Public Health On-Site

DEDRA SIMMONS, MPH, BSPH, ASAHS,( DHSc, student)

PH: 470-***-****

*******@******.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/dedra-simmons-mph

Professional Summary

Dedicated and results-oriented public health and healthcare professional with expertise in clinical care, healthcare management, data analytics, and public health research. Proficient in strategic planning, leadership, and leveraging data to make informed decisions. I possess the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in remote and on-site settings.

Technical Skills

Technical Tools: EPIC, Meditech, HealthStream, REDCap, SENDSS, NEDSS, NESIIS, ROI Systems, HHS Protect (EEI), Collibra, Azure, Data Nexus, BI Portal, Workfront, Salesforce, JIRA, Clarity, Lucid, Inductive Health, Power BI, Microsoft Office Suite.

Public Health & Research: Infectious Disease Investigations, Contact Tracing, Public Health Research, COVID-19 Data Reporting, Data Governance, Data Quality Analysis, Strategic Planning, Policy Development. Conducting an Applied Research Project for my Doctorate in Health Sciences (ATSU, published 2026).

Professional: Data Analysis, Remote Work Proficiency, Customer Service, Organizational Leadership, Time Management, CNA Clinical Bedside Care, hospice, and behavioral health.

Communication: I am proficient in effective communication via phone, email, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Google Meet, work-based chats, and can conduct in-person and video meetings.

Professional Experience

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Contractor via TEKsystems

Data Analyst & Specialist • Surveillance Data Access Manager • Data Strategist • Data Governance Analyst

February 2021 –March 2025

Led the statewide health surveillance data program across public health departments and state agencies.

Analyzed COVID-19 and ELR datasets to identify trends and supported executive decision-making and prevention of diseases.

Conducted data quality assessments and applied governance frameworks to enhance system integrity.

Developed dashboards and actionable reports to support key public health initiatives.

Facilitated stakeholder collaboration on data-sharing agreements and SOPs.

Created Surveillance Access training Program, developed a secure way for state employees to access, transmit, and import health data files.

Georgia Department of Public Health (Remote)

Contract Tracer / Case Investigator / Data Processor

June 2020 – February 2021

Conducted COVID-19 case investigations, ensuring accurate and timely data collection.

Promoted to team lead; facilitated meetings, assigned tasks, and enhanced team productivity.

Utilized dashboards to analyze and report COVID-19 case trends.

Analyzed COVID-19 and infectious disease data to identify data errors and educate health facilities on how to report adequate data.

Collaborated with Providers, labs, and health facilities to generate the transmission and collect quality data to prevent the further spread of disease.

Developed a cross-functional team to receive COVID-19 results and protect EMRs, PHI, and PII.

Coastal Health District (On-Site)

Public Health Intern – HIV/STD Prevention & Health Promotion

January 2020 – October 2020

Delivered community education on HIV/STD prevention at outreach events and health fairs.

Organized infectious disease data and supported chronic disease prevention campaigns.

Set up HIV booths for health fairs and disseminated and handed out HIV materials to the fair attendees.

Applied the Blue Zones model to advance health equity initiatives in underserved populations.

Used community engagement to distribute information on how low-income families can be served.

Emory University (Rollins School of Public Health) (Remote)

Research Interviewer – PRISM Health PrEP Study

October 2019 – February 2020

Conducted participant interviews and outreach for HIV/PrEP public health study.

Collaborated with universities and healthcare facilities to expand the PrEP study engagement.

Managed participant data collection in compliance with ethical research standards (CITI certified).

Contacted over 300 universities, health facilities, and the Department of Health.

Creative Management Consultant

Disability Advocate / Processor

April 2019 – June 2020

Advocated for clients through the Social Security Disability claim process.

Coordinated with healthcare providers and SSA representatives to facilitate successful appeals.

Scheduled and conducted meetings and phone consultations with clients and SSA staff.

Completed training as a SAMHSA-certified Disability Advocate.

Additional Experience

Healthcare Support: Experience in hospital, hospice, behavioral health, and home health settings, bedside clinical care.

Created care strategies to serve hospice patients and families better.

Received the “World Class Caregiver” from WellStar Health Systems

Retail Management: Former Store Manager at Payless ShoeSource.

Food Services Experience: Quick Service Restaurants and Hospital environments. Received 97 or above in the Department of Health inspections.

Monitored food pricing and generated funds for the facility by analyzing shrinkage prices.

Education

A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO

Doctorate in Health Sciences (Management and Leadership Concentration) January 2021-March 2026

South University, Savannah, GA

Master of Public Health (MPH) September 2020

Bachelor of Science in Public Health June 2018

Associate of Science in Allied Health Science December 2015

Certifications

Healthcare & Safety

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – #CN0030041248

CPR Certification – Apollo First Aid, Inc.

First Aid – HeartSaver (AHA)

ServSafe Food Handler – Certificate #11548234

HIPAA Training (Completed Annually)

SAMHSA Disability Advocate – 2018

DPH Contact Tracing – 2020

DPH: Working from Home – Remote Work Strategies

Public Health & Data Analysis

Analysis and Interpretation of Public Health Data I & II-2024

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – 2024

Data Steward – 2024

Data Governance Foundations – 2023

Data Governance – 2023

Technology & Software

Power BI Masterclass – 2025

Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)-2025

Excel Essentials – 2023

Professional Memberships

American Public Health Association (APHA)

Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)

Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE)

National Honor Society

South University Alumni Association

Professional Development

Data Governance Foundations

Analysis and Interpretation of Public Health Data I & II

Become an Effective Team Member

Teamwork Foundations

Working from Home: Remote Work Strategies

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