Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
References
Software
Timeline
Generic
Melina Cross

Melina Cross

Director, Regional Operations
Montgomery,TX

Summary

A dedicated and versatile Operational Leader with 15+ years in the Healthcare and Dental industry with wide expertise in business strategy and financial leadership. Known as a charismatic motivator of team, able to build and sustain partnerships throughout the organization to improve overall business profitability. With strong business acumen, demonstrate an outstanding track record of delivering results through collaboration, teamwork and innovative thinking. Recognized as an astute problem solver with strong communication skills at all levels, with patient care/customer service focus the highest priority. Strategic-thinking experienced in turning low-performing organizations into top revenue producers. Areas of expertise include: Change Management, Hands on Operations Management, Productivity and Performance Gains, Process Improvements, Risk Management, Staff Mentoring, Coaching, Training and Strategic Sourcing

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Director, Regional Operations

Guardian Dentistry Partners
04.2023 - Current
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth to 12 practice locations.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
  • Drove business expansion by identifying new markets, conducting research, and developing targeted marketing campaigns.
  • Monitored expenditures to mitigate risk of overages.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.

Healthcare Consultant

Sandstone Health Groups
8 2022 - 1 2023
  • Identified opportunities for cost savings by analyzing financial data and implementing cost-containment measures across multiple departments within client organizations.
  • Consulted with healthcare professionals on business decisions.
  • Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders in the healthcare industry, positioning clients as trusted partners within their respective markets.
  • Provided ongoing support to clients during periods of transition or organizational restructuring, minimizing disruptions to daily operations while maximizing overall effectiveness.
  • Improved patient care quality by conducting comprehensive assessments, identifying gaps in service provision, and recommending evidence-based solutions.
  • Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
  • Created and implemented organizational policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement innovative healthcare programs that streamlined processes and reduced costs.
  • Oversaw accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting

Director of Operations

Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry & Associates
08.2017 - 06.2022
  • Oversight of Daily Operations for (7) Dental Practices to include both pediatric/general & cosmetic
  • Hands on Operations Management with proven ability to develop and improve practice operations & expectations
  • Increased revenues 41% through hiring & training billing staff in house instead of outsourcing
  • Successfully managed patient care contract negotiations with insurance carriers
  • Strong oversight of multi-million dollar accounts receivable
  • Functions as Corporate Compliance Officer as well as compose and implement policies & procedures manual
  • Successfully recruited top quality Doctor & support staff, averaging less than 2% turnover annually
  • Function as resource and partner with key stakeholders in overall management and direction of practices.

Director of Operations

Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
02.2016 - 08.2017
  • Successfully managed all details of $650,000 per month cosmetic practice
  • Defined, implemented & revised operational polices and guidelines
  • Studied latest trends to add new merchandise to product line up improving sales revenues 11%
  • Promoted energetic atmosphere with purpose to drive improvement in patient care & concierge experience
  • Provided exceptional customer service to high end clientele
  • Coordinated leadership workshops to educate team members on best practice to optimize productivity
  • Upheld great standards of leadership for employees, consistently leading by example for best-in-class customer service & patient care
  • Handled problematic customers & clients to assist lower-level employees.

Practice Administrator

Ryan Comeaux, DDS & Associates
03.2010 - 02.2016
  • Oversight of accounting, budgeting & financial reporting
  • Provided supervision and management to team of 18 support personnel
  • Developed policies & procedures for effective practice management
  • Assessed processes & procedures, complying with OSHA & HIPAA regulations
  • Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching & team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibilities
  • Oversight of insurance billing, posting and account receivables
  • Produced monthly income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements for presentation to practice owner.

Education

Bachelors -

McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA
08.1989 - 05.1993

Practice Management - undefined

Levin Practice Management
Phoenix, AZ
05.2010 - 05.2013

Healthcare Topics -

Continuing Education
01.2018 - Current

Skills

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Critical thinking and problem solving

Meticulous attention to detail

Leadership and Teamwork

Effective Time Management

Advanced Computer System Skills

Flexibility and Adaptability

Operations Management

People Management

Websites

References

  • Carmen Qadir, Doctor-Scientist/Coaching/Consultant, 832-299-4033
  • Dr. Jonathan Penchas, Owner Midtown Dentistry, 832-549-7045
  • John Hullette, Sr Director of Ops, 951-505-0688
  • Mark Rippole, VP Revenue Cycle Management, 412-848-2369

Software

Denticon, Open Dental, Dentrix, Eaglesoft

Jarvis, Patient Prism, Revenuewell

Timeline

Director, Regional Operations

Guardian Dentistry Partners
04.2023 - Current

Healthcare Topics -

Continuing Education
01.2018 - Current

Director of Operations

Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry & Associates
08.2017 - 06.2022

Director of Operations

Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
02.2016 - 08.2017

Practice Management - undefined

Levin Practice Management
05.2010 - 05.2013

Practice Administrator

Ryan Comeaux, DDS & Associates
03.2010 - 02.2016

Bachelors -

McNeese State University
08.1989 - 05.1993

Healthcare Consultant

Sandstone Health Groups
8 2022 - 1 2023
Melina CrossDirector, Regional Operations