Dana Cummins
Bonaire,GA
Summary
Air Force Veteran and professional with strong background in supervision, project management, executive support, adept at managing complex schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling confidential information. Highly skilled in communication, organization, and problem-solving, ensuring seamless office operations. Focused on team collaboration and achieving results, adapting flexibly to changing needs and priorities. Dependable and resourceful, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. Thrives in a fast-paced environment with numerous teams and autonomously.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Assistant to the Chief Nursing Officer
Emory Hospital Warner Robins
07.2019 - Current
- Managed complex calendars of VP-Chief Nursing Officer and Directors to coordinate schedules and meetings ensuring efficient time management and prioritization of critical tasks.
- Supervised (2) admin coordinators and managed patient care services office that supports 54 departments and the CNO.
- Managed correspondence, prioritizing communication based on urgency and importance.
- Managed complex travel arrangements, optimizing itineraries for cost-effectiveness and convenience.
- Assisted in organizing company events, enhancing team collaboration and engagement.
- Maintained accurate records and files, supporting seamless office operations.
- Facilitated communication between departments, fostering collaboration and streamlining information flow.
- Prepared detailed meeting agendas and minutes, capturing action items for follow-up and accountability.
- Implemented office procedures that improved operational efficiency and reduced administrative bottlenecks.
- Trained new administrative staff on company policies and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance.
- Oversaw special projects that aligned with organizational goals, driving initiatives from concept to execution.
- Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and distribution as needed.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for CNO and Director group.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Coordinated events for staff members, promoting team-building activities and boosting morale within the workplace.
- Provided professional administrative support during board meetings, including agenda preparation and minute-taking duties.
- Supported executives in decision-making processes by conducting research and presenting findings in clear formats.
- Prepared and edited presentations on behalf of executives for both internal meetings and external conferences.
- Supported HR activities through by scheduling interviews, organizing hiring events, preparing event fliers, and assisting with candidate selection.
- Handled payroll processing tasks accurately while maintaining strict adherence to deadlines for timely payments.
- Facilitated onboarding of new employees, ensuring smooth transition into company culture and workflow and scheduling orientation classes.
- Contributed to development of internal policies and procedures, enhancing organizational effectiveness and compliance.
- Organized logistics and materials for each meeting and took detailed notes for later dissemination to key stakeholders.
- Promoted team productivity by managing budget, keeping supplies organized and well-stocked.
- United Way and Charitable Giving Chair; organized fundraising events raising approximately $101K (2020) $96K (2021) $99K (2022) $96K (2023) $93K (2024)
- Community Outreach and Engagement; organized several community events helping with building community ties and bond.
- Manages/prepares contract evaluations securing thorough and timely reviews.
- Manages credit card purchases/reconciliation - securing charge legitimacy and prompt weekly settlements through Workday.
- Ability to manage multiple complex and challenging projects simultaneously; recognized as Employee of the Quarter.
Administrative Coordinator
Houston Healthcare
05.2018 - 07.2019
- Coordinated scheduling and logistics for departmental meetings and events.
- Managed inventory of office supplies, ensuring availability and cost-efficiency.
- Streamlined communication between departments to enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed and maintained filing systems for easy access to documents.
- Answered phone calls and responded to inquiries from customers, vendors and other external contacts.
- Facilitated smooth day-to-day operations by anticipating needs of the Critical Care Director and (3) Managers, proactively addressing potential issues, and efficiently resolving problems as they arose.
- Maintained a well-organized filing system to ensure easy access to important records and documents.
- Proactively identified opportunities for improving administrative processes, implementing changes that led to increased efficiency and effectiveness.
- Managed Intensive Care Department & Cardiovascular scheduling and payroll for 200+ staff members ensuring unit was appropriately staffed; securing patient and staff safety.
- Reduced expenses by monitoring budgets, tracking expenditures, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Ensured compliance with company policies by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulations and conducting regular audits of procedures.
- Reduced email response time, prioritizing urgent communications and delegating tasks effectively.
- Primary Policy program manager for 40 departments; ensured timely review and state compliance.
- Managed supply inventory and purchases for 3 departments.
- Assisted in preparation of presentation materials, contributing to successful meetings and proposals with leadership.
- Increased office efficiency with development of comprehensive administrative procedures manual.
Regional Law Office Manager
United States Air Force, USAF
04.2014 - 01.2018
- Regional inspector for (12) northern tier legal offices; ensured regional, Air Force, and U.S. govt compliance
- Investigated/helped legal teams find resolutions for complex issues with staff and office functions.
- Built strong relationships with leadership in the northern tier bases and Global Strike Command.
- Managed $70K travel and office budget and $35K equipment budget.
- Executive assistant; maintained calendars, scheduled travel (DTS), and IT support for (3) Executive Directors.
- Supervised (2) paralegals and provided administrative support to (8) senior attorneys.
- Maintained General Purchase Credit Card; secured legitimate charges, verified and reconciled monthly statements.
- Maintained office records and office file plans through AF Records Information Management System (AFRIMS).
- Piloted regional training program & facilitated 300+ military law courses ensuring vital career development for global strike staff.
- Supervised suspense program of 3K taskers securing timeliness w/a 3.5 a day average completion rate.
- Managed daily operations of legal office, ensuring compliance with regulations and procedures.
- Implemented comprehensive training programs for new hires, expediting their integration into the team and improving overall productivity.
- Oversaw case management system, improving document retrieval and workflow efficiency.
- Coordinated legal scheduling, optimizing attorney availability and client meetings.
- Handled sensitive client information with discretion, ensuring complete confidentiality of all legal matters discussed or documented.
- Trained attorneys and lawyers in use of legal information management systems and document organization.
- Reduced errors in legal documents by diligently proofreading and editing materials before submission.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
District Law Office Superintendent
United States Air Force, USAF
02.2011 - 04.2014
- District inspector for European legal offices ensured regional, Air Force and U.S. government compliance
- Principal and senior paralegal advisor for 27 regional and district level legal offices.
- Managed $1.5 million travel, witness/expert fee, office budget.
- Supervised/prepared correspondence for 107 trials and 1,200 administrative disciplinary actions.
- Managed post-trial records review; ensured 90% of transcripts were “error-free” for two years.
- Coordinated meetings via VTC; included room set up (placards, visual aids, seating), reservations & cleanliness.
- Lead recruiter: recruited/interviewed paralegals ensuring the best selected to attend challenging school & careerfield.
- Training Manager – Developed comprehensive training strategy/program for paralegals; ensured all paralegals upgraded to appropriate skill levels on time and in accordance with Air Force regulations & training plans.
- Created hands on training and conducted competency checks; ensuring milestones and goals were met.
- Arranged travel plans & vouchers for staff using Defense Travel System (DTS).
- Researched 3-yr data trend; critical drug usage data provided for regional surgeon general briefing
- Oversaw daily operations and maintenance of office facilities ensuring optimal functionality.
- Managed personnel assignments, optimizing staff deployment for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to enhance workflow consistency.
- Coordinated training programs for new employees, fostering skill development and team integration.
Law Office Superintendent
United States Air Force, USAF
02.2006 - 04.2011
- Drove front office operations & continuous workflow - Office recognized as a small legal office and military justice section of the year.
- Supervised administrative staff of (10 paralegals & (11) attorneys.
- Streamlined training program which increased academic success and skill level upgrade for employees.
- Built collaborative teams & tracking programs to prep for 60% surge; legal teams conducted 3500 administrative hearings for detainees within 30 days.
- Managed $150K budget; ensured efficient use of funds for staff training, travel and witness funding.
- Lead recruiter; recruited/interviewed paralegals and ensured the best were selected to attend challenging school and careerfield.
- Training Manager; Developed comprehensive training strategy/program and ensured all paralegals were upgraded to skill levels on time and in accordance with Air Force regulations and training plans.
- Created hands on training and conducted competency checks; ensuring milestones and goals were met.
- Selected as transformational team mbr for Air Force Claims Center; drafted workflow concepts, defined claims and payment flow, conducted Beta Test for new claims web-based system; saved the Air Force $60 million in savings.
- Victim Witness Liaison; counseled and prepared trial victims enhancing their willingness and ability to testify in court.
- Coordinated logistics for personnel movement, optimizing resource allocation and efficiency.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration to achieve mission objectives and enhance overall operational effectiveness.
- Maintained a clean and organized working environment to boost efficiency and morale among employees.
- Delegated tasks effectively across all levels of personnel to optimize time management abilities while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Collaborated with various departments throughout the organization regularly to maintain cohesion between different teams.
- Served as liaison between upper management and staff members, addressing concerns promptly to ensure positive workplace relationships.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to Staff Judge Advocate.
- Earned Outstanding Young Paralegal of the Year (Senior Noncommissioned Officer Category)
Criminal Law Paralegal
United States Air Force, USAF
12.2003 - 01.2006
- Managed criminal law section; led office to winning regional award as the Small Office of the Year.
- Drafted legal documents, including briefs and contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Conducted thorough legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Managed case files, maintaining organization and confidentiality throughout the litigation process.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation by compiling evidence and creating exhibit lists.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and court personnel to facilitate case management.
- Developed and implemented filing systems to improve document retrieval efficiency.
- Streamlined workflow processes, reducing turnaround time for document preparation and review.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in laws or regulations relevant to practice areas through continuous professional development opportunities such as seminars or webinars.
- Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
- Facilitated smoother trial preparations, organizing exhibits and coordinating witnesses.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos for attorney review.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Developed training materials for new staff, improving onboarding efficiency.
- Coordinated meetings and presentations, effectively communicating key initiatives to stakeholders (ie. Wing leadership and commanders).
- Maintained a high degree of professionalism at all times, representing the organization with integrity in both internal and external interactions.
- Established solid Victim and Witness Program; nurtured and instilled faith in justice system with over 50 victims and witnesses.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, ALBachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, ALMasters of Public Administration -
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL01-2019
MBA - Human Resources
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL01-2022
Skills
- Executive support
- Administrative support
- Office management
- Strong problem solver
- Project Management
- Strong Communicator
- Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher, TEAMS, Zoom, Adobe Pro, Visio, Workday, SharePoint
- Records Management
- Payroll and Accounting
- Human Resources/Marketing
- Auditor/Compliance Inspector
- Training Manger
- Notary
Certification
Microsoft Word Certification - 2018 (LSUS)
Leadership Development Certification - 2024 (Central Georgia Tech College)
Timeline
Executive Assistant to the Chief Nursing Officer
Emory Hospital Warner Robins
07.2019 - Current
Administrative Coordinator
Houston Healthcare
05.2018 - 07.2019
Regional Law Office Manager
United States Air Force, USAF
04.2014 - 01.2018
District Law Office Superintendent
United States Air Force, USAF
02.2011 - 04.2014
Law Office Superintendent
United States Air Force, USAF
02.2006 - 04.2011
Criminal Law Paralegal
United States Air Force, USAF
12.2003 - 01.2006
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Community College of The Air Force
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Columbia Southern University
Masters of Public Administration -
Columbia Southern University
MBA - Human Resources
Columbia Southern University