Cynthia Houdek
Brunswick,OH
Summary
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude, strong work ethic, and effective communication skills. Able to learn quickly and contribute to a dynamic team in support of organizational goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Emergency Services Dispatcher
City of Strongsville
Strongsville, OH
07.2021 - Current
- Documented every received call accurately by recording essential details such as incident type, resolution outcome, and response duration.
- Demonstrated ability to handle heavy call volume with prioritization and efficiency.
- Aided callers in need by receiving and managing emergency and non-emergency phone inquiries from the public.
- Dispatched suitable resources to address callers' needs based on recorded information.
Communications Specialist
Brunswick Police Department
Brunswick, OH
03.2021 - 07.2021
- Managed dispatch services for Police, Fire, EMS, and all service calls in the cities of Brunswick and Brunswick Hills encompassing around 45k residents.
- Archived exact details of every emergency and non-emergency call utilizing CAD software
- Managed the collection and payment processing for citations and parking tickets
- Assumed responsibilities as a jail matron when deemed necessary.
Emergency Dispatcher
Cuyahoga Emergency Communications Systems
Bedford, OH
05.2020 - 04.2021
- Aided public safety by ensuring seamless and prompt communication between callers and governmental organizations
- Delivered timely notifications of Amber Alerts and Public Safety Alerts to county residents
- Assist with county-wide radio communications and mutual aid box alarm systems for emergencies and large-scale events
- Dispatched Police, Fire, and EMS services for the city of East Cleveland with over 17k residents
- Maintained comprehensive records of all calls for service in the computer automated dispatch system (CAD).
Emergency Services Dispatcher/Communications Training Officer
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH
05.2006 - 05.2020
- Effectively analyzed and prioritized an average of over 1200 emergency/non-emergency calls on a weekly basis.
- Maintained thorough documentation of essential info for public records in the management system
- Contributed to the creation and implementation of an industry standard training program as the pioneering Communications Training Officer (CTO)
- Enabled quick and efficient onboarding of three team members in less than 90 days
- Assisted with the organized and restructured department radio procedures in accordance with CALEA standards
- Served as a valuable team member by aiding in the completion of records audits and ensuring adherence to LEADS requirements as an Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator (ATAC).
- Assisted in raising awareness for department services through the implementation of our successful intern program.
Human Resources Specialist
United States Army Reserve
Twinsburg, OH
08.2007 - 12.2013
- Supervised documentation quality and accuracy for soldiers while deployed.
- Efficiently executed and managed preparation & processing of crucial personnel documentation like evaluations, promotions while serving one-weekend/month in addition to two-week summer commitment.
- Carried out HR responsibilities in Baghdad, Iraq as part of a one-year mission with a medical unit
- Maintained accurate data records of all soldier movements.
- Managed applicant tracking system to ensure accurate records of applicants and employees are maintained.
- Enhanced soldier experience by fostering and upholding trusted relationships throughout the organization.
New Accounts Clerk
Bank Atlantic
Port St. Lucie, FL
01.2005 - 12.2005
- Provided resolution to errors by investigating discrepancies between customer and bank records.
- Supported document preparation by helping with credit report and form completion for account openings.
- Maintained accurate account information by cross-checking and verifying it against original sources.
Installation Coordinator
The Flooring Warehouse
Pompano Beach, FL
01.2004 - 12.2004
- Scheduled and managed work assignments, coordinated calendars, and facilitated installation appointments
- Streamlined procurement process for prompt delivery and reduced project delays
- Maintained timely contact with customers, employees and contractors by responding promptly to requests for assistance while implementing efficient procedures.
Radio Communications Specialist/Postal Operations Coordinator
United States Air Force
Travis AFB / Ramstein AB, CA / Germany
03.1999 - 11.2003
- Managed maintenance of 1,200+ IT and telecommunications tools involved in overseeing system security.
- Maintained confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data during field operations
- Ensured accurate sorting, processing, and delivery of personal and classified mail to meet the standards set by USAF and USPS for a large workforce of 53,000.
- Conducted tests on radios to ensure operational requirements are met
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Louisiana State University
Shreveport, LA07-2025
Bachelor of Science -
Franklin University
Columbus, OH05.2024
Associate of Art -
Cuyahoga Community College
Cleveland, OH05.2019
United Stated Army Training: Human Resource Specialist -
Ft. Jackson
SC, August01.2007
United States Air Force Training: Radio Communications Systems -
Biloxi
MS, July01.1999
High School Diploma -
Midpark High School
Middleburg Hts., OH06.1998
Skills
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Emergency Response
- Leadership
- Organization
- Moral Judgment
- Microsoft Office
- Active Listening
- Confidence
- Data Entry
- Multi-Tasking
- Compassion
- Crisis Management
- Computer Skills
- Decision-Making
- Works Well Under Pressure
- Information Gathering and Relay
- Problem-Solving
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Stress Tolerance
Certification
- LEADS Terminal Agency Coordinator with CCH
- Communications Training Officer
- Monte Ahuja Leadership Excellence Certificate
- APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I
Accomplishments
- Nominated for the NENA/APCO Dispatcher of the Year 2023
- Selected as a founding member for the Leadership Engagement Team at Cleveland State University
- Dispatcher of the Quarter for team building May 2019
- Dispatcher of the Quarter for process improvement August 2017
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Emergency Services Dispatcher
City of Strongsville
07.2021 - Current
Communications Specialist
Brunswick Police Department
03.2021 - 07.2021
Emergency Dispatcher
Cuyahoga Emergency Communications Systems
05.2020 - 04.2021
Human Resources Specialist
United States Army Reserve
08.2007 - 12.2013
Emergency Services Dispatcher/Communications Training Officer
Cleveland State University
05.2006 - 05.2020
New Accounts Clerk
Bank Atlantic
01.2005 - 12.2005
Installation Coordinator
The Flooring Warehouse
01.2004 - 12.2004
Radio Communications Specialist/Postal Operations Coordinator
United States Air Force
03.1999 - 11.2003
- LEADS Terminal Agency Coordinator with CCH
- Communications Training Officer
- Monte Ahuja Leadership Excellence Certificate
- APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I
Master of Business Administration -
Louisiana State University
Bachelor of Science -
Franklin University
Associate of Art -
Cuyahoga Community College
United Stated Army Training: Human Resource Specialist -
Ft. Jackson
United States Air Force Training: Radio Communications Systems -
Biloxi
High School Diploma -
Midpark High School
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