Debbie Plaza
Hope Mills,NC
Summary
Results-driven Director of Operations with 20+ years of progressive leadership in healthcare. Expert at transforming multi-site operations, delivering 380% revenue growth in one quarter, and consistently exceeding performance KPIs. Renowned for building high-performing teams, maximizing operational efficiency, and ensuring full regulatory compliance (HIPAA, OSHA, ADA). Adept at strategic business development, cost control, and driving organizational expansion through innovative, data-driven solutions.
Operations professional with strong background in managing complex projects and driving operational excellence. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to delivering high-quality results. Dependable and adaptable, consistently meeting changing demands of business. Proven skills in strategic planning and team leadership.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Autism Center for Enrichment, LLC
01.2023 - Current
- Provide executive-level oversight of daily clinical and administrative operations, including credentialing, prior authorizations, billing, and compliance.
- Develop and implement standardized policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and regulatory adherence.
- Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), including billable hours, approval rates for authorizations, and claim denials, to drive continuous improvement.
- Lead revenue cycle management processes, ensuring timely billing, reduced denials, and improved collections.
- Oversee facility operations, ensuring a safe, compliant, and fully functional clinical environment; manage vendor relationships for maintenance, repairs, and equipment servicing.
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, ADA, and state regulations, maintain audit readiness, and ensure proper documentation.
- Manage operational budgets, including utilities, vendor contracts, and program resources, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.
- Supervise and mentor administrative and support staff, conducting performance evaluations, training, and professional development initiatives.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to align operational strategies with long-term organizational goals and expansion initiatives.
- Identify and implement business growth opportunities, including service line expansion, community partnerships, and referral development.
Client Service Manager (On-Call)
BAYADA Home Healthcare
01.2020 - Current
- Support daily operations across client services, staffing coordination, and administrative functions in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
- Assist in aligning operational practices with organizational goals and quality care standards.
- Partner with leadership to improve workflow efficiency, client satisfaction, and service delivery outcomes.
Recruiting Manager
BAYADA Home Healthcare
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Led full-cycle recruitment strategies for healthcare professionals, ensuring alignment with operational and clinical staffing needs.
- Built and maintained strategic partnerships with universities and training programs to strengthen talent pipelines.
- Developed onboarding and compliance training programs to ensure adherence to regulatory and organizational standards.
- Improved recruitment efficiency through innovative sourcing strategies and workforce planning.
Regional Revenue Cycle Manager
Aveanna Healthcare, LLC
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Directed revenue cycle operations across 13 locations, significantly increasing revenue from $120K to $580K within one quarter.
- Oversaw billing, collections, and insurance processes, reducing claim denials and improving reimbursement timelines.
- Implemented data-driven process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency and financial performance.
- Led HIPAA-compliant audits and fraud prevention initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance across all sites.
- Trained and developed staff on billing systems, compliance standards, and operational best practices.
- Collaborated with leadership to align revenue strategies with broader business objectives and growth targets.
Education
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01-2027
B.A.B.S. - Management & Human Resources
Columbia College
01.2012
Skills
- Operational Leadership & Multi-Site Management
- Revenue Cycle Management & Optimization
- Budgeting, Cost Control & Financial Planning
- Regulatory Compliance (HIPAA, OSHA, ADA)
- KPI Development & Performance Monitoring
- Strategic Growth & Business Development
- Staff Leadership, Training & Retention
- Vendor Management & Contract Negotiation
- Facility & Safety Operations Oversight
- Data Analysis, Reporting & Process Improvement
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Bilingual Communication (English & Spanish)
- Operational efficiency
- Data-driven decision making
- Workforce planning
- Cross-functional coordination
- Strategic planning and execution
- Leadership training
- Cost control
- Schedule oversight
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking Abilities
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
- Disability Etiquette & Diversity Training
- Antitrust & Healthcare Compliance Training
- North Carolina Innovations Waiver Program
- Heart of Home Care Legislative Advocacy Program
- Employee Compliance & Regulatory Training
KEY IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
- Drove 380% revenue growth across 13 locations in a single quarter by spearheading comprehensive revenue cycle optimization initiatives.
- Enhanced organizational compliance, consistently maintaining audit-ready status and exceeding regulatory standards across all operational domains.
- Elevated operational efficiency and productivity by developing and implementing standardized KPIs, resulting in measurable process improvements.
- Led and inspired cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional results in high-growth, fast-paced healthcare environments.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Professional Working
Timeline
Director of Operations
Autism Center for Enrichment, LLC
01.2023 - Current
Client Service Manager (On-Call)
BAYADA Home Healthcare
01.2020 - Current
Recruiting Manager
BAYADA Home Healthcare
01.2020 - 01.2021
Regional Revenue Cycle Manager
Aveanna Healthcare, LLC
01.2010 - 01.2017
B.A.B.S. - Management & Human Resources
Columbia College
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
Western Governors University