Laura Coons
ICE-CCP, CACP, CLSSGB
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About
Certification and accreditation professional with expertise leading ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 accredited credentialing programs, examination development, psychometric quality assurance, and certification governance within the skilled trades industry. Experienced directing cross-functional accreditation initiatives involving SMEs, executives, vendors, and industry stakeholders to support defensible certification programs and organizational growth. Proven success managing continued accreditation across seven certification programs and leading development of new accredited certifications.
Active industry contributor through ICE leadership development, conference presentations, and credentialing thought leadership initiatives.
Experience
Senior Certification & Accreditation Specialist - NATIONAL INSPECTION TESTING & CERTIFICATION (NITC) - Los Angeles, CA
(2018-01)
Lead examination development, psychometric quality activities, and accreditation initiatives for ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 accredited certification programs supporting the plumbing, piping, HVACR, fire protection, safety systems, and medical gas industries.
- Lead development, maintenance, and continuous improvement activities for 7 ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 accredited certification programs serving skilled trades industries nationwide.
- Directed the successful creation and accreditation of two in-house certification programs, including examination scheme development, JTA facilitation, SME coordination, and accreditation documentation.
- Maintain continued accreditation compliance across all certification schemes through internal audit activities, management review participation, corrective action processes, and standards alignment.
- Facilitate Job Task Analyses (JTAs) and guide SMEs through competency modeling, blueprint development, examination review, and credential governance activities.
- Direct psychometric quality review activities including item analysis, reliability monitoring, exam validation reviews, and cut score development to strengthen examination defensibility.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with certification leadership, quality management, vendors, and industry stakeholders to support strategic certification program goals.
- Support ISO 9001:2015 quality management initiatives and continuous process improvement efforts.
- Partner with United Association membership and industry representatives to implement workforce-aligned certification programs supporting the skilled trades.
Business Manager, Ambulatory Ancillary Services - PRESENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER - Joliet, IL
(2015-01 - 2017-12)
Supported operational strategy through dashboard development, financial analysis, capacity tracking, and accreditation preparation activities across multiple ancillary service lines.
- Conducted gap analysis for Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Echocardiography accreditation readiness.
- Researched comparative hospital service lines against National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) standards.
- Served as Interim Chest Pain Center Coordinator supporting Chest Pain Center accreditation readiness and gap analysis activities.
- Developed skills matrix supporting staff cross-training, workflow optimization, and resource planning.
Lean Six Sigma Project Consultant - RB CONSULTING for BRUSKE PRODUCTS - Tinley Park, IL
(2014-01 - 2015-12)
- Led process improvement initiatives utilizing DMAIC methodologies to reduce waste and improve operational performance.
- Conducted job analysis and developed competency-based hiring tools including job descriptions, interview guides, and recruitment recommendations.
- Reduced sales force turnover through centralized recruitment process standardization.
- Redesigned sales training processes resulting in projected annual revenue improvements exceeding $111,000.
Qualitative Researcher, Division of Standards & Survey Methods (Contract) - THE JOINT COMMISSION - Oakbrook Terrace, IL
(2014-01 - 2014-12)
- Conducted literature reviews, survey research, and qualitative analysis supporting healthcare standards development.
- Supported development of palliative care standards through field review analysis and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Coordinated materials and logistics for advisory groups, task forces, and expert panels.
Continuous Performance Improvement Facilitator - PRESENCE MEDICAL GROUP - Bolingbrook, IL
(2012-01 - 2013-12)
- Facilitated performance improvement initiatives for 23 ambulatory clinics to improve patient satisfaction and quality metrics.
- Led accreditation readiness assessments and deficiency remediation activities supporting AAAHC standards compliance.
- Designed and delivered physician and staff engagement training that contributed to improved patient experience outcomes.
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative analysis supporting operational and leadership decision-making.
- Facilitated value stream mapping initiatives to standardize workflows and improve clinic efficiency.
Research / Graduate Medical Education Fellowship Coordinator - WEISS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL – BONE & JOINT REPLACEMENT CENTER - Chicago, IL
(2011-01 - 2012-12)
- Managed ACGME reaccreditation preparation activities resulting in successful 10-year reaccreditation.
- Maintained clinical outcomes databases and generated reports supporting quality and research initiatives.
- Designed physician and fellow evaluation processes supporting performance improvement initiatives.
Education
Master of Arts - Industrial Organizational Psychology - Roosevelt University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Governors State University
