Heather Ruhlman
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Accomplished Head of Operations Legal and Compliance leader and military veteran with Top Secret Clearance, adept in organizational structuring and fostering teamwork. Spearheaded strategic initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. Proven leadership in mentoring and cross-functional collaboration led to significant organizational growth. Skilled in complex problem-solving and effective communication, achieving goals with precision and innovation.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Operations Legal and Compliance
United States Air Force
07.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning initiatives to organizational growth.
- Facilitated change management efforts, guiding teams through periods of transition and growth.
- Assisted in drafting organizational policies and procedures to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Streamlined operational processes by identifying inefficiencies and implementing best practices.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve organization goals, fostering collaboration and communication.
Regional Senior Paralegal Manager
United States Air Force
06.2021 - 07.2023
- Oversaw 25+ paralegal staff focused on space and operations law.
- Mentored junior paralegals, contributing to their professional development and growth.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to establish long-term objectives, drive growth initiatives, and align regional efforts with corporate goals.
- Established and maintained operational standards for 5 locations.
Legal Superintendent
United States Air Force
11.2015 - 06.2021
- Resolved conflicts efficiently among team members, fostering a positive work environment that contributed to successful outcomes.
- Managed multiple simultaneous projects while maintaining strict deadlines and adhering to budget constraints.
- Established successful procedures for day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
- Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks effectively and overseeing daily workflow.
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
Paralegal Supervisor
United States Air Force
06.2012 - 11.2015
- Assisted attorneys in preparing persuasive motions and briefs by providing thorough research assistance and strategic insight from a paralegal perspective.
- Acted as a trusted liaison between attorneys, clients, and other legal professionals, maintaining strong working relationships that contributed to overall firm success.
- Facilitated productive meetings between attorneys and clients by organizing schedules, agendas, and necessary materials ahead of time.
- Enhanced legal team efficiency by streamlining paralegal workflow and implementing standardized processes.
- Reduced case backlog by prioritizing high-impact cases and delegating tasks to appropriate team members.
- Coordinated with expert witnesses to gather crucial evidence for trials, strengthening the legal team''s arguments in court proceedings.
- Mentored junior paralegals, developing their skills through hands-on training and constructive feedback.
- Managed complex litigation cases with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring all essential documents were thoroughly prepared for trial.
- Evaluated paralegal performance regularly through fair assessments based on clear expectations and performance standards.
Education
Master of Arts - Addiction Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
American Military University
Charles Town, WV05.2021
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL05.2014
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL04.2012
Skills
- Organizational Development
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Organizational Structuring
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Oral communication
- Operations Management
- Team Leadership and Management
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Head of Operations Legal and Compliance
United States Air Force
07.2023 - Current
Regional Senior Paralegal Manager
United States Air Force
06.2021 - 07.2023
Legal Superintendent
United States Air Force
11.2015 - 06.2021
Paralegal Supervisor
United States Air Force
06.2012 - 11.2015
Master of Arts - Addiction Counseling
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
American Military University
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Community College of The Air Force
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Community College of The Air Force
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