Latasha LaGarde
Humble
Summary
Results-driven professional specializing in delivering exceptional customer experiences across diverse industries. Leveraged over 20 years of expertise in problem management and cross-department collaboration to resolve complex issues, ensuring timely and accurate outcomes that enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Contact Service Representative
Social Security Administration
Houston
08.2015 - Current
- Deliver exceptional service at one of agency's largest offices, enhancing customer experience through prompt assistance.
- Actively listen to customer needs, providing accurate referrals to relevant departments and organizations.
- Recognized as a go-to resource for colleagues, effectively resolving pre-claim and post-entitlement issues.
- Resolve congressional inquiries through problem-solving and communication, achieving satisfactory outcomes for complex matters.
- Managed pending enumeration applications, troubleshooting issues to expedite clearance and training staff on procedures.
- Collaborated in a four-member team to oversee continuing disability reviews, meeting weekly transfer quotas.
- Conduct thorough examinations to address various claim-related issues, including earnings discrepancies and appeals.
- Serve as a mentor for new hires, overseeing training progress and fostering professional growth.
Patient Financial Counselor
Ochsner Health Care System
HOUMA
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Ensured accurate and timely collection of essential data for charge and claim processing.
- Verified patient eligibility for hospital services, managing admissions in compliance with policies.
- Conducted comprehensive interviews to gather and update patient information, eliminating discrepancies.
- Maintained confidentiality and privacy regulations while handling sensitive patient information.
- Researched issues affecting claims processing efficiency, demonstrating proactive problem-solving skills.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by representing Ochsner Health System professionally across functions.
- Collaborated with colleagues to streamline processes, boosting departmental productivity through improvement initiatives.
Accounting Clerk II
Ochsner Health Care System
Houma
06.2013 - 08.2014
- Executed daily accounting transactions in hospital business office, including accounts payable and receivable management.
- Maintained strict adherence to protocols, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial records.
- Processed patient payments accurately and efficiently, enhancing financial transaction reliability.
- Provided personalized payment plan assistance to meet unique patient needs, promoting financial ease and satisfaction.
- Issued collection receipts for deposits from hospital pharmacy and gift shop, ensuring accurate financial accountability.
- Supported accounting manager in collection efforts for returned checks through effective communication.
- Collaborated with hospital financial counselors to secure essential financial aid for patients.
- Trained clinical registrars on Epic system utilization, maximizing operational efficiency and improving patient care.
Administrative Assistant to the Director
Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center
Houma
02.2009 - 06.2013
- Streamlined procurement operations by collaborating with purchasing director on quote requests and cost analysis.
- Managed electronic and paper filing systems for efficient document retrieval and administrative processes.
- Developed comprehensive reports to provide insights into fiscal spending and budget status for management decisions.
- Maintained meticulous records of purchasing activities, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
- Established organized files of qualified vendors while updating procurement policy documentation.
- Coordinated pre-bid conferences and site visits to ensure seamless procurement processes for central purchasing agency.
- Prepared and secured approvals on internal requisitions, enhancing overall purchasing workflow.
- Conducted market research to source pricing from local vendors, contributing to cost-effective procurement strategies.
Procurement & Acquisitions Specialist
United States Air Force
Scott Air Force Base
01.2003 - 06.2006
- Utilized automated acquisition system to prepare, process, and analyze procurement documentation for accuracy and efficiency.
- Drafted customized RFPs, RFQs, IFBs, and RFIs tailored to specific procurement needs.
- Implemented sealed bidding procedures, conducted public bid openings, and assessed low bidders' responsiveness per regulations.
- Procured commodities and services for over 40 military base agencies, demonstrating strong multitasking abilities.
- Developed comprehensive spreadsheet for tracking purchasing requests, ensuring easy order status checks.
- Cultivated vendor relationships to negotiate favorable purchasing terms and equipment refurbishment agreements.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of pricing structures and market trends to inform cost-effective procurement strategies.
- Facilitated procurement of materials for squadron maintenance, ensuring operational readiness.
Aviation Resource Management Specialist
United States Air Force
Barksdale Air Force Base
07.1999 - 12.2002
- Conducted thorough analysis of flight crew training needs to ensure targeted program development.
- Developed and maintained weekly training schedules for aircrew members, optimizing resource allocation.
- Monitored physical and physiological training compliance of aircrew members to support optimal performance.
- Collaborated with instructors and subject matter experts to implement improvements in training programs.
- Produced reports evaluating deployment availability of aircrew personnel for operational planning.
- Developed standardized training procedures promoting consistency and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Assisted in revising training manuals and instructional materials for accuracy and relevance.
- Participated in training meetings, providing insights and recommendations for process improvement.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA12-2016
Associates of General Studies -
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LAPromotions Accomplishments
- Promoted to Senior Airman (E-4), 01/2003
- Named Airman of the Month, 08/2003
- Top graduate of Airman Leadership Training Academy, 12/2003
- Promoted to Staff Sergeant (E-5), 01/2004
Timeline
Contact Service Representative
Social Security Administration
08.2015 - Current
Patient Financial Counselor
Ochsner Health Care System
08.2014 - 08.2015
Accounting Clerk II
Ochsner Health Care System
06.2013 - 08.2014
Administrative Assistant to the Director
Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center
02.2009 - 06.2013
Procurement & Acquisitions Specialist
United States Air Force
01.2003 - 06.2006
Aviation Resource Management Specialist
United States Air Force
07.1999 - 12.2002
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Nicholls State University
Associates of General Studies -
Nicholls State University