DANA HECKRODT
Petersburg,IL
Summary
Qualified professional with 35+ years of experience in managing office operations, coordinating schedules, and maintaining efficient workflows. Proven track record in streamlining administrative processes and supporting executive teams. Demonstrated expertise in multitasking and communication skills, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Adaptable and reliable, with a focus on achieving results in a fast-paced environment.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
Office Administrator III
State of Illinois - Prisoner Review Board
Springfield, IL
03.2017 - Current
- Institutional Liaison to seven (7) IDOC Correctional Facilities,
- Analyze offender files and compile necessary materials for parole board hearings, supporting the department's commitment to fair assessments.
- Compile and format dockets to ensure accurate documentation for upcoming hearings.
- Conduct thorough research on pending and completed dispositions to enhance decision-making processes.
- Clarify policy and procedural guidelines while instructing facilities to promote compliance and operational efficiency.
- Evaluate administrative challenges and implemented effective solutions.
- Nurture and manage effective working relationships to promote a positive and productive work environment.
- Assess the accuracy and facilitate prompt notifications to participants in accordance with legal statutes, victim rights, court rulings, and agency procedures.
- Manage the DocuWare database, ensuring all documentation is entered promptly and accurately.
- Engage with families of individuals in custody, victims, and their families, legal representatives, as well as IDOC officials and the public, to deliver essential information and respond to questions.
- Leverage learned skills and methodologies to optimize operational processes.
- Review and address individuals in custody, and their families correspondence, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and fostering a respectful dialogue.
- Compile and submit monthly statistical data to uphold reporting accuracy.
- Develop and implement departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
- Establish and nurture effective working relationships to promote a positive and productive work environment.
Assistant Manager, Meetings Management
Illinois Association of School Boards
Springfield, IL
01.2004 - 01.2017
- Executed strategic management of a 270+ booth exhibition, ensuring seamless operations during the country's largest educational conference.
- Developed comprehensive budget forecasts aligning with organizational goals and financial strategies.
- Designed and executed a small agency function program to enhance operational efficiency.
- Achieved seamless hotel reservation management through effective negotiation of contracts and administration of housing availability program. Enhanced guest satisfaction by optimizing accommodation processes and ensuring timely responses to inquiries.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
- Analyzed and formulated recommendations for future budgeting of personnel, space, equipment, supplies, and services.
- Fostered collaborative relationships with essential hotel management and reservations teams to enhance operational efficiency.
- Assessed administrative issues to determine and execute effective action plans.
- Negotiated contracts and maintained available inventory of housing at eight major hotels in downtown Chicago.
- Authored and managed correspondence to association members and vendors, ensuring timely and effective communication.
- Drafted and presented detailed reports to communicate findings and insights.
- Evaluated existing workflows and developed strategic proposals to address identified problems and improve productivity.
- Prepared and evaluated Requests for Proposal (RFP).
- Developed and implemented strategies for sponsorship program, resulting in $150k in yearly contributions.
- Generated comprehensive weekly and monthly data reports to inform strategic decision-making.
- Sourced qualified vendors and negotiated contracts.
- Streamlined financial report scheduling and inventory control processes to optimize operational efficiency.
- Develop and manage a small agency function program.
- Designed and executed new and revised methods and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and performance standards.
- Implemented acquired knowledge and techniques to enhance workplace efficiency.
Executive Assistant to Sr. VP, HR
Aurora Foods
St. Louis, MO
02.2000 - 01.2004
- Guided leadership and personnel in executing HR policies, facilitating union negotiations, and implementing business strategies.
- Administered secure processes for managing confidential employee information, maintaining strict discretion.
- Analyzed travel expenditure patterns and developed cost control strategies, leading to significant savings of over $380,000.
- Developed and sustained comprehensive organization charts to enhance structural clarity.
- Led new hire orientation sessions, clarifying documentation requirements to streamline HR processes.
- Processed onboarding paperwork for new hires and rehires.
- Executed timely processing of employee status changes, ensuring compliance and accuracy in HR documentation.
- Designed and updated training materials and benefits packets to enhance onboarding experience.
- Conducted job applicant background checks in accordance with policy and procedures.
- Leveraged learned skills and methodologies to optimize operational processes.
- Held exit interviews and documented information discussed with employees.
- Worked with the HR department to devise and update policies as needed for corporate accountability and workplace health.
- Managed employment verification and background investigation procedures to support effective candidate selection.
- Arranged and led discussions with employees through meetings and conferences to mitigate personnel grievances.
Executive Assistant to Chief Operations Officer
Oldsmobile Scramble
Coldwater, MI
05.1994 - 12.1999
- Coordinated intricate calendars and organized meetings across multiple departments to enhance collaboration.
- Acted as a key liaison between COO and department heads to streamline decision-making processes.
- Managed all phases of operational projects to ensure timely delivery and alignment with strategic goals.
- Executed secure management of confidential financial documents while meticulously tracking budget allocations.
- Streamlined the preparation process for board materials, resulting in improved clarity and engagement.
- Filtered communications and escalated urgent matters to ensure prompt attention and action.
- Spearheaded coordination of company-wide initiatives and policy implementation efforts.
- Oversaw progress tracking on strategic objectives and identified potential bottlenecks.
- Evaluated and advised on budgeting strategies to meet anticipated needs for personnel, space, equipment, supplies, and services.
Executive Administrative Specialist
US Army
Fort Bragg, NC
11.1982 - 01.1988
- Conducted thorough proofreading of correspondence to enhance clarity, consistency, and compliance with organizational guidelines.
- Facilitated communication by answering staff questions and advising on best practices for administrative and clerical tasks.
- Streamlined project tracking by implementing and maintaining logs, rosters, status boards, charts, and graphs. Enhanced data visualization through effective management of view graphs.
- Facilitated efficient communication by composing, documenting, and processing classified and non-classified correspondence.
- Oversaw appointment calendar management and travel itinerary arrangements for general grade officers, enhancing logistical support and time management.
- Crafted comprehensive job descriptions and directives to clearly define roles and responsibilities.
- Managed custody and security of classified documents to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Articulated urgent instructions and guidance to a team of four personnel, enhancing task execution and response time.
- Maintained accurate records of personnel and supply levels to facilitate resource management.
- Oversaw security measures in local areas and conducted thorough route clearance to protect high-ranking officials during visits.
Education
College Courses - Business Administration and Management
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Wuerzburg, GermanySkills
- Process optimization
- Accurate revenue predictions
- Data analysis
- Efficient operations troubleshooting
- Effective team leadership
- Clear and concise communication
- Financial budget oversight
- Problem-solving skills
- Office management
Timeline
Office Administrator III
State of Illinois - Prisoner Review Board
03.2017 - Current
Assistant Manager, Meetings Management
Illinois Association of School Boards
01.2004 - 01.2017
Executive Assistant to Sr. VP, HR
Aurora Foods
02.2000 - 01.2004
Executive Assistant to Chief Operations Officer
Oldsmobile Scramble
05.1994 - 12.1999
Executive Administrative Specialist
US Army
11.1982 - 01.1988
College Courses - Business Administration and Management
University of Maryland - Baltimore County