Dennis Steffen
Noble,OK
Summary
Results-oriented professional with a strong history of delivering quality outcomes and fostering collaborative relationships. Committed to achieving organizational goals through effective communication and teamwork. Demonstrates strong problem-solving capabilities and quickly adapts to new challenges. Motivated to support team success while continuously enhancing skills and knowledge.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Emergency Communications Assistant
City of Norman / AARP Foundation
Norman, Oklahoma
09.2025 - Current
- Researched community needs to guide program development efforts.
- Collaborated with team members to improve public relations strategies.
- Coordinated public relations events to engage community stakeholders.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas for communications projects.
- Supported management staff with any additional tasks related to communications requirements.
Receptionist Manager
WH Over Museum / AARP Foundation
Vermillion, SD
02.2026 - 07.2026
- Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
- Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
- Negotiated and executed contracts on behalf of department.
- Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and business initiatives.
- Coordinated office events, seminars and meetings for staff and clients.
- Created organized filing system to manage department documents.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
- Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits, and record keeping.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll for 5 employees.
Caretaker for Healthcare
SYNERGY HomeCare
Norman, Oklahoma
01.2020 - 04.2021
- Coordinated with healthcare professionals to address and fulfill client needs.
- Recorded client progress and communicated changes to supervisors to support care plans.
- Provided emotional support and companionship to enhance client comfort.
- Ensured clean, safe environment for clients, promoting health and comfort.
- Transported clients to appointments and social outings.
Director of Dining Services
kindred Hospital / Bradford Village
Okc / Edmond, Oklahoma
02.2009 - 01.2011
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
Education
Associate of Arts - Dietary Management Certification
SDSU
Brookings, SD10-1993
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication
Yankton College
Yankton, SD05-1985
Skills
- Crisis communication
- Crisis management
- Communications strategy
- Communication planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Community outreach
- Event coordination
- Event planning
- Training coordination
- Internal communications
- Client relationship management
- Research analysis
Languages
English
Professional
Affiliations
- volunteer for community church
Many past Civic Organizations holding officer positions
Accomplishments
- Employee of Year several times
Recognition as Civic Organization Leader
President of SD Head Start
President of SF Optimist Club
DMM LT Governor for Optimist International
Service to Mankind Award from Sertoma Club
Timeline
Receptionist Manager
WH Over Museum / AARP Foundation
02.2026 - 07.2026
Emergency Communications Assistant
City of Norman / AARP Foundation
09.2025 - Current
Caretaker for Healthcare
SYNERGY HomeCare
01.2020 - 04.2021
Director of Dining Services
kindred Hospital / Bradford Village
02.2009 - 01.2011
Associate of Arts - Dietary Management Certification
SDSU
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication
Yankton College