ProLaw
KRISTIE THOMAS
Gilbert,AZ
Summary
Extensive experience in legal procedures, claims administration, insurance policies, disability benefit administration processes and claimant eligibility with a strong medical terminology background. Highly organized and efficient in a fast-paced environment, communicating effectively at all organizational levels, with clients and stakeholders. Demonstrated to build trusting relationships. Thinks critically, solve problems, plan and organize activities and deliver excellent customer service.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
36
36
years of post-secondary education
Work History
VP of Operations
Blue Star Claims, LLC
Phoenix, AZ
04.2024 - Current
- Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
- Developed strategic plans that aligned with organizational goals, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
- Facilitated timely decision-making through accurate data analysis and insightful reporting on key operational metrics.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners for mutually beneficial collaborations.
- Championed employee development programs to enhance skills, increase retention rates, and build a high-performance workforce.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
Claims Supervisor
Blue Star Claims, LLC
Phoenix, AZ
10.2022 - 04.2024
- Managed performance development of claims handling to confirm compliance and adherence to best practices with Occupational Accident Claims
- Monitored team performance, mediated employee issues and disputes and implemented performance plans, organizational strategies and goal setting
- Optimized case management by performing extensive audits including medical and indemnity benefits handling
- Built talented teams of claims administrators dedicated to timely and compliant resolutions.
- Worked closely with vendors to solicit continued education to optimize staff knowledge and performance
- Handled extensive reporting to underwriters high exposure claims, policy conflicts and catastrophic claims when necessary
Claims Adjuster
Blue Star Claims, LLC
Phoenix
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Investigate and adjust occupational accident claims in accordance with established claims handling procedures
- Review medical, legal and miscellaneous documentation to determine if reasonable and related to the ongoing claim
- Issue medical and indemnity benefits timely and according to Policy provisions
- Forecast potential exposure for reserving claims, including catastrophic and large loss claims
- Negotiate settlements pursuant to the terms of the policy and within authority levels
- Identify mechanism of injury, symptoms vs non-related conditions
- Review extensively policy provisions and administration of benefits pursuant to policy terms
- Establish valuable relationships with Insureds / Motor Carriers / Brokers / Providers / Preferred Vendors.
Team Lead and Senior Paralegal
Law Offices of Reinisch Wilson Weier PC
Portland
12.2015 - 10.2021
- Evaluated, hired and interviewed candidates for an array of legal positions within a workers' compensation defense firm
- Extensively trained paralegals on firm’s complex software systems, case management and multipart civil litigation procedures
- Supervised and managed staff in multiple departments
- Implemented procedural changes to ensure firm’s progress and innovation
- Collaborated with human resources colleagues, managing partners and staff for multifaceted decision making
- Manage complex civil litigation claims including hearing preparation, intricate docketing and multipart claim management.
Senior Paralegal
Law Office of Gress and Clark, P.C.
Portland
08.2007 - 12.2015
- Assisted the demands of managing partners including heavy litigation preparation including structuring of evidence, arrangement of witnesses, drafting and editing correspondence and pleadings
- Organized and responded to discovery demands in large volumes while ensuring attorney/client privileged information
- Coordinated multiple complex schedules including travel, conferences, hearings and client meetings
- Performed as a liaison between clients, judges, court clerks and opposing counsel
- Provided critical analysis and summaries of evidence and claim documents to attorneys
- Trained and managed junior paralegals and legal secretaries
- Implement new and restructure existing office policies and procedures to ensure firm’s efficiency and created training manuals/forms.
Education
Paralegal Specialist Certificate (APA Approved Program) -
COLLEGE OF THE LEGAL ARTS
Portland, ORBachelor Degree of Science (Major Psychology) - undefined
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Portland, ORSkills
Staff Training and Developmentundefined
Software
Origami Risk
Time Matters
Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
Timeline
VP of Operations
Blue Star Claims, LLC
04.2024 - Current
Claims Supervisor
Blue Star Claims, LLC
10.2022 - 04.2024
Claims Adjuster
Blue Star Claims, LLC
10.2021 - 10.2022
Team Lead and Senior Paralegal
Law Offices of Reinisch Wilson Weier PC
12.2015 - 10.2021
Senior Paralegal
Law Office of Gress and Clark, P.C.
08.2007 - 12.2015
Paralegal Specialist Certificate (APA Approved Program) -
COLLEGE OF THE LEGAL ARTS
Bachelor Degree of Science (Major Psychology) - undefined
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
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