At Commonwealth Corporation Program Operations is the link between Program Departments, Grantees and Administrative Departments. They currently primarily assist with reviewing, processing and tracking invoices and payments but also support Fiscal Monitoring activities, Salesforce Development and overall improvements to the general operational practices at CommCorp. 

Spotlighting Diana Thu, Program Operations Coordinator at CommCorp


In this post, we’re highlighting Diana Thu, Program Operations Coordinator at Commonwealth Corporation. In her role, Diana plays a vital part in ensuring the smooth financial and operational functions of the organization. She manages a portfolio of fiscal status reports for complex grantees, provides strategic consultation for operational improvements, and supports fiscal monitoring activities. Her expertise in financial tracking, process optimization, and customer service helps strengthen CommCorp’s internal and external partnerships. Through her dedication and problem-solving skills, Diana contributes to enhancing efficiency and equity in workforce development, ensuring that programs run effectively to support the organization’s mission.

Q: How did you initially get involved with CommCorp, and what drew you to this particular role? 

A: I applied for the Program Operations Coordinator position in the fall of 2022 after coming across the job listing. I recognized that this role would offer the perfect opportunity to combine my background in finance with my passion for working with a company dedicated to promoting equity and diversity in the workforce. 

 

Q: Can you describe a typical day in your role and some of the core responsibilities you handle? 

A: While my team and I have a standard set of responsibilities in our daily workflow, I prioritize delivering exceptional customer service to both our internal and external partners, particularly in fiscal tracking and management. On a typical day, my core responsibilities include: 
 
– Providing consultation on strategic planning for the Program Operations department, along with developing related policies, documents, templates, and tools. 
 
– Managing a portfolio of fiscal status reports for high-profile and complex grantees. 
 
– Addressing escalated issues and identifying when to escalate matters as necessary. 

 

Q: What’s one piece of career advice would you give to an interested employee candidates as they begin their journey? 

A: One piece of career advice I would offer to a candidate interested in working at CommCorp is to make sure their values align with the company’s mission. When your values are in sync with the organization’s, it allows you to be more authentic and genuine in your role. 
 

Q: Who has influenced your career path the most, and how have they shaped your approach to your work here? 

A: Darl Packard, Director of Program Operations, has had the greatest impact on my career at Commonwealth Corporation. I had the privilege of being the first team member to join the department he built from the ground up. Darl is a strong advocate for professional development, emphasizing the importance of applying knowledge to solve problems effectively and foster a collaborative, high-performing team dynamic. Recently, he enhanced our department’s workflow by implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, streamlining processes and boosting efficiency. 
 

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at CommCorp, and how do you feel Operations contribute to the organization’s mission and goals?  
A: I enjoy the opportunity to work on impactful projects, collaborate with talented program departments, and contribute to meaningful initiatives that align with the company’s values. 
As for operations, it plays a crucial role in achieving the organization’s mission and goals by ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning, optimizing processes, and delivering value across departments. Our team streamlines workflows across departments through fiscal tracking and troubleshooting for both internal and external stakeholders.