cross-functionally with business units to ensure that master data changes were perfectly aligned with larger business requirements. Whether managing complex data syndication or navigating urgent escalation protocols to expedite high-priority changes, I remained focused on maintaining the integrity of enterprise data standards while fostering a culture of professional excellence and responsive service.

11:11 Systems, Inc.

Full-Cycle Accounting and Payroll — Global

Formerly iLand Internet Solutions; global accounting and payroll operations

In this global operational role, I managed the full-cycle accounting and payroll functions for a multi-site organization, ensuring fiscal integrity across international borders. I held primary responsibility for the end-to-end accounts receivable lifecycle, where I independently managed cash flow reporting, executed cash receipt positioning, and performed deep-dive analyses into chargebacks and billing variances. By formulating strategic restructuring options for complex accounts, I maintained a high standard of system accuracy and portfolio performance. My role was critical to the month-end close process, where I assessed and finalized sub-ledgers, validated financial content, and provided senior management with high-level loss reports to drive informed decision-making.

In addition to my financial oversight, I directed the payroll operations for over 100 accounts, maintaining strict government and regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions. I was responsible for the generation and analysis of comprehensive payroll and tax reports on monthly, quarterly, and annual cycles, ensuring seamless reporting to government agencies. By balancing the technical rigors of global payroll with the precision of full-cycle accounting, I served as a trusted steward of the company’s financial health, delivering the transparency and accuracy required to support a rapidly scaling global organization.

Technology Support, Inc.

Operations Officer

Executive-level oversight across real estate, IT infrastructure, and global distribution

As Operations Officer, I provided executive-level oversight for subsidiary companies across the real estate and global distribution sectors. My role was central to the operational success of TSI Distribution, where I supported complex global data center procurement and high-stakes logistics. I was responsible for architecting and implementing corporate policies that bridged the gap between daily operations and long-term business objectives. By rigorously monitoring operational expenditures and identifying lean efficiencies, I successfully drove increased profit margins and ensured that the organization remained agile and competitive in a global market.

I served as a primary lead in the preparation and negotiation of complex service agreements and multi-stakeholder contracts, ensuring all partnerships were aligned with the company’s risk profile and strategic goals. A core component of my leadership was a commitment to human capital; I oversaw the end-to-end onboarding and professional development of staff, designing training frameworks that enhanced internal skill sets and fostered a culture of excellence. This role solidified my expertise in operations administration and contract lifecycle management, providing the foundation for my subsequent success in high-volume, data-driven environments.

Technology Support, Inc.

Project Management Officer

High-impact initiative leadership, documentation control, and executive reporting

During my tenure as Project Management Officer, I was responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of high-impact initiatives, ensuring that internal resources were synchronized to drive both product innovation and operational excellence. I managed a rigorous project environment, overseeing all incoming and outgoing documentation to maintain a "single source of truth" for complex stakeholder groups. By conducting deep-dive project reviews and maintaining strict adherence to timelines, I consistently delivered projects that met or exceeded strategic objectives. My focus was on providing senior leadership with transparent, data-driven reporting that allowed for agile decision-making and risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle.

My commitment to professional excellence was established early in my career, highlighted by receiving a Merit Award for the successful delivery of high-impact projects and for consistently exceeding performance targets and stakeholder expectations. This role refined my ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage the competing priorities of multiple concurrent projects, a skill set that has remained a cornerstone of my professional brand. I focused on building a culture of accountability, where meticulous documentation and proactive communication ensured that every project was executed to the highest corporate standards.

Technology Support, Inc.

Senior Logistics Partner

Procurement strategy, supplier performance, and reverse logistics

As a Senior Logistics Partner, I spent over a decade orchestrating high-level procurement and supply chain strategies to ensure organizational scalability. I specialized in cultivating and managing a robust network of key suppliers, utilizing a data-driven approach to evaluate performance based on rigorous cost, quality, and service-level metrics. My focus was on securing a competitive advantage for the organization through the expert negotiation of terms and conditions, consistently landing optimal pricing and high-quality product commitments that drove significant fiscal savings.

I served as a critical safeguard for operational integrity, overseeing the end-to-end order fulfillment process and conducting meticulous inspections to ensure all materials met strict corporate specifications. To address supply chain friction, I developed and implemented a standardized operating procedure for reverse logistics, managing the return of damaged goods, replacement scheduling, and the negotiation of appropriate credit arrangements. By streamlining these processes, I minimized loss and ensured that the organization maintained a lean, responsive, and highly efficient supply chain. My work in this role established my reputation for analytical precision and strategic vendor management, skills that remain central to my ability to drive member success today.

Technology Support, Inc.

Full-Cycle Accounting — Payables, Receivables, and Collections

Fiscal stewardship, cost containment, and cash-flow optimization

In this foundational financial role, I served as a steward of the organization’s fiscal health, managing the comprehensive accounting lifecycle with a focus on cost-containment and cash flow optimization. I oversaw daily cash management, banking reconciliations, and the monitoring of corporate expenditures to ensure 100% compliance with financial standards. A key achievement in this role was the strategic management of the accounts receivable portfolio; by modernizing aging summaries and identifying delinquency patterns, I successfully minimized financial risk and improved liquidity. These skills in tracking spend and managing diverse account portfolios now serve as a cornerstone of my ability to assist customers in navigating complex billing and procurement landscapes.

I acted as a strategic partner to the organization by identifying and implementing process improvements that enhanced bookkeeping accuracy and streamlined general ledger management. My focus on protecting the bottom line was best demonstrated through my successful renegotiation of payment terms with key vendors—an initiative that stabilized cash flow and directly supported the company’s strategic return to profitability. My commitment to leadership and operational excellence was recognized early with a Merit Award for exceeding performance targets.

Technology Support, Inc.

Senior Procurement Officer

Global sourcing, data-center procurement, and contract lifecycle management

During this tenure within the IT infrastructure sector, I led high-stakes global and domestic sourcing initiatives, specializing in procurement for mission-critical data centers. I acted as a strategic partner to portfolio leads, managing complex supplier engagements to ensure that large-scale technical projects remained on budget and aligned with corporate objectives. My work was centered on the intersection of cost-containment and operational resilience, where I facilitated regular alignment meetings to ensure all procurement activities adhered to strict global compliance procedures and risk management standards.

I was frequently tapped to lead special projects, specifically those involving large-scale system transitions and the implementation of new procurement technologies. Beyond the technical scope of the role, I was responsible for the professional development of the procurement team, designing and executing training programs that elevated internal skill sets and improved departmental efficiency. By balancing the demands of high-tech sourcing with the rigors of staff mentorship and process optimization, I established a foundation of excellence in contract lifecycle management and strategic vendor relations.

Technology Support, Inc.

Senior Executive Assistant

Executive liaison work, operational stability, and administrative infrastructure

During this foundational role, I served as a high-level strategic liaison between the executive leadership team and a diverse network of internal and external stakeholders. I was responsible for orchestrating seamless communication and coordinating complex schedules, ensuring that organizational priorities were met with precision. Beyond administrative oversight, I played a key role in the preparation of executive briefs, financial reports, and corporate presentations that informed high-level decision-making. I established a rigorous documentation and filing system that improved record-keeping efficiency across the office and managed cost-effective procurement for essential inventory. By facilitating complex travel arrangements and streamlining executive workflows, I provided the operational stability necessary for leadership to focus on the company’s strategic growth and client relations during a period of rapid evolution.

The throughline is steady: lead with integrity, build with intention, and deliver outcomes that matter. This Experience page now holds the detailed professional role history for future refinement.

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