Hi, I’m
KRISTA COLLEEN ECHOLS
Nolensville,TN
Summary
Results-oriented laboratory professional with a strong focus on improving processes, increasing efficiency, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Utilizing industry experience and a flexible interpersonal capacity, effectively communicates and leads cross-functional teams to achieve desired outcomes. Through comprehensive audits and risk assessments, diagnoses critical issues and promptly resolves operational bottlenecks and non-compliance. Commitment to maximum confidentiality ensures the absolute integrity of sensitive information. Expertise in vendor management and internal/external communications enables effective direction of these areas. Leveraging technical proficiencies, skilled in setting up distribution lists and utilizing project governance tools. Possesses extensive knowledge of ISO 15189, ISO 17021, and CAP standards.
Overview
17
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
LABCORP
Risk & Continual Improvement Program Manager, Senior Cytogenetic Technologist
04.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Created and authored the Continual Improvement/Risk Management Program for Cytogenetics/FISH Department
- Author and perform targeted audits that align with CAP and ISO 15189 standards
- Revamp standard operating procedures and quality control forms as necessary
- Strengthened adherence to ISO and CAP standards through developing teams and programs to identify and mitigate risks
- Key Accomplishments:
- Improved employee performance by authoring the curriculum and bench exercises for a competency-based training program for cytogenetics processes with a corresponding training proficiency level scale
- Diminished Cytogenetics rework rates by 15% and decreased failure rates by 10% within a 2-year period by improving processes, reagent, and employee skills
CENTENNIAL MEDICAL CENTER
Stem Cell Processing Technologist
07.2018 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Prepared donor-matched blood and marrow products for transplants involving pediatric and adult leukemia patients by facilitating the removal, processing, and cryopreservation of stem cells; completed lab procedures at maximum efficiency.
- Exhibited integrity in handling donor certifications, IDMs, and information concerning donor suitability and outcomes tracking.
- Exercised methodical organization skills in maintaining patient records by accurately processing and labeling diagnostic images.
NEOGENOMICS LABORATORIES
Cytogenetics Laboratory Lead
09.2008 - 08.2018
Job overview
- Directed highly productive cross-functional teams to implement best practices and streamline processes across 4+ testing sites for the further expansion of the laboratory; significantly decreased the costs per test by 6%+ in the first year.
Education
Colorado State University GlobalAurora, CO
Master of Science from Project Management
11.2024
University Overview
Relevant Coursework Completed: Supply Chain & Operations Management, Organizational Development, Strategic Planning, Operations Management, Healthcare Quality & Performance Improvement, Business Analysis
East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN
Bachelor of Science from Allied Health Leadership
05.2021
University Overview
Relevant Coursework Completed: Leadership & Strategic Planning, Research Methods & Statistical Analysis
Skills
- Project Management
- Laboratory Quality and Performance
- Quality Assurance
- Inventory Analysis and Procurement
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Regulatory Compliance
- SOP Development
- Lean-Six Sigma
- Data Analysis
- Change Management
- Strategic Planning
- Procurement Methods
- Performance Management
- Learning & Development Methodologies
- Risk Analysis & Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Documentation
- Problem-Solving
- Team Leadership
- Collaboration
- Excellent Verbal & Written Communication Skills
- Keen Attention to Detail
- Organization Development
Certification
Medical Lab Technician (MLT) Certification, American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Timeline
Risk & Continual Improvement Program Manager, Senior Cytogenetic Technologist
LABCORP
04.2019 - Current
Stem Cell Processing Technologist
CENTENNIAL MEDICAL CENTER
07.2018 - 12.2018
Cytogenetics Laboratory Lead
NEOGENOMICS LABORATORIES
09.2008 - 08.2018
Colorado State University Global
Master of Science from Project Management
East Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Science from Allied Health Leadership
Similar Profiles
Joselin ArroyoJoselin Arroyo
Kit Production Assistant IIa at LabCorpKit Production Assistant IIa at LabCorp
Nelly LLiguichuzhcaNelly LLiguichuzhca
Phlebotomist at LabCorpPhlebotomist at LabCorp
Jack MeyerJack Meyer
Specialty Development Executive at LabCorpSpecialty Development Executive at LabCorp
Keir BrownKeir Brown
Customer Service Representative at LabCorpCustomer Service Representative at LabCorp
Michelle McGillMichelle McGill
Educator at The Gardner SchoolEducator at The Gardner School