Director of Operations is a highly responsible, non-faculty Senior Management position in the Lab Animal Care Unit (LACU). The position involves operational coordination and daily oversight of a $3.1 million animal resource program that includes a total of five AAALACi Accredited, GLP and non-GLP Vivarium research facilities located within the UT Memphis campus. The LACU animal research operations supports over $50 million dollars in federally funded research. As Director of Operations LACU, responsible for the oversight of all daily animal husbandry activities, within the five GLP and non-GLP animal facility operations at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis Campus along with functioning as a fully recognized authoritative source of knowledge for LACU operations of a comprehensive institutional animal resource program. In concert with the LACU Director, has direct accountability for all GLP and non-GLP service operational functions and activities within the LACU, providing daily non-faculty staff leadership and animal facility operational oversight necessary to coordinate a complex research support service program for the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis Campus.

Six Sigma Black Belt Professional responsible for leadership of all aspects of operations and management of 26K square feet, AAALACi Accredited GLP Vivarium R&D facility. Responsible for animal care, equipment inventory, quality assurance/control, safety, training, and veterinary clinical care for the contract at TriMetis LifeSciences; in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines, and contract requirements. Oversight of all contract personnel; taking ownership of error resolution and ensuring that daily contractual obligations are completed. Maintain budgets, required reports, performance records, and all required GLP documentation to maintain specific contractual obligations. Contributed to the development and implementation of all coaching, directing, and mentoring of all animal care staff personnel.In addition to these responsibilities, I am also a National AALAS Registered Technologist RLATG,Institute of Laboratory Animal Management ILAM Graduate, Mid-South AALAS Board of Directors and Institutional Member as well as the Mid-South AALAS Legislative Action Coordinator (LAC)

Managed daily operations of two GLP Vivarium R&D facilities with total of 60K+ square feet. Audited processes, identified critical gaps, designed corrective procedures, and trained staff. Mentored and led 18-member union team across three shifts. Fostered positive relationships among investigators, facilities, engineering, maintenance, and operations groups. Facilitated corrective action and preventive action analysis investigations regarding IACUC, COHSPULA, and safety. Oversaw third party service providers and supplies/materials vendors. * Achieved and maintained compliance with vendor requirements & FDA 21 CFR Part 11 by spearheading project to upgrade and validate environmental monitoring and security access computer system. Led user acceptance testing (UAT) for this upgrade that enabled correct data gathering and retention.* Orchestrated successful relocation of five buildings to leased space during construction and renovation projects. Moved operations back to owned facilities and qualified, tested, and inspected operations in newly finished space three-month ahead of schedule. Recognized with 2011 Galaxy Award.* Obtained finding-free FDA, USDA, and AAALAC inspections/audits in multiple research facilities and successful FDA, USDA, and AAALAC accreditations upon re-entering newly designed research facilities. Wrote work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs).* Established seamless and consistent Drug Safety Evaluation (DSE) operations across all company sites, improving reproducibility of study results, by co-leading team to develop and implement SOPs.* Ensured GLP and regulatory compliance through comprehensive, in-depth staff training.* Reduced overtime costs, while guaranteeing weekend coverage by successfully adding two shifts with weekend hours in Union environment.* Contributed to development and implementation of preventive maintenance / maintenance best practices for operations and laboratories as R&D Facilities Maintenance POC.

Managed all daily technical operations for drug safety evaluation (DSE) research in two Vivarium facilities. Supported GLP research as SME for all operational equipment, preventive maintenance, calibrations, equipment records, and documentation. Served as System Administrator and SME for animal ordering, census, clinical records, IACUC system (VS Track), and environmental monitoring systems (EWS, Rees). Wrote SOPs and archived GLP documentation/records. Trained and led union staff of 15 veterinary sciences animal care technicians.* Passed all regulatory inspections and audits successfully, including FDA, USDA, AAALAC, IACUC, COHSPULA, and GQRC.* Maintained FDA, USDA, AAALAC, and GQRC inspection-ready Vivarium facilities.* Played instrumental role in Vivarium facility projects as liaison between Drug Safety Management and Facilities & Engineering Management. * Wrote EPRs, SORs, and CARs; initiated Maximo work orders and Trackwise CAPA requests; participated in defining performance specifications. * Briefed management and building occupants on project/construction status and completion.

Managed daily GLP R&D facilities operations, encompassing Micro / QA Lab, monthly sentinel program, quarterly room sanitation/rodac testing schedule, cage wash efficacy testing, all animal drinking water sampling and microbiological testing, and equipment/preventive maintenance. Conducted routine equipment/area inspections for quality assurance and area sanitation. Documented data and processed document retention archives. Trained and led team of 15 direct reports in Union environment.* Named System Administration and SME for animal ordering, census, clinical records, IACUC protocol recordkeeping system, and environmental monitoring and security access systems.* Recognized as SME for all operational equipment, preventive maintenance, calibrations, equipment records, and documentation supporting GLP research.* Streamlined and standardized operations by periodically reviewing and updating SOPs.* Ensured compliance with safety and health regulations by recommending procedure improvements.* Promoted from initial hire as Biological/Animal Research Technician (Aug. 1993 – Dec. 1996) through Operations Assistant/Associate Supervisor of Veterinary Sciences (Dec. 1996 – Feb. 2001) to supervisory role..

Application of research techniques including; dosing, sample collection, clinical observations, record keeping on a vast array of research models.

Daily care of immuno-compromised research animals housed in a strict barrier colony. Established and maintained the integrity of this high priority area through the use of stringent aseptic techniques and micro-isolators. Obtained a comprehensive background of the research projects being conducted within the barrier facility through daily interaction and assistance of the principle investigators.