Experience

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  Topsarge Business Solutions

  • Temple, Texas, United States

  • Sr VP for Human Resources

    • Feb 2013 - Present
    • Temple, Texas, United States

    Provide strategic direction and leadership for the human resources function, aligning HR initiatives and programs with the company's business objectives, values, and culture. Oversee talent acquisition, retention, and development strategies, ensuring the attraction and retention of top talent, succession planning, and career development opportunities for employees. Lead initiatives related to organizational design, change management, and employee engagement, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues, conflicts, and grievances, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. Direct the design, implementation, and administration of competitive compensation and benefits programs, ensuring alignment with market trends, regulatory requirements, and business objectives.Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and standards, maintaining appropriate documentation, policies, and practices to mitigate risks and liabilities. Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. Leverage technology and data analytics to enhance HR processes, systems, and decision-making, driving efficiency, transparency, and data-driven insights across the organization.

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  West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, P.C.

  • Temple, Texas, United States

  • Paralegal

    • Jan 2023 - Present
    • Temple, Texas, United States

    Conduct legal research using online databases, resources, and libraries to support case preparation and strategy. Draft, review, and revise legal documents, pleadings, correspondence, contracts, and other materials as directed by attorneys. Draft, review, and revise legal documents, pleadings, correspondence, contracts, and other materials as directed by attorneys. Organize and maintain electronic files, case management systems, and document repositories to ensure accessibility, accuracy, and confidentiality. Assist attorneys in case management activities, including calendaring, scheduling, and tracking deadlines, hearings, and court filings. Assist in the preparation and coordination of discovery requests, responses, and document productions. Communicate with clients to gather information, provide updates, and facilitate consultations via phone, email, video conferencing, and other remote communication tools. Assist clients with completing forms, understanding legal processes, and addressing inquiries related to their cases. Provide general administrative support, including managing emails, scheduling appointments, and coordinating logistics for remote meetings, depositions, and hearings. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, communications, and client matters in accordance with ethical standards and firm policies. Stay informed about legal developments, procedural changes, and best practices related to the firm's practice areas and jurisdictions. Collaborate effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and other firm personnel to support a cohesive and productive remote work environment. Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills, knowledge, and performance. Utilize legal technology, case management software, document management systems, and communication tools to facilitate remote work, collaboration, and productivity.

• 

  City of Temple, TX

  • United States
  • Government Administration
  • 300 - 400 Employee

  • Chief of Staff

    • Dec 2019 - Dec 2022

    Principal advisor and confidant to the Temple, TX City Manager ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the city government. Provided strategic advice on policy, management, and operational issues, helping to develop and implement the City Manager's vision and priorities. Oversaw the coordination of activities across city departments and ensured that directives from the City Manager were effectively communicated and implemented. Assisted in the development, review, and implementation of city policies, initiatives, and programs, ensuring alignment with the City Manager's objectives and the needs of the community. Fostered collaboration and communication among city departments, promoting interdepartmental initiatives and projects that enhance city services and operations. Engaged with the community, stakeholders, and other government agencies to gather feedback, build partnerships, and promote transparency and trust in city government. Serve as a key advisor during emergencies such as COVID19 response and other regional news stories and assisting the City Manager in coordinating response efforts, communicating with the public, and ensuring continuity of essential services. Provided leadership and direction to staff within the City Manager's office, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support and led special projects and initiatives as assigned by the City Manager, ensuring timely completion and alignment with city goals.

  • Risk Manager

    • May 2010 - Dec 2019

    Identified, evaluated, and assessed potential risks and liabilities associated with city operations, facilities, programs, and services, utilizing various methodologies and tools to prioritize and address areas of concern. Provided oversight to the city's insurance programs, including property, liability, and other coverage, ensuring appropriate coverage levels, timely renewals, and compliance with contractual obligations for over $4-million dollars. Managed and oversaw the handling of insurance claims and litigation matters involving the city, working closely with legal counsel, insurance carriers, and other stakeholders to facilitate timely and cost-effective resolution of claims. Developed, reviewed, and implemented risk management policies, procedures, and guidelines to mitigate identified risks, enhanced safety measures, and promoted best practices across city departments and functions through the Vehicle Accident Review Board. Reviewed and assessed contracts, agreements, and other legal documents for risk exposure, ensuring alignment with the city's risk management objectives and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Monitored and evaluated compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards related to risk management, insurance, safety, and liability matters, recommending corrective actions as necessary. Engaged with internal departments, external partners, insurance providers, legal counsel, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration, communication, and alignment in risk management efforts and initiatives. Analyzed data, trends, and metrics related to risk exposures, insurance claims, safety incidents, and compliance activities, preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for city leadership and decision-makers.

  • Executive Administrative Assistant Office Manager

    • Feb 2008 - May 2010

    Provided high-level administrative support to the City Manager and assistant city managers, including managing calendars, scheduling appointments, coordinating meetings, and preparing correspondence and reports. Served as a primary point of contact for internal and external communications directed to the City Manager, ensuring timely and appropriate responses and maintaining confidentiality as required. Coordinated and organized meetings, briefings, presentations, and other events involving the City Manager, including logistical arrangements, agenda preparation, and distribution of materials. Prepared, reviewed, proofread, and edited documents, reports, presentations, and other materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to established standards and protocols. Maintained confidential and sensitive records, files, and databases related to the City Manager's office, ensuring proper documentation, organization, and security of information. Acted as a liaison between the City Manager's office and other city departments, external agencies, elected officials, and the public, facilitating communication, collaboration, and coordination of activities and initiatives. Ensured compliance with relevant city policies, procedures, regulations, and legal requirements in all administrative activities and communications. Maintained strict confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information, discussions, and matters related to the City Manager's office and city operations. Remained informed about best practices, trends, and developments in executive administrative support, seeking opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and continuous improvement. Assisted with special projects, initiatives, or assignments as directed by the City Manager, ensuring timely completion and alignment with organizational goals and priorities.

• 

  Becker, Kellogg & Berry

  • Springfield, Virginia, United States

  • Legal Assistant

    • Sep 2005 - Nov 2007
    • Springfield, Virginia, United States

    Legal Assistant to managing partner of a fast-paced firm dealing primarily in Family Law. Support multiple requirements for two other lawyers and the firm staff. Managed the managing partner's calendar, scheduled appointments, and coordinated meetings. Prepared and proofed legal documents, correspondence, and reports. Organized and maintained client files, electronic records, and case management systems. Handled incoming calls, inquiries, and correspondence, directing them as appropriate. Communicated with clients to gather information, provide updates, and schedule appointments. Assisted clients with completing forms, gathering necessary documentation, and understanding legal processes. Coordinated client consultations, interviews, and meetings. Assisted attorneys in drafting pleadings, motions, affidavits, and other legal documents. Maintained case calendars, deadlines, and court schedules. Coordinated with court personnel, opposing counsel, and other parties involved in cases. Conducted legal research using various resources, including databases, statutes, case law, and legal publications. Summarized findings, prepare memos, and assist attorneys in analyzing legal issues and strategies. Worked closely with attorneys, paralegals, and other staff members to support the efficient operation of the firm. Ensured adherence to ethical guidelines, court rules, and procedural requirements. Assisted in preparing and filing court documents, pleadings, and submissions in a timely and accurate manner. Maintained strict confidentiality of client information, case details, and sensitive communications. Upheld ethical standards and professional conduct in all interactions and responsibilities.

• 

  Law Offices of Ed L. Laughlin

  • Paralegal

    • Sep 2004 - Jun 2005

    Paralegal for a multi-lawyer law firm specializing in family law, criminal law and bankruptcy law; prepared correspondence and pleadings; filing and records management; daily direct contact with clients.

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  A. Mark Stremel Law Office

  • Paralegal

    • May 2002 - Jun 2004

    Senior Paralegal for a one-lawyer law firm specializing in family law, criminal law and bankruptcy law; prepared correspondence and pleadings; filing and records management; daily direct contact with clients and County clerks.

• 

  Seaton, Miller, Bell & Seaton, LLP

  • Legal Assistant

    • Sep 2000 - Nov 2001

• 

  Paralegal (Bankruptcy)

  • Legal Assistant

    • Aug 1998 - Apr 1999

    Only Legal Assistant at satellite locations for a major Maryland law firm specializing in bankruptcy; conducted client interviews, prepared documents and correspondence; manually prepared forms and documents.

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  Scott, Hulse

  • Legal Assistant

    • Apr 1997 - May 1998

    Legal Assistant for major Texas multi-attorney law firm; specialized in Probate Law for a single attorney; worked closely with firm's paralegal; initially served in word processing department and prepared a wide range of legal correspondence and documentation.