Maura Choppala
Oregon City,OR
Summary
Proactive Director of Laboratory Operations with extensive experience in team building, regulatory compliance, and process improvement. Adept at managing budgets, fostering a positive work environment, and enhancing laboratory efficiency. Bringing strategic planning, project management, and staff management skills to drive organizational success. Collaborative leader partners with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Laboratory Operations
Kaiser Sunnyside Hospitals
06.2004 - 01.2024
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Laboratory Manager
Kaiser Permanente
06.2000 - 06.2004
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting open communication among team members and addressing any conflicts promptly.
- Actively participated in professional conferences and workshops, sharing laboratory best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Improved laboratory efficiency by streamlining workflows and implementing process improvements.
- Interviewed, hired and trained lab technicians to perform experiments and analyze results.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by staying up-to-date on industry best practices and adjusting internal policies as necessary.
Laboratory Supervisor
Kaiser Permanente
06.1991 - 06.2000
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by optimizing workflows and laboratory procedures.
- Mentored junior staff members to foster professional growth, skill development, and career advancement opportunities within the organization.
- Maintained equipment and facilities in good working order.
- Facilitated troubleshooting efforts during unexpected challenges or crises while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Improved staff competency through continuous training programs and performance evaluations.
- Worked closely with quality assurance teams to address and resolve any discrepancies or concerns related to laboratory processes, data, or results.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, OR07.1982
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Willamette University
Salem, OR05.1981
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- People Management
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Strategies and goals
- Project Coordination
- Staff Management
Accomplishments
Oversaw opening of new hospital laboratory, to include:
- hiring and training 24/7 staff;
- implementing services to support inpatient, surgical and emergent services
- create optimal quality and compliance programs to support go-live and maintenance of regulatory requirements of state and federal policies.
- integrate and partner with departments to support optimal patient outcomes
- focus on productive staff-centered processes; leading to high retention rate and high quality results
Timeline
Director of Laboratory Operations
Kaiser Sunnyside Hospitals
06.2004 - 01.2024
Laboratory Manager
Kaiser Permanente
06.2000 - 06.2004
Laboratory Supervisor
Kaiser Permanente
06.1991 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Oregon Health & Science University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Willamette University
Similar Profiles
Courtney SmithCourtney Smith
STAFF / RELIEF CHARGE NURSE POSTPARTUM at Kaiser Permanente, Sunnyside Medical CenterSTAFF / RELIEF CHARGE NURSE POSTPARTUM at Kaiser Permanente, Sunnyside Medical Center
Kelli ParkerKelli Parker
Emergency Room RN at Sunnyside Kaiser Medical CenterEmergency Room RN at Sunnyside Kaiser Medical Center
Baillie MilliganBaillie Milligan
Oncology Staff Registered Nurse at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical CenterOncology Staff Registered Nurse at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center
Jennifer MoriartyJennifer Moriarty
Employment Specialist at Express Employment Professionals - East PortlandEmployment Specialist at Express Employment Professionals - East Portland
Jaselle MazziJaselle Mazzi
Production Grinder at Precision CastpartsProduction Grinder at Precision Castparts