Laura Hunter
Danbury,Texas
Summary
Experienced Member Advocate, Firefighter, and Paramedic adept at conflict resolution, time management and relationship building. Dedicated public servant that is highly effective at getting employees and patients connected with valuable resources. Technologically savvy and successful managing high levels of stress. More than 27 years of successful career experience in largely public environments.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Member Advocate
Houston Fire Department
10.2014 - 03.2022
- Handled crisis for 4,000 classified members and 400 civilian employees
- Managed various responsibilities including crisis management, administration, liaison to command staff, and support in critical situations.
- Worked effectively with staff from all departments to coordinate resolutions.
- Entered details into computer systems and managed database of information.
- Responded to employee concerns and questions with compassionate and knowledgeable service.
- Facilitated communication between employees, families and healthcare providers to support comprehension.
- Assisted employees in navigating complex healthcare systems and procedures to reduce emotional strain.
- Monitored employee progress and provided emotional support.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to facilitate high-quality comprehensive care.
- Advocated for employee rights and access to support resources in healthcare settings.
Southwestern Division Trustee
Women In Fire
07.2014 - 12.2016
- Represented Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Texas
- Responsibilities included mentoring, recruiting, membership chair, website & social media, treasurer, and grant writing support.
- Issued annual funding updates with agreed-upon data for key deliverables.
- Supported project management by liaising between internal departments and external advisors on trust matters.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission
- Developed and implemented strategies to drive organizational growth and development
Public Relations Committee Chair
Houston Professional Firefighter’s Association, Local-341
04.2014 - 05.2016
- Worked with local media and social media personnel, built relationships with local businesses and community leaders, coordinated fundraising activities, provided member support, and managed charitable contributions.
- Planned and oversaw meetings in accordance with governing documents.
- Maintained impartiality and objectivity during meetings and decision-making.
- Led organization in setting goals and strategies.
- Provided recommendations on board of directors on group's effectiveness, actions, and future plans.
Public Affairs Division
Houston Fire Department
04.2011 - 03.2014
- Handled various responsibilities including grant writing, community partnerships, strategic planning, improving communications, assisting with crisis management, and providing fire and life safety education.
- Produced and distributed internal and external communications.
- Executed social media plans to create cohesive online presence.
- Assisted with marketing strategy development to increase public awareness and customer engagement.
- Forged strong media relationships to further public relations goals.
- Helped with photo and video production and performed visual and sound editing tasks.
- Communicated with media weekly to build relationships and optimize press coverage.
- Developed campaigns to increase public awareness of company and engage customers.
- Implemented content editorial calendar to plan marketing campaigns and manage content.
- Developed brand media relations strategies that bolstered community awareness and knowledge.
- Coordinated individual duties after careful evaluation of each employee's skill level and knowledge.
- Delegated tasks to administrative support staff to organize and improve office efficiency.
- Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity.
SFFMA Training Coordinator & Instructor
Danbury Volunteer Fire Department
01.2004 - 01.2014
- Monitored and documented fire training, ensured compliance with membership rules and regulations, and held various certifications.
Adjunct Instructor
Houston Community College
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Instructed in the Fire Technology Training Program and co-ed & female cadet fire academies.
EMS Director/Administrator
Danbury Emergency Medical Services
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Managed personnel, created and updated patient care guidelines, reviewed contracts, created financial statements and budgets, coordinated with emergency management teams, and provided injury prevention programs.
Team Leader
Correctional Medical Services, Inc
01.1997 - 01.2007
- Provided medical care and intervention, created and implemented treatment plans, scheduled physician appointments, and provided employee training.
Courtesy Clerk/Cashier
H. E. B.
01.1992 - 01.1994
- Performed courtesy clerk and cashier duties.
Pharmacy Manager
Medicine Man Pharmacy
01.1990 - 01.1991
- Handled pharmacy management responsibilities including reconciling billing statements, handling DEA requirements, and managing personnel schedules.
Education
Fire Protection Technology & Paramedicine
Houston Community College
01.2014
Communications-Radio Broadcasting
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TX01.1992
Skills
- Decision Making
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Effective Communication
- Problem Solving
- Adaptability
- Multitasking
- Computer Literacy
- Interpersonal Skills
- Stress Management
Organizations
- 2009, 2012, Camp Houston Fire, Financial Director, Food & Beverage Committee Chair, Uniform Committee Chair, Recruiting Committee Co-Chair, Graduation Committee Chair, Fire Training Instructor, A 3-day Camp with the goal of breaking down stereotypes and exposing strong, young women to the challenges of a career in the Fire Service.
- 2007, 2015, Danbury Rotary Club, Rotarian
- 2006, 2020, Houston Highland Games Association, Patron Membership, Entertainment Coordinator, Vendor Coordinator, Provided First Aid Station
- 1999, Clan MacIntyre Association, Life Membership
- 1994, Houston Professional Firefighters Association (Local-341), Union member, Public Relations Committee Chair, Union Steward, Steward Committee Chair, District Coordinator, Memorial Committee Team-leader, Volunteer Committee, Food & Beverage Committee, Transportation Committee
- 1990, 2010, Danbury Volunteer Fire Department, Volunteer Firefighter/First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMS Director
References
- Rodney West, Executive Assistant Fire Chief, Houston Fire Department, O: (832)394-6731, M: (713)859-4103
- Jacque Ray, Human Relations Supervisor, City of Houston, O: (832)394-6624, M: (713)751-9668
- Annetta Vaughn, EAP Manager, City of Houston, O: (832)393-6500, M: (713)384-1249
Hobbies
- Backpacking across various countries
- reading
- scrapbooking
- avid sports fan
- volunteering within my community
Timeline
Member Advocate
Houston Fire Department
10.2014 - 03.2022
Southwestern Division Trustee
Women In Fire
07.2014 - 12.2016
Public Relations Committee Chair
Houston Professional Firefighter’s Association, Local-341
04.2014 - 05.2016
Public Affairs Division
Houston Fire Department
04.2011 - 03.2014
Adjunct Instructor
Houston Community College
01.2011 - 01.2013
SFFMA Training Coordinator & Instructor
Danbury Volunteer Fire Department
01.2004 - 01.2014
EMS Director/Administrator
Danbury Emergency Medical Services
01.2003 - 01.2010
Team Leader
Correctional Medical Services, Inc
01.1997 - 01.2007
Courtesy Clerk/Cashier
H. E. B.
01.1992 - 01.1994
Pharmacy Manager
Medicine Man Pharmacy
01.1990 - 01.1991
Fire Protection Technology & Paramedicine
Houston Community College
Communications-Radio Broadcasting
Alvin Community College
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