Akilah McLaughlin
Frisco,TX
Summary
Dynamic contract management professional with a successful track record at the City of Dallas. Expert in optimizing procurement processes and enhancing operational efficiency through strong project management skills. Recognized for delivering exceptional service and fostering collaboration across teams to drive impactful results.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Auto ECTA
TheBest Claims Solutions
Irving, TX
12.2022 - 08.2023
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Processed salvage vehicle titles, ensuring compliance.
- Reviewed and verified ownership records, lien releases, and title status to facilitate proper asset transfer.
- Coordinated with insurance adjusters, salvage yards, auction houses, and DMVs to resolve title discrepancies.
- Managed title paperwork submissions, tracking, and filing to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
- Communicated with salvage buyers to provide the necessary title documentation for asset liquidation.
Financial & Contracts Management Administrative Specialist II
City of Dallas – Dallas Police Department
Dallas, TX
01.2018 - 12.2022
- Managed the processing and entry of all Delivery Orders, Requisitions, Service Orders, and Receivers into AMS to ensure smooth procurement processes and accurate tracking of purchases
- Oversaw payments for approved purchases, ensuring timely processing and accurate reconciliation of Purchase Cards and Travel Cards
- Provided administrative backup as the Petty Cash Custodian, handling employee advances and reimbursements
- Collaborated with various city departments to ensure compliance with procurement policies and maintain accurate financial records
- Acted as a key point of contact for internal teams, supporting follow-up communications and ensuring seamless order placements and documentation
Coordinator III
City of Dallas – City Controller’s Office
Dallas, TX
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Directed administrative activities for the development and administration of the city’s budget, managing staffing, equipment, and supply forecasts
- Supervised administrative staff, interns, and temporary employees, ensuring daily operations were executed efficiently and within established guidelines
- Managed Business Plan updates, Performance Measures, and Open Records Requests while supporting the development of policies and procedures to optimize departmental operations
- Coordinated meetings and presentations for the Government Performance & Financial Management Committee, ensuring materials were prepared and presenters were available
- Provided high-level administrative support to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), department directors, and external partners
Interim Executive Assistant to Chief Financial Officer
City of Dallas – City Manager’s Office
Dallas, TX
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Supported the CFO and City Manager’s Office by coordinating City Council meetings, managing Council Member service requests, and overseeing the City’s Financial Transparency Website
- Handled sensitive communications with internal and external stakeholders, providing high-quality customer service to city employees, private sector companies, and government agencies
- Managed and organized complex scheduling, travel arrangements, and logistics for the CFO and department directors
- Played a key role in the preparation and coordination of City Council briefings and ensured timely and accurate dissemination of materials
Coordinator III
City of Dallas – Department of Street Services
Dallas, TX
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Assisted the Sr
- Project Manager with contracts, finance, and inspections for various departmental projects
- Coordinated data collection and reporting for the ICMA Insight national survey, contributing to the department’s effectiveness and improvement
- Managed departmental SharePoint site and implemented Office 365 across the department, improving operational efficiency
- Coordinated staff development initiatives and managed inventory, including office supplies and fitness center resources
Consultant
Mac Advertising & Technology
Dallas, TX
01.2005 - 12.2016
- Provided freelance consulting services, specializing in branding, advertising, and project management for new products and businesses
- Led marketing campaigns, including the development of promotional materials and event coordination
Truancy & Dropout Prevention Coordinator / Character Education Coordinator
Cedar Hill ISD
Cedar Hill, TX
01.2007 - 12.2014
- Supervised attendance clerks across 15 campuses, overseeing the Truancy Prevention Program and providing training and audits
- Coordinated with district and local officials to address student truancy and drop-out prevention initiatives, including legal coordination and court appearances
- Developed and implemented district-wide Character Education programs and activities aimed at improving student behavior and academic engagement
Project Manager
Les Trousseau Events
Dallas, TX
01.2006 - 12.2012
- Planned and coordinated various events, including weddings and corporate functions, managing budgets, vendor relations, and logistics
- Led event teams, ensuring smooth execution and providing on-site management to ensure the event flowed seamlessly
Paralegal
Silber Pearlman, L.L.P.
Dallas, TX
01.1999 - 12.2005
- Managed discovery processes and legal documentation for asbestos litigation, ensuring compliance with court deadlines, and assisting attorneys with case preparation.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration & Psychology
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, TX01.2009
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Brown Mackie College
Olathe, KS01.1997
Skills
- Contract Management
- Team Leadership and Supervisory Skills
- Budget Development and Administration
- Procurement and Purchasing Support
- Process Improvement and Regulatory Compliance
- Stakeholder and Client Relationship Management
- Data analysis expertise
- Proficient in organizing events
- Project management expertise
- Financial oversight and reconciliation
- Vendor negotiation expertise
- Office administration support
- Contract Management Software: AMS Advantage
- PerformanceSoft
- Advantage Financial System
- Microsoft Office Suite: Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Access
- Project Management Tools: SharePoint
- Visio
- Project
- Financial Management Systems: Skyward
- QuickBooks
- Procurement Management
- Proficient in Lexis/Nexis
- Westlaw
- Other: Adobe Acrobat
- Publisher
- WordPerfect
- iManage proficiency
- Adobe Photoshop proficiency
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP), anticipated 2025
- Leadership & Supervision Development Training
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Auto ECTA
TheBest Claims Solutions
12.2022 - 08.2023
Financial & Contracts Management Administrative Specialist II
City of Dallas – Dallas Police Department
01.2018 - 12.2022
Coordinator III
City of Dallas – City Controller’s Office
01.2017 - 01.2018
Interim Executive Assistant to Chief Financial Officer
City of Dallas – City Manager’s Office
01.2016 - 12.2017
Coordinator III
City of Dallas – Department of Street Services
01.2014 - 12.2016
Truancy & Dropout Prevention Coordinator / Character Education Coordinator
Cedar Hill ISD
01.2007 - 12.2014
Project Manager
Les Trousseau Events
01.2006 - 12.2012
Consultant
Mac Advertising & Technology
01.2005 - 12.2016
Paralegal
Silber Pearlman, L.L.P.
01.1999 - 12.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration & Psychology
Dallas Baptist University
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Brown Mackie College
Similar Profiles
Antonio OrtizAntonio Ortiz
Auto Quality Adjuster at Insurance Auto Auctions/TheBest Claims Solutions StaffingAuto Quality Adjuster at Insurance Auto Auctions/TheBest Claims Solutions Staffing
Edward TurnerEdward Turner
Independent Property Inspector at TheBest Claims SolutionsIndependent Property Inspector at TheBest Claims Solutions
Alicia GradoAlicia Grado
Account Management Assistant at TheBest Claims SolutionsAccount Management Assistant at TheBest Claims Solutions