Strategic Operations & CX Leader

Chelsea
Mickelson

Builder Visionary ENTJ-A Builder Visionary ENTJ-A

Turning operational complexity and customer insight into clear strategy, scalable systems, and measurable outcomes — for 20+ years.

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My Work

Strategic leader.
Human first.

Chelsea Mickelson is a Strategic Leader with over 20 years of experience driving technical and organizational strategy across diverse brands and industries. At the core of how I lead is a genuine belief that people do their best work when they feel seen, supported, and clear on the mission.

Organizational Leadership

Transformational leadership means guiding change with empathy, clarity, and purpose — building resilient, adaptable cultures where people grow alongside the organization.

Operations Management

Coordinating cross-functional teams, partnering with executive leadership, and managing resources to deliver on time and on budget — with continuous improvement at the core.

Client Experience & Training

A supportive, inclusive environment is the foundation for meaningful client experiences. I foster collaboration, boost productivity, and ensure every interaction is positive and memorable.

Technology Implementation

Establishing clear expectations, aligning with client needs, and defining scope. I prioritize intuitive UI/UX, bridge communication between dev teams and end-users, and oversee user testing through live deployment.

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Portfolio

My Projects

1
Strategic Leadership
Executive roadmapping, organizational design, and cross-functional strategy execution across enterprise environments.
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2
GTM — Product Launch
Go-to-market strategy and execution for product launches — from planning through adoption and customer activation.
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3
CX — User Research
Voice of Customer research, usability testing, and synthesizing insights into product and operational recommendations.
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4
Project & Program Management
End-to-end project and program delivery (PMCP Certified) — from historic home renovation consulting to cross-functional initiative rollouts.
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5
Presentations & Training
Executive-level presentations, training program design, and workshop facilitation across diverse industries and audiences.
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6
Community Organizing
Nonprofit advocacy, board leadership, and community-driven program development — including fundraising strategy and donor engagement.
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Chelsea Mickelson Chelsea Mickelson Chelsea Mickelson Chelsea Mickelson
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”— Ralph Waldo Emerson

About Me

San Diego.
By design.

I'm a creative, collaborative organizational leader and proud San Diego native with a passion for driving growth and elevating brand awareness through people-focused, data-informed leadership. With deep expertise in organizational change, technology implementation, and client experience enhancement, I bring strategic vision to every initiative I lead.

My career spans the technology, healthcare, government, and startup sectors — each chapter marked by innovation, impact, and cross-functional collaboration. Outside of work, I'm deeply connected to my community and inspired by its unique character. My passion projects reflect my dedication as a nonprofit advocate, architecture and renovation enthusiast, Pacific Ocean devotee, lover of nature, art and all things culinary.

San Diego Native Experience Guru Architecture & Design Scholar Data Detective Ocean Enthusiast Culinary Explorer Community Builder Curious Human Nonprofit Champion Amateur Web Designer
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Get In Touch

Let's build something
worth building.

Open to Director, Senior Leadership roles in Operations, Customer Experience, and Strategy. Based in San Diego.

✉ mickelsonpm@gmail.com
in linkedin.com/in/chelseamickelson
◎ San Diego, CA
✉ Email Me in LinkedIn

My Portfolio

Selected work samples & project documents

Go-to-Market
GTM Launches
Go-To-Market Strategy and Project Execution for Duchateau 2025/2026 product line launches.
Duchateau Signature
Hardwood:
• Global Winds Collection
• Terra Collection
• Societe Collection
• Vernal Collection
• Chateau Collection
Duchateau GUILD
Hardwood:
• Botteva Collection
• Boiselle Collection
• Beaujou Collection
• L’Arbois Collection

Composite:
• Portfolio Collection
• Studio Collection
Software Implementation
Fire & EMS Strategic Analysis & Tactical Deployment
Led Strategic and Operational Oversight for Public Safety, Fire and EMS Agencies through live Tactical Data Analysis, Software Implementation, and GIS study analysis.
  • Orange County Fire Authority
  • City of Anaheim-Metro Fire Authority
  • San Diego Fire Department
  • Santa Monica Fire Department
  • Torrance Fire Department
  • Long Beach Fire Department
  • Ventura Fire Department
  • City of Edmonton Fire Rescue Service
  • Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, WA
  • Casa Grande Fire Department
  • El Paso Fire Department
  • Minneapolis Fire Department
  • City of St. Paul Fire Department
  • Union Township Fire Department
  • DuPage Public Safety Communications
  • Detroit Fire Department
  • Buffalo Fire Department
  • Rochester Fire Department
  • Ville de Quebec Fire Protection
UI/UX & Business Systems
Collaborated with cross-functional project teams implementing and customizing CRM, e-commerce, and business systems platforms — bridging UI/UX design with backend workflow needs.
  • Website Project Team — Diachenko Law
  • InVision UI/UX Project Team (CX) — Deccan
  • Infusionsoft Project Team — Non-profit Client
  • Salesforce Project Team — Duchateau
  • Oracle Project Team — Dexcom
Portfolio Document 1
Case Study
Long Beach Fire Department
Used GIS-driven deployment analysis to launch LBFD's HEART program, which served as first responder on 95% of homeless-related cases — Deccan International.
Case Study
Rochester Fire Department
Modernized a 40-year-old CAD system with automated run-card technology, cutting RFD's response zones by 76% — Deccan International.
Historic Renovation
Alonzo and Sophia Finley House
Mills Act Historic Renovation of Craftsman built in 1912.
Role: Project Manager
Historic Renovation
McCormick/Hartfield/Timberlake Christian House
Mills Act Historic Renovation of Victorian built in 1893.
Role: Project Manager
Event
NKBA/KBIS San Diego Chapter CEU + Reception
Partners: Duchateau, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, Urban Bonfire
Role: Event Project Manager
Event
Scripps Health Parent Connection Annual Fundraising Event
Partners: Scripps Health Parent Connection Board of Directors, Del Mar Hilton, Olivewood Gardens, Suja Juice, Extraordinary Desserts, Paul Mitchell-The School.
Role: Board Member- Project Management & Fundraising
Community & Public Sector Service
Public Projects
Selected project management, program management, and civic engagement work across government, public and nonprofit initiatives.
  • Balboa Park Centennial – Greening of the Park InitiativePartners: Balboa Park Cultural Partnership (collaborative body for 24 arts, science, history, and cultural institutions), San Diego Parks & Recreation Department, San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
    Role: Project Management
  • NTC Foundation Brick Dedication Campaign
  • McMillin Event Center Design/Build
  • American Red Cross Red Ball Fundraising Gala
  • U.S. National Chess Championship Invitational TournamentPartners: NTC Collective Business Operations, San Diego City Council, American Red Cross, McMillin Industries, U.S. Chess Federation
    Role: Nonprofit Project/Program Management & Fundraising
  • San Diego Primary Election Certified Voting Technology ImplementationPartners: San Diego Registrar of Voters, Diebold Nixdorf
    Role: Precinct Manager
  • Federal Special Investigator — U.S. Department of DefenseTop Secret SSBI Clearance
    Partners: All Military Branches, Government Contractors, Private Companies
    Role: Background Investigation & Interviewing
Speaking & Events
Conference & Tradeshow Presentation
Selected speaking engagements, trainings, and event roles across industry conferences and fundraising events.
  • NKBA/KBIS San Diego Chapter CEU + Reception, San Diego, CA 2026Role: Event Project Manager
  • Duchateau Leadership Conference, San Diego, CA 2025Role: Operations Project Manager
  • Deccan User Group Conference, San Diego 2016-2019Role: Speaker, Software Trainer
  • HxGN Live, Las Vegas, NV 2019Role: Software Trainer
  • Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim, CA 2013Role: Brand Partnerships Attendee
  • NCA Sweets & Snacks Expo, Chicago, IL 2013Role: Brand Partnerships Attendee
  • Scripps Health Parent Connection, Del Mar, CA 2014Role: Event Chair, Speaker
  • JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Promise Ball, Beverly Hills, CA 2011Role: Peer Award Partner Representative