Eric Avant
Jefferson City,Missouri
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Director – Conduct and Investigations
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Jefferson City, Missouri
11.2022 - Current
- Managed DESE conduct and investigations section to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Maintained comprehensive understanding of regulatory changes to support organizational compliance.
- Facilitated discussions with coordinator and assistant commissioner to align on evolving standards.
- Interpreted and processed criminal history results from the Highway Patrol's RapBack system.
- Oversaw data transfer of educator background checks from Missouri's criminal history site to dese systems.
- Ensured security of state and federal background check information as the local agency security officer.
- Collaborated with Missouri State Highway Patrol to resolve investigative inquiries efficiently.
- Initiated correspondence for non-dese background investigations, securing necessary court documents.
Supervisor – Conduct and Investigations
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Jefferson City, Missouri
09.2015 - 01.2023
- Oversaw maintenance of all educator fingerprint and discipline records.
- Conducted thorough background inquiries through Missouri State Highway Patrol.
- Evaluated investigations while monitoring case developments.
- Requested court documents and additional information as needed.
- Collaborated with DESE, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and FBI on clearance protocols.
- Maintained accurate records in national discipline database for educators.
- Assisted school districts with fingerprinting background checks and disciplinary procedures.
- Facilitated workshops to educate various audiences on compliance standards.
Administrative Assistant
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Jefferson City, Missouri
09.2011 - 01.2015
- Managed incoming educator certification applications, ensuring timely processing through effective task assignment.
- Troubleshot user errors within certification system, facilitating smoother user experience.
- Addressed inquiries about DESE certification process and functionality of online certification system.
- Collaborated with team to enhance data integrity within Laserfiche digital records management system.
Secretary II
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Jefferson City, Missouri
01.2010 - 09.2011
- Spearheaded transition from paper to digital files, enhancing storage through Laserfiche implementation.
- Trained staff on new digital records management system, improving user proficiency and confidence.
- Resolved file system errors by troubleshooting user-related issues effectively.
- Handled inquiries on DESE certification process via email and phone, ensuring timely and accurate support for applicants.
- Coordinated routing of incoming payments and verified daily deposits, maintaining accurate financial records.
President/ Manager
Eric Avant and Jazz du Jour (8 member band)
Jefferson City, Missouri
01.2001 - 12.2010
- Directed all performances, maintaining high standards of execution.
- Negotiated and maintained performance contracts with clients, securing multiple engagements.
- Developed and managed annual budgets, overseeing all financial transactions.
- Hired and managed staff for eight-member band to ensure effective collaboration.
- Coordinated rehearsal schedules for productions, improving overall performance quality.
- Functioned as spokesperson during performances and client interactions.
Contractor/Consultant
MO Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Jefferson City, Missouri
07.2009 - 01.2010
- Implemented Laserfiche records management system for Missouri educator certification department.
- Developed procedures to maximize efficiency of new electronic system.
- Investigated sensitive information requests for division director, ensuring confidentiality.
- Coordinated routing of incoming correspondence and records to enhance communication flow.
- Recorded daily receipts and deposits, ensuring financial accountability.
Package Car Driver
United Parcel Service
Jefferson City, Missouri
09.1984 - 02.2005
- Managed delivery and retrieval of regular and urgent packages to meet customer expectations.
- Resolved customer concerns, enhancing service quality and satisfaction.
- Coordinated with drivers to optimize operational efficiency across extended regions.
- Identified prospective customers and pursued new account acquisition.
Associate Producer
Niche Productions
Jefferson City, MO
03.2003 - 01.2005
- Partnered with directors to shape production vision and strategy, aligning creative goals with project timelines.
- Assisted with planning and logistics for new and ongoing projects.
- Delivered narration and voice-over tracks for various television and video productions.
Owner/ Manager
E-magination Narrations
Jefferson City, Missouri
02.2001 - 01.2005
- Managed budgets and oversaw day-to-day operations to ensure operational effectiveness.
- Produced customized public service announcements for radio broadcast, serving Lincoln University and Missouri Institute on Minority Health and Aging.
- Researched and identified relevant PSA topics and materials that met client specifications.
Education
Coursework in School Laws -
William Woods University
Fulton, Missouri01-2024
Master of Health Administration/ Master of Health Informatics -
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri01-2017
Bachelors of Arts Degree - Business Management, Human Resource Management
Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri01-2008
Music Education -
Lincoln University
Jefferson City, Missouri05-1982
Skills
- Compliance auditing
- Regulatory analysis
- Policy writing
- Background investigations
- Data management
- Educator certification
Awards Honors And Activities
- Has represented DESE in such capacities as a COO Advisory Council member and News interviewee regarding Background check information
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Columbia College, 2008
- Member of Sigma Beta Delta (International Honor Society for Business, Management, and Administration)
- Dean’s List 02/2005 – 05/2008
- Honored as a United Way Leadership Giver
- Committee member of Jazz Forward Initiative, Inc. (Facilitators of the Capital Jazzfest) 2008-2010
- Former participant in “Jazz on Wheels” program which exposes elementary school-aged children to live Jazz in Mid-Missouri
Summary Of Qualifications And Skills
I am self-started, well versed in group management, and experienced in oral and written communications and team building. I have extensive training in various business processes including: Strategic Planning, Information Systems, Effective Communications, Organization and Staff Development, Human Resources Management, Business Planning, and Health Management. My computer-based competencies include MS Office Suite, Open Project, Arena, Genesis, Weka, Publisher, Photoshop, Steinberg Cubase, Cakewalk and Laserfiche. I consistently approach new challenges with an open mind and the ability to improvise new solutions.
Timeline
Director – Conduct and Investigations
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
11.2022 - Current
Supervisor – Conduct and Investigations
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
09.2015 - 01.2023
Administrative Assistant
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
09.2011 - 01.2015
Secretary II
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
01.2010 - 09.2011
Contractor/Consultant
MO Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
07.2009 - 01.2010
Associate Producer
Niche Productions
03.2003 - 01.2005
Owner/ Manager
E-magination Narrations
02.2001 - 01.2005
President/ Manager
Eric Avant and Jazz du Jour (8 member band)
01.2001 - 12.2010
Package Car Driver
United Parcel Service
09.1984 - 02.2005
Coursework in School Laws -
William Woods University
Master of Health Administration/ Master of Health Informatics -
University of Missouri
Bachelors of Arts Degree - Business Management, Human Resource Management
Columbia College
Music Education -
Lincoln University