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Work Background
BuildStrong AmericaExecutive Director
Nov. 2021Washington DC-Baltimore AreaBuildStrong America, a nonprofit resilience advocacy organization, builds off and enhances the legacy of the BuildStrong Coalition. BuildStrong America is known for its dedication to enhancing resilience through building codes, infrastructure, and mitigation efforts. It focuses on creating a stronger America by driving national policy discussions on investments in mitigation to reduce disaster costs and losses. BuildStrong America brings together a diverse group of fire service members, emergency responders, insurers, engineers, architects, contractors, manufacturers, finance, technology consumer organizations, and code specialists, among others. The primary goal is to unite stakeholders committed to building a more resilient America to drive down the rising costs of natural, technological, or man-made hazards.
Consumer Financial Protection BureauFinancial Well-Being Program Specialist
Nov. 2020 - Nov. 2021Washington, District of Columbia, United States
FEMADirector, Individual and Community Preparedness
Mar. 2018 - Dec. 2019Washington D.C. Metro AreaGuided the development and implementation of FEMA Strategic Plan Objective 1.3, "Helping People Prepare for Disasters." I directed a 20-employee division with a $10.1 million budget and oversaw partner-programs at all levels of government, the private sector, and community organizations that increase citizen and community preparedness while encouraging disaster resilience across the nation. I ensured that preparedness programs we delivered for youth and citizen responders were effective and implemented according to policy guidelines. These programs are based on thorough research and included extensive outreach and education.
Some of my major accomplishments in this role included:
• Reaching over 28 million people during the first ever FEMA-led Financial Capability Month.
• Identifying and cultivating new partnerships with experts and organizations in the financial industry who have become force multipliers in building a national culture of financial preparedness.
• My analysis of the existing budget and contracts revealed areas for improvement and resulting in a surplus of $800,000 which was realigned to FEMA strategic priorities.
• I built a coalition with internal partners that reduced duplication of efforts and resources for the Ready Campaign, resulting in a cost savings for the agency.
United States Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs CommitteeDHS OIG Detailee
Mar. 2017 - Mar. 2018Washington D.C. Metro AreaThis was a detail assignment from Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General in which I oversaw the FEMA portfolio for the Majority. I conducted research and analysis and presented information relevant to policy matters, then proposed legislation to reform FEMA programs based on my findings. I provided Subject Matter Expertise in areas of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation. I was active on HSGAC hearings related to DHS and FEMA where I articulated areas for improvement within DHS’s programs. I ushered through the Presidential nominees for FEMA (Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and Deputy Administrator for National Preparedness). I also monitored news related to FEMA and researched overarching issue and developed oversight reports, hearing topics, and oversight letters.
Some highlights of this assignment were:
• I played active role in placement of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) on the Senate agenda.
• I vetted, then coordinated the confirmation of the FEMA Administrator and FEMA Deputy Administrator.
Eastern Kentucky UniversityAdjunct Instructor
Aug. 2015OnlineTeach Homeland Security and Emergency Management Graduate courses
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (OIG)Chief Policy Advisor
Jul. 2015 - Mar. 2018Washington D.C. Metro AreaI advised and supported high-level agency executives on mission-critical policy issues while directing a 36-employee division with a $15 million budget. The policies I reviewed and analyzed pertained to some very complex and highly sensitive cases. I drafted memoranda in which I presented issues to senior OIG officials and recommended courses of action including long-range policy and operational plans and strategies to improve morale while increasing process efficiency.
The working groups I initiated delivered initiatives and programs including an electronic workpaper system, enhanced office space, and work-life/diversity improvements. I represented senior level officials at working group meetings and briefed officials on minutes, recommendations, and implementation plans, then planned, coordinated and initiated project plans for evaluations of DHS programs. I found it necessary to run multiple projects simultaneously in order to successfully meet the report requirements for the Office of Inspections and Evaluations, throughout which I ensured workpapers thoroughly documented evidence and supported recommendations. Some of my accomplishments were:
• Changes I introduced increased report productivity of the Inspections and Evaluations Division by 140% in 9 months.
• When I identified “lack of training” as strongest morale issue within the division, I reallocated funds to resolve the issue. • I developed and implemented a new training program for new inspectors.
I received the Inspector General Award for Excellence for work on project: "Potentially Ineligible Individuals Have Been Granted U.S. Citizenship Because of Incomplete Fingerprint Records" and the Council for Inspectors General Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Award for Excellence for work on joint project with the Department of Justice: “Addressing Challenges in Counterterrorism Information Sharing.”
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs CommitteeDHS OIG Detailee
Feb. 2014 - Feb. 2015Washington D.C. Metro AreaDetail assignment from the DHS Office of Inspector General. During this time, I also analyzed policies as a DHS OIG Detailee for Senator Tom Coburn (Feb to Dec 2014) and for Senator Ron Johnson (Jan to Feb 2015). I independently managed the development of the FEMA portfolio for the Committee, providing input on policy matters, including a proposed reauthorization of DHS management authorities. I collaborated with others on the development and execution of oversight report projects specifically related to FEMA and DHS. I successfully mentored the Committee toward improved understanding and support of DHS OIG goals and accomplishments, and advised them on methods for asking DHS entities effective questions and encouraging compliance with IG recommendations. I was active on HSGAC hearings related to DHS where I articulated areas for improvement within DHS’s programs.
• I recommended and authored the DHS OIG Mandates Revision Act of 2014, which passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law on December 18, 2014. This legislation saved taxpayers $2 million a year.
Jacksonville State UniversityAdjunct Instructor
Dec. 2012 - Aug. 2019Department of Emergency Management
US Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector GeneralSenior Program Analyst
Jul. 2012 - Jul. 2015Washington D.C. Metro AreaIn this role I audited and evaluated the management and financial operations programs of DHS and its components. I closely examined the methods employed by agencies, bureaus, grantees, and contractors in carrying out essential programs and activities, then evaluated goal achievement to determine whether resources were used efficiently and whether intended and realized results were consistent with laws, regulations, and good business practice. I also evaluated financial accountability and ensured financial statements were not materially misstated. • When called upon to lead audits I completed them within designated milestone timelines. I completed IPERA FY 2013 audit one month before Congressionally mandated deadline and $100,000 under proposed budget.
US Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector GeneralProgram Analyst
Oct. 2009 - Jul. 2012Greater New Orleans AreaTo evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of FEMA’s Public Assistance Grants, I independently planned and executed all phases of an audit, using modified audit methods and techniques to resolve auditing issues as they arose. I isolated and identified conditions affecting mission capability, susceptibility to fraud, and the potential for increased efficiency. My primary areas of focus were cost-effectiveness, attainment of program goals and objectives, compliance with pertinent legal and regulatory guidelines, and interrelationships of competing priorities. I presented my findings and recommendations at opening and exit conferences to high level FEMA officials.
• My findings resulted in $13 million in questioned costs. In response, FEMA completely revised its alternate project structures.
MS Joint Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure ReviewEvaluator (Policy Analyst)
Nov. 2008 - Oct. 2009Jackson, Mississippi AreaConducted program evaluations of Mississippi state or local agencies and contractors.
Mississippi State UniversityTeaching and Research Assistant
Jan. 2007 - May. 2008
City of West Point, MississippiConsultant
Jan. 2006 - May. 2006Conducted job analysis for all city positions by utilizing employee interviews. Created job descriptions for all city positions. Reviewed and corrected organizational structures for city departments. Developed and distributed a salary survey to comparable cities. Prepared final report including recommendations for the job descriptions, job analysis, and compensation for City. Presented final report to Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
City of Flowood, MississippiConsultant
Jan. 2006 - May. 2006Reviewed financial audits for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Tracked trends and indicators in and throughout audits. Prepared final report indicating warning trends and signs for concern for City. Presented final report to Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
Juvenile Diabetes Research FoundationAdministrative Assistant (Intern)
Sep. 2005 - Feb. 2007
Forman Perry Watkins Krutz & TardyParalegal
Jan. 2003 - Feb. 2007
Watkins and Eager, PLLCParalegal Assistant
Jun. 2001 - Jan. 2003
Council for Court ExcellenceResearch Analyst
Jan. 2001 - Jun. 2001Managed over 100 volunteers for Court Community Observation Project.
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