Valerie DeVost
1800 Jackson Street North Chicago
Summary
Dedicated, ambitious, energetic, highly experienced agent with proven success in delivering exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries, and ensuring transaction accuracy. Committed to enhancing customer satisfaction through effective communication and organizational skills. Detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in customer service and administrative support. Known for exceptional organizational skills and effective communication, consistently resolving customer issues and ensuring satisfaction through active listening and engagement. 12 years of proven experience in managing, planning, and operational skills. Dedicated to performing basic bookkeeping, filing, data entry, and accounting. Experience in technical proficiency using office software, MS Office, databases, Outlook, scheduling tools
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Customer Response Team Clerk
Northeastern Illinois commuter Railroad Corp.
Chicago
02.2024 - Current
- Communicated with customers to answer questions or explain information regarding ticket vending machines, the Ventra app, and purchasing tickets.
- Resolved customer issues efficiently, ensuring satisfaction and maintaining positive relationships.
- Responded to customer inquiries, providing travel information for Metra, Amtrak, CTA, and Pace, and assistance as needed.
- Greeted visitors in a friendly and professional manner while directing them appropriately.
- Assist conductors with their remits by entering data into computer systems accurately and efficiently.
- Collecting, depositing, and logging funds into the system.
Ticket Agent
Northeastern Illinois Commuter Railroad Corp
Chicago
02.2015 - 02.2024
- Assisted customers with ticket purchases and inquiries at Northeastern Illinois Commuter Railroad.
- Processed ticket transactions using electronic point-of-sale systems efficiently.
- Provided accurate information about train schedules and service changes to travelers.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly, ensuring a positive experience.
- Handled cash and credit transactions following company policies for security and accuracy.
- Delivered exceptional service to every customer through active engagement, effective listening and well-developed interpersonal skills.
- Assisted customers with ticket purchases, trip planning, pricing and scheduling.
- Performed cashier duties such as handling payments by credit cards, checks or cash.
Administrative Secretary
Mount Bethel Healing Temple Church
Waukegan
03.2013 - Current
- Managed daily office operations for community and church activities.
- Coordinated meeting schedules and prepared agendas for church leadership.
- Maintained church records, files, and correspondence efficiently.
- Handled incoming calls and inquiries with professionalism and care.
- Organized and maintained confidential files and records.
- Provided administrative support to the executive team including filing, faxing, photocopying, scanning documents.
- Created spreadsheets, documents, presentations, reports, forms. using Microsoft Office Suite applications.
- Managed office supplies inventory and placed orders when necessary.
- Developed procedures for record keeping systems to ensure efficient workflow processes.
- Prepare correspondence, memorandums, and departmental weekly and monthly summary reports.
- Prepared agendas for meetings and took minutes.
- Proofread and edit department correspondence for grammar, syntax, and completeness.
Ticket Agent
Northeastern Illinois Commuter Railroad Corp
Chicago
09.2007 - 03.2013
- Assisted customers with ticket purchases and inquiries at Northeastern Illinois Commuter Railroad.
- Processed ticket transactions using electronic point-of-sale systems efficiently.
- Provided accurate information about train schedules and service changes to travelers.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly, ensuring a positive experience.
- Handled cash and credit transactions following company policies for security and accuracy.
- Educated passengers on ticket regulations, pricing, and travel options available.
- Participated in staff training sessions to enhance customer service skills and product knowledge.
- Assisted customers with ticket purchases, trip planning, pricing and scheduling.
- Performed cashier duties such as handling payments by credit cards, checks or cash.
- Assisted customers with ticketing inquiries and purchase of tickets.
- Advised passengers on local attractions, transportation options and hotel accommodations upon request.
- Sold, printed, and issued tickets to customers following all applicable guidelines.
- Delivered exceptional service to every customer through active engagement, effective listening and well-developed interpersonal skills.
Research Analyst
Northeastern Illinois Commuter Railroad Corp
Chicago
05.2010 - 05.2012
- Developed reports summarizing research insights for stakeholder presentations and discussions.
- Assisted in implementing data-driven solutions to optimize operational performance metrics.
- Managed databases to ensure accuracy of commuter statistics and operational records.
- Utilized a variety of tools such as Excel spreadsheets and databases for effective data manipulation and analysis.
- Responsible for creative design for prominent commuter rail ridership monthly reports
- Analyzed complex datasets utilizing advanced analytics techniques.
- Developed financial models to support decision-making processes.
- Excellent communication skills, ability to delegate work, set clear directions.
- Manage, researched and updated all required material needed for Governmental funding for ADA and seniors ridership workflow
- Performed initial day to day mass transit ridership assessment and analysis to begin research process
Education
Clerical Training
Private Industrial Council
Waukegan Illinois08-1993
Clerical Training
General Clerical Assistant Certificate
Waukegan, Illinois06-1986
High School Diploma -
North Chicago Community High School
1717 17th Street North Chicago, IL 6006406-1977
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management
College of Lake County
Grayslake, ILSkills
- Customer service excellence
- Administrative coordination
- Accuracy in data entry and database usage
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Active listening skills
- Transportation information
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Team collaboration and problem-solving
- Order and payment processing
- Regulatory compliance
- Cash handling experience
- Creating and maintaining electronic and physical filing system
Certification
CLERICAL TRAINING
Timeline
Customer Response Team Clerk
Northeastern Illinois commuter Railroad Corp.
02.2024 - Current
Ticket Agent
Northeastern Illinois Commuter Railroad Corp
02.2015 - 02.2024
Administrative Secretary
Mount Bethel Healing Temple Church
03.2013 - Current
Research Analyst
Northeastern Illinois Commuter Railroad Corp
05.2010 - 05.2012
Ticket Agent
Northeastern Illinois Commuter Railroad Corp
09.2007 - 03.2013
Clerical Training
Private Industrial Council
Clerical Training
General Clerical Assistant Certificate
High School Diploma -
North Chicago Community High School
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management
College of Lake County