VALERIE CRUZ

• Served as a subject matter expert for tissue banking standards, regulations, processes, and policies. Maintained current knowledge of evolving tissue banking regulations and industry trends, assisting in integrating changes into standards and industry guidelines.
• Led and oversaw the Accreditation program, including recruiting and onboarding of contract inspectors, coordination of assessment activities, and served as the liaison to the Accreditation Committee.
• Collaborated in cross-functional teams, including Association members, to ensure the successful implementation of standards, programs, and initiatives.
• Reviewed and prepared inspection reports for review by the AATB Accreditation Committee. Ensured corrective action reports (CAPAs) submitted by accreditation applicants met the requirements for compliance with AATB Standards and federal and applicable state, local, and country regulations.
• Responsible for analyzing customer feedback to identify areas of improvement in quality assurance processes.
• Provided technical support and guidance in resolving complex quality issues. Responsible for the lifecycle of the Accreditation's electronic software, including software configuration, security assessments, and troubleshooting.
• Participated as a non-voting member of the Standards Committee to provide support as requested by the committee chair.
• Developed content for Standards Committee workgroups; participated in the creation and/or revision of standards.
• Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.

• Maintained an on-call schedule to respond to organ referrals within the OPO’s designated service area. Responsible for duties related to evaluation, allocation, and surgical recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation, and medical research/education.
• In consultation with the Medical Director, directed the clinical management of donors, including ordering medications and tests, evaluating results of tests and procedures, and optimizing organs for transplantation.
• Allocated organs and tissues in accordance with WRTC and Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) policies.
• Coordinated the surgical recovery of donated organs and tissues, including communication with recovery teams and hospital staff.
• Oversaw the recovery procedure, including OR donor management and personnel workflow, to ensure optimal organ viability and respect for the donor and gifts. Assisted with the preparation and administration of preservation solutions and packaging of organs.
• Maintained detailed, complete, and accurate records of all donor referrals, donation discussions, donor management, organ allocation, and donor recovery.
• Worked with hospital staff to ensure a sensitive and effective approach process. Offered the opportunity of donation to legal next-of-kin; completes authorization and donor risk assessment interview (DRAI).

Donor Evaluation Coordinator I, Clinical Services (2016 - 2017)

Donor Coordinator III, Donor Center (2012 – 2016)

Shift Leader, Donor Center (2011 – 2012)

• Maintained an on-call schedule to respond to organ referrals within the OPO’s designated service area, evaluating potential donors for medical suitability.
• Communicated with the healthcare team and utilized medical records, history and physical examination, and current health status to determine donor suitability for organ and/or tissue donation.
• Consulted and coordinated with hospital medical staff and Clinical Manager to provide optimal donor management of potential donors and to maximize organ suitability.
• Provided support to potential donor families; offered the opportunity for donation; completed authorization and donor risk assessment on consented donors.
• Worked to promote awareness and education about organ and tissue donation to healthcare professionals and the public through hospital development and community outreach.
• Responsible for education and training of all staff in The Donor Center. Developed curriculum to meet current standards of practice including guidelines set forth by NYSDOH, CMS, FDA and AATB. Developed and revised training modules to reflect current regulatory requirements and organizational Policies and Procedures. Assessed effectiveness of training programs through on-going evaluations.
• Monitored Donor Coordinators’ interactions with clients, including hospitals, medical examiners, funeral homes, and donor families. Provided ongoing training and guidance to improve efficiency and quality.
• Acted as a liaison to other departments and third-party entities to provide education on tissue donation.
• Supervised and provided guidance to Donor Coordinators (DC) in day-to-day activities, especially as it relates to determining donor suitability and authorization for tissue donation. Triaged and actively sought resolution for issues related to the screening, consent, and recovery processes immediately as they arose during the shift. Actively reviewed status of ongoing cases, responsible for the delegation of all assignments and deployment of tissue recovery teams.
• Responsible for contacting Next-of-Kin to provide grief support and offer the gift of tissue donation. Completed authorization and donor risk assessment in accordance with local and federal guidelines. Consistently exceeded performance measure goals relating to donor consent and conversion rates.
• Participated in Quality Improvement measures, reviewing documentation and charts for accuracy.

Office Manager, Employee Health Services, Apr 2010 - June 2011

• Promoted to reestablish the Employee Health Services (EHS) Department at its new site. Collaborated with the Manager of EHS and Director of HR to revise department policies and procedures.
• Trained staff in the use of registration and EMR systems (AHS, Standard Registry/Chartmaxx, NextGen)
• Served as the liaison to the Quality Department, assisted in conducting internal audits to review compliance with regulatory agencies (i.e., The Joint Commission and NYSDOH).
• Developed systems to track and monitor compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Responsible for all purchases and processing of all invoices; tracking expenditures within budget.
• Responsible for conducting all emergency management drills, including Environmental Care Rounds. Maintained FDNY Certificate to Conduct Fire Drills. Certified N95 Fit Tester, responsible for fitting all employees.

Special Assistant to the Chair of Pediatrics Sept 2007 – Mar 2010

· Enlisted to work with the Chair of Pediatrics to strengthen and expand The Infants & Children’s Hospital philanthropic program. Served as liaison to corporate and individual donors and spearheaded community outreach and stewardship events.

· Revived the Asian Initiative Advisory Board, a campaign to enhance service to the target population, resulting in an 18% increase in patient visit volume across the pediatric continuum.

· Developed and served as a Faculty Advisor to The Family Advisory Board.

· Generated and edited written materials and presentations for public and media distribution.

Office Manager – Pediatric Primary Care Center May 2007 – Mar 2010

• Managed the daily operation of a NYSDOH Article 28 pediatric ambulatory site. Successful in increasing visit volume to over 24K annually (compared to ~20K upon hire). Prepared and maintained the Center’s budget, approximately $6M annually.
• Served as Project Manager for Center’s application to become a Patient Centered Medical Home
• Oversaw the functions of the administrative and clinical staff; monitored productivity standards and initiated disciplinary actions in accordance with SEIU 1199 and NYSNA regulations. Conducted annual competency testing and performance reviews.
• Developed the educational program to prepare staff for regulatory agency surveys (i.e., The Joint Commission and NYSDOH). Performed mock surveys throughout the Pediatric Ambulatory Network, provided ongoing support and feedback to all staff, including physicians.
• Served as a Faculty Observer for the Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs), preparing Residents for the standardized patient component of the Boards Exam.
• Oversaw Performance Improvement measures, collecting data and preparing statistical reports. Monitored results, ensuring that follow up actions are implemented.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director, developed departmental policies and procedures, reviewing periodically to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Maintained vendor relations, responsible for purchases and processing of all invoices. In consultation with the Assistant Director and the Dept. of Finance, ensured all appropriate charges for institutional services, equipment and supplies are captured.
• Performed chart reviews to determine areas of improvement; determined cause(s) and corrected problems relating to consents, reimbursement, and compliance with regulatory and insurance carrier guidelines.
• Developed strategies for responding quickly and effectively to inquiries or complaints from customers or other stakeholders.

• Assisted the Chief Financial Officer with administrative duties, including financial analysis, client and/or vendor-related agreements, personnel projects, and other special projects. Assisted in preparation and maintenance of budget; identified areas of loss revenue.
• Reviewed contracts prior to execution to ensure alignment with the Council's public service objectives and budget.
• Oversaw the utilization of space. Maintained vendor relationships, negotiated public service advertisement contracts, responsible for all purchasing and processing of invoices. Responsible for the maintenance and repairs of all office equipment.
• Supervised Reception and Mailroom personnel. Developed revised workflow for staff by redefining work procedures resulting in greater efficiency and productivity.

• Participated in weekly Executive Leadership meetings. Served as a liaison to the departments and community boards of the Hospital to implement and explain changes in policy and procedures on behalf of the President & CEO.
• Interacted directly and frequently with Board Members, Legal Counsel, and VP of Finance and Administration on the implementation of projects and initiatives including: 1) engaging the Asian Advisory Board to fund hospital operations through fundraising campaigns; 2) spearheading The 2006 Royal Family Gala (supported by the Royal Family of England) which raised over $1.7M to support hospital operations and coordinated with the City of New York to dedicate the Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden; 3) engaging in fundraising efforts to build the $25M Lehman Brother’s Emergency Room; 4) participating in the sale of the hospital’s parking lot for $39M to Forest City Ratner; and serving as the liaison to NY Community Board 1 to facilitate the community’s acceptance of the sale; 5) serving as the event planner for The Inaugural Annual International Symposium on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response; worked with the emergency response team from the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Israel to develop the event program.
• Prepared and monitored departmental budget.
• Assisted in drafting and proofreading speeches and other communications for the President. Handled confidential correspondence on behalf of the President.
• Collaborated with external vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of services or products requested by the President's office.
• Conducted research into a variety of topics that may be beneficial to decision making processes within executive management.
• Assisted in managing the President's private practice, managed all aspects of billing and collection for this internal medicine practice, and served as the phlebotomist.
• Tackled and addressed top-level, high-priority issues with professional administrative discretion.

• Instrumental in increasing practice net revenue to over $1.5M per year. Negotiated with the US Federal Bureau of Prisons to establish reimbursement rates for patients treated from The Metropolitan Detention Center and The Metropolitan Correction Centers (MDC & MCC), NYC.
• Established the practice as an Independent Medical Evaluation center – responsible for marketing services to defense law firms; coordinated the evaluation of patients and production of IME reports.
• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of this multi-specialty practice (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, & Endodontics).
• Developed and implemented office policies and procedures.
• Supervised staff members, organized schedules and delegated tasks.
• Ordered supplies and equipment to maintain adequate inventory levels.
• Responsible for reconciliation of accounts receivables, preparation of financial reports and practice analysis. Negotiated and oversaw all vendor relationships, ensuring adherence to budget.
• Provided clinical assistance to oral surgeon, including but not limited to bone grafts, sinus lifts, placement of dental implants, and procedures necessitating the use of platelet-rich plasma.

• Heavy interaction with the Board of Directors and Executive Members to prepare for The Foundation’s 50th Annual Awards Dinner Honoring the Four Former First Ladies of the United States, including event programming, donor stewardship, and serving as a liaison to the UK contingency.
• Served as the event planner for The Annual Dinner at The Society for Neuroscience Convention, including venue selection, hotel accommodations, travel arrangements for 500+ international attendees, audio/visual logistics, and production of event journal and press release materials.
• Served as the liaison between The Foundation and 900+ Brain Awareness Week Partners; maintained an active database of participants, ascertained the Partners' needs, and generated regular correspondences to ensure ongoing campaign success.
• Heavy interaction with the public to furnish information requests generated by The Foundation’s television and radio programs, provided management with regular analysis of the public’s response to such programs.