DEBRA ECHOLS

196 Turkey Ridge Road, Ragland, AL 35131

sdechols@msn.com • 256-315-4120 W • 205-577-2627 C

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE

Detail-oriented, highly skilled records management professional, providing supervisory and

operations expertise and detailed knowledge of documentation practices.
 Effectively managed large volumes of documentation, records storage and management,
security, access and control for federal prison system.
 Demonstrated ability to compile, analyze, transfer, compute, manipulate and validate
information to provide reports covering individual status, organizational performance, and
support decision-making.
 Outstanding priority manager, addressing numerous competing requirements effectively to
meet time requirements with accuracy.
 Excellent communication, interpersonal and liaison skills among colleagues, inmates,
supervisors, court officials and law enforcement agencies.
 Proven skill in building and leading focused teams, assigning and scheduling team
members, and training team to meet or surpass job proficiency requirements.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, multiple locations

Records Examiner / Correctional Systems Officer, Talladega, AL, 2008−Present
Manage documentation security, sentence computation, sentencing / correctional / constitutional law,
and interpretation of court orders and legal instruments. Organize and ensure confidentiality of
records. Liaise with law enforcement agencies and court officials. Respond to inquiries from staff
and inmates, providing accurate information with regard to case law and statute interpretation.
Manage payroll functions; implement and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and
regulatory requirements. Train personnel in records office functions.
• Guided department through several successful audits with high scores for quality.

Records Supervisor, Bennettsville, SC, 2004−2008

Oversaw daily operations within Records Office and other administrative departments. Supervised
eight staff members, including scheduling, assignments and training. Set up, maintained, and ensured
control / security for judgment / commitment files, sentence computations and audits. Served as court
/ law enforcement liaison and monitored / tracked temporary releases to ensure accuracy. Interacted
with colleagues and supervisors to ensure seamless, efficient and accurate operations. Ensured
correct documentation accompanied each action; managed records-related correspondence. Provided
procedural and legal information to staff and inmates. Conducted final sentence audits, verified
release dates, and managed notification processes.
• Developed and implemented effective system for archiving records to ensure accessibility as
well as control and security.
Continued…
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• Oversaw coordination of inmate movement with US Marshal Service, Prisoner
Transportation, and air / medical airlift transportation.

Acting Supervisor, Bennettsville, SC, 2006−2008

Managed setup and operation of Inmate Systems Department, including files, records, sentence
computation / final and transfer audits, and overall security. Scheduled, assigned and supervised 8
staff members. Served as court / law enforcement liaison; reviewed and verified legal documents and
managed correspondence, communications and responses to inquiries. Ensured adherence to policies,
procedures and regulatory / legal requirements. Participated in training and mentoring staff.
• Created and initiated records-archiving system and permanent card file system to ensure
accurate file tracking.

Counselor, Bennettsville, SC, 2004−2006

Conducted intakes, interviews, and assessments for newly admitted inmates and provided individual /
group counseling for assigned cases. Documented and developed records regarding inmates' status,
progress, and problems; conducted rounds and monitored progress. Addressed inmates' concerns;
supported correctional officers; ensured adherence to policies and procedures. Interfaced with other
departments to ensure smooth workflow; administered Inmate Financial Responsibility Program.
• Key team member in initial set-up, furnishing, supplies and activation of new unit housing
1800 inmates.

Legal Instruments Examiner / Records Technician, Talladega, AL, 1990-2004

Utilized knowledge of sentence computations, sentencing / correctional / constitutional laws, and
complex legal issues and court processes; interpreted legal instruments and ensured full compliance
with court directives as well as regulatory requirements. Liaised with law enforcement agencies and
court officials. Ensured strong records security and control. Coordinated prisoner transfers; computed
release / parole eligibility dates. Monitored temporary releases; responded to staff / inmate inquiries
and provided counseling and support to inmates. Adhered to investigative procedures as well as
policy / program statements. Processed mail and inmates as necessary.
• Earned prestigious Employee of the Year Award in 1996 and multiple additional
performance awards.
• Led office to receive superior ratings on several audits.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Undergraduate Coursework in Criminal Justice

GADSDEN STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE – Gadsden, AL

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