Debra McMullen
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented C-suite executive assistant with extensive expertise in supporting high-level executives. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Slack, SharePoint, OneDrive, Salesforce, and document management software. Strong background in executive support facilitates effective management of complex schedules, coordination of meetings, and handling of confidential information. Highly skilled in communication, organization, and problem-solving ensures seamless office operations while fostering team collaboration and adaptability to changing priorities. Dependable and resourceful, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes that align with company goals and objectives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Assistant, Clinical & Compliance
Gary & Mary West Health Institute
09.2024 - 10.2025
- Provided high-level executive support to CMO, CFO & Leadership team. To include, maintaining busy, ever-changing calendars and meticulously arranging complex travel (both domestic & international); coordinate high-volume internal and external “in-person” and virtual meetings with accuracy.
- Managed and maintained the Patent & Publications Committee (PPC) as the Administrator & Secretary providing the review and approval of all external presentations and publications and provide analytics to leadership as required. Responsible for the scheduling of bi-weekly and quarterly meetings and minutes.
- Assisted the Compliance Officer as the Compliance Administrator, ensuring all project data bases are current to provide accurate compliance documentation for audits and employee training.
- Developed and implemented departmental policy and procedures to improve efficiency and compliance.
- Delivered exceptional organizational support enabling executive focus on high-level strategic initiatives fostering company growth.
- Proactively identified areas requiring attention or improvement aligning priorities effectively in line with executive preferences.
- Facilitated training and onboarding for incoming office staff.
- Supported business and hospitality needs of corporate partners and staff during meetings and company events.
Specialist - Contracts and Systems/Research Operations
Ferring Research Institute Inc.
03.2022 - 05.2024
- Assisted with key operational functions at FRI as a super-user for various databases and information systems (to include Concur, Salesforce, CRM) with primary responsibility for managing research and non-research agreements.
- Maintained document generation through execution in the contract management system and utilizing the asset management system for tracking laboratory equipment.
- Managed legal agreement process, including: drafting using approved templates; detailed review of scope and business content; facilitating third-party review and negotiation; and obtaining signatures to finalize agreement.
- Maintained database of lab equipment inventory and related maintenance contracts and service records.
Senior Executive Assistant/Paralegal/Investment Liaison
AseptiScope, Inc.
07.2020 - 12.2021
- Provided more complex executive support and project coordination for the CEO, executive team, sales team, managers, and staff members.
- Managed multiple changing calendars and schedules and planned meetings.
- Supported sales team in all aspects of business development, start-up and support.
- Arranged special events requiring solid understanding of event planning and coordination and offers catering services.
- Responsible for travel arrangements and accommodations for the CEO and executive team.
- Coordinated project proposals and recommended updates to department documents.
- Management and coordination of the investment website (Carta) and personal concierge to the investors.
- Managed schedules, events and travel plans for conferences, meetings and seminars, as well as domestic and international trips for 4 executives.
Executive Legal Assistant
Welk Resort Group, Inc.
11.2018 - 06.2020
- Supported General Counsel and a team of three attorneys in all aspects of litigation and corporate law.
- Diligently drafted and edited documents to ensure content and format for accuracy and for grammar and spelling.
- Responsible for the coordination and management of converting the legal department into paperless office.
- Management of board materials and corporate books.
- Corporate Governance support.
- Liaison between the board members and General Counsel/SVP/secretary.
- Coordinated all travel arrangements including flight, transportation, and accommodations.
- Scheduled all meetings, conference rooms and communicated with business partners, vendors and clients.
- Ensured the prioritization of General Counsel's schedule to ensure the best use of their time.
- Corporate document filings and manage CT Corporation filings and relationship as to multiple legal entities. Managed and processed all business license filings and Secretary of State filings in multiple jurisdictions and track deadlines for same.
- Maintained client database and updated confidential records and files.
- Produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets and crafted presentations to support executives and boost team efficiency.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
Executive Assistant/Paralegal Specialist
Aerie Pharmaceuticals
04.2015 - 10.2018
- Provided high-level C-Suite support to General Counsel and two vice-presidents including but not limited to scheduling, travel (domestically and globally), expense reports, processing purchase orders, preparing documentation for meetings, maintenance of website, handling mail, packages, filing.
- Researched state statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes and documents.
- Trained and managed six contract employees in best practices and protocols to realize maximum productivity.
- Performed contract management, drafting contracts and compliance documents and negotiating terms with vendors.
- Coordinated all areas of corporate outings including booking locations, selecting F&B, planning large group transportation, team building activities, ordering awards and designing custom apparel.
Lead Litigation Paralegal/Case Management Specialist/Office Manager
Legis Law
01.2010 - 11.2015
- Performed all aspects of managing and set up of new legal office. To include all hiring and onboarding of employees. Sole Senior Paralegal and Office Manager. Areas of Law to include: Civil litigation, Municipalities, Real Estate, Trust and Estate Planning.
- Contract work in 2015
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CACertification - Paralegal
ConCorde Career Institute
Skills
- Exceptional writing and grammatical skills
- Advanced critical thinker and problem solver
- Extremely detail oriented
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Savvy technical user
- Team building and training
- Expense reporting
- Calendar management
- Document preparation
- Database management
- Executive support
- Office management
Accomplishments
- Supervised a team of 8 in the development and maintenance of document workflow for the Legal department.
- Documented and resolved the expired licensing agreements and brought current. Worked closely with the outside departments and marketing team.
- Responsible for the organization and completion of the complex board books and materials for 15 entities.
- Successful Corporate event planning and events.
Certification
- Notary Public (CA)
- Certified paralegal.
- Certified Microsoft Office Specialist
Timeline
Executive Assistant, Clinical & Compliance
Gary & Mary West Health Institute
09.2024 - 10.2025
Specialist - Contracts and Systems/Research Operations
Ferring Research Institute Inc.
03.2022 - 05.2024
Senior Executive Assistant/Paralegal/Investment Liaison
AseptiScope, Inc.
07.2020 - 12.2021
Executive Legal Assistant
Welk Resort Group, Inc.
11.2018 - 06.2020
Executive Assistant/Paralegal Specialist
Aerie Pharmaceuticals
04.2015 - 10.2018
Lead Litigation Paralegal/Case Management Specialist/Office Manager
Legis Law
01.2010 - 11.2015
Certification - Paralegal
ConCorde Career Institute
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
UC San Diego