Katrina Stanfill - Human Resources Specialist (Labor/Employee Relations Policy) (GS-14), Department of Defense

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Work Background

Department of the NavyLabor/Employee Relations Policy Specialist (GS-14)

Dec. 2024Serve as the senior advisor on Labor and Employee Relations (LER) policy for CNIC Headquarters and 10 regional Human Resources Offices (HROs), providing expert guidance, strategic oversight, and direction on complex and sensitive labor relations issues affecting the civilian workforce enterprise-wide. Develop, update, and implement CNIC-wide LER policies, procedures, and guidance, including DON Instructions, memoranda, SOPs, and training tools in response to evolving federal regulations and workforce needs. Advise regional HR leadership and specialists on high-impact labor and employee relations matters involving policy interpretation, performance management, employee discipline, union negotiations, and changes in mission scope. Lead Command-level initiatives to assess and improve LER service delivery, streamline processes, and align policy with organizational goals and legislative requirements. Collaborate with OCHR Stennis Operations Center (Code 40), DON legal counsel, and senior CNIC leadership to resolve policy disputes, implement regulatory changes, and address emerging LER challenges. Conduct case law research, develop executive summaries, write issue papers, and create LER briefs and quick-turn products to inform decision-making at the executive level. Organize and facilitate monthly CNIC LER regional working group meetings, ensuring policy consistency and sharing of best practices across the enterprise. Plan and lead special projects involving performance management reform, data analysis, and cross-functional coordination with the Human Capital Branch. Draft Command guidance for performance awards, manage implementation of the Performance Award Review Tool (PART), and develop training on MyPerformance, performance elements, and related systems. Represent CNIC at DON and DOD-level conferences, briefings, and collaborative working groups to support enterprise labor relations strategy and alignment.

United States Marine CorpsHuman Resources Director (GS-14)

May. 2017 - Dec. 2024United StatesAs HR Director within a regionalized civilian personnel office, I led and managed the full spectrum of HR programs supporting multiple Marine Corps Commands. I served as principal advisor to Commanding Generals, SES officials, and senior leaders on strategic and operational human resources matters, ensuring compliance with OPM, DoD, DON, and Marine Corps policies. Through subordinate supervisors, I oversaw staffing, classification, labor and employee relations (LER), workforce development, and employee engagement initiatives across multiple installations, including a satellite office in Parris Island/Beaufort. As a working supervisor, I actively contributed to daily HR operations, balancing leadership responsibilities with hands-on execution. I routinely provided policy interpretation, developed HR strategies aligned with mission objectives, and conducted tailored training for military and civilian leaders. Known for clear, credible guidance, I fostered positive relationships with Commands, unions, EEO, and legal counsel. I leveraged HRIS platforms and data analytics (e.g., Advana, HRLink, DCPDS) to inform decision-making, track trends, and improve service delivery. I was recognized for adaptability, strategic insight, and a commitment to workforce excellence.

United States Marine CorpsDeputy Human Resources Director (GS-13)

Jan. 2016 - May. 2017As Deputy Director of Civilian Human Resources Office – Southeast (CHRO-SE), I applied my extensive HR background—including roles as EEO Assistant, HR Director Assistant, LER Specialist, and LER Supervisor—along with a BS in Adult/Technical Education and formal leadership/HR training, to support thirteen serviced Commands with a workforce of over 3,000 employees. Serviced locations included Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Marine Corps Logistics Command, Blount Island Command, and the Tri-Command (Parris Island/Beaufort). I independently advised Commanding Generals, SES members, senior military and civilian leaders on all aspects of federal human resources management. I provided authoritative interpretation of complex regulations, participated in senior-level staff meetings, and represented CHRO-SE on cross-functional teams and committees. I coordinated HR operations with Command counterparts in areas such as manpower, organizational changes, and position management. I conducted data-driven analyses on recruitment, retention, and hiring trends, and regularly delivered executive-level briefings supported by comprehensive PowerPoint presentations and workforce metrics. I directed the delivery of HR services across labor and employee relations, performance management, staffing, classification, compensation, FECA/OWCP, and workforce development. I also collaborated with EEO staff (aligned under HR until Oct 2016) on cases involving potential crossovers between HR and EEO issues. I fostered productive partnerships with HQMC Manpower & Reserve Affairs, DON OCHR-San Diego, and the Office of Counsel. Internally, I provided leadership and oversight for subordinate HR personnel, setting priorities, offering technical guidance, and ensuring compliance with federal HR laws and policies. I also ensured staff had the training, tools, and resources needed to effectively perform their duties.

United States Marine CorpsSupervisory Labor/Employee Relations Specialist (GS-12)

Feb. 2012 - Jan. 2016As the Head of the Labor/Employee Relations (LER) Division, I served as the principal advisor and subject matter expert on all matters involving labor relations, employee relations, performance management, leave administration, and awards for multiple Commands, including Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Marine Corps Logistics Command, Blount Island Command, and others. I also served as a backup advisor for the Tri-Command (MCRD Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort). Additionally, I oversaw the OWCP/FECA and Drug-Free Workplace Programs and served on the Reasonable Accommodation Committee. I supervised a team comprising two LER Specialists, one OWCP/FECA Specialist, and one HR Technician. I planned, directed, and coordinated a high-volume, complex workload, while managing my own portfolio of cases. I conducted performance evaluations, assigned training, managed schedules and leave, and provided ongoing technical and administrative guidance. I interviewed candidates, recommended personnel actions, and frequently participated in hiring panels both within and outside the organization. Independently, I managed critical and sensitive work assignments. I successfully coordinated two federal government shutdowns for serviced Commands with minimal assistance. I developed and delivered training programs across all supervisory levels, customized to organizational needs. I provided expert guidance to Commanding Officers, SES members, Executive Directors, and Chiefs of Staff on employee relations, workplace conduct, performance issues, labor contract interpretation, and disciplinary actions—including the most complex and sensitive cases. I served as the Chief Negotiator for labor-management issues, supporting one of the Marine Corps' largest unionized civilian workforces, and participated in HQMC-level labor negotiations. I acted as the Agency Representative during arbitrations and a Technical Advisor to the Office of Counsel during MSPB proceedings. I drafted a wide range of official correspondence including disciplinary actions, management proposals, grievance responses, and policy documents. In support of internal workforce planning, I conducted detailed analyses of staffing levels and labor costs, developed related reports and presentations, and advised the HR Director on workforce management strategies. I represented the HR Office at Command staff meetings, advised on personnel policies, and helped resolve sensitive issues such as hostile work environment allegations, management inquiries, and reasonable accommodation cases. I also gained practical experience in EEO, Training, and Staffing/Recruitment/Placement/Classification through cross-functional collaboration, research into employee complaints, formal training, and direct involvement in complex HR cases—strengthening my comprehensive understanding of federal human resources management.

United States Marine CorpsLabor/Employee Relations Specialist (GS-11)

Mar. 2008 - Feb. 2012Served as an advisor on civilian personnel matters, providing expert guidance to both civilian and military leadership on labor and employee relations, counseling, and performance management. Supported managers and supervisors across a diverse workforce including General Schedule (GS), Wage Grade (WG), Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF), contract, and military personnel. Advised on complex and sensitive personnel issues affecting morale, productivity, discipline, grievances, and communication. Worked closely with managers on matters related to leave administration, performance ratings, retirement, and disciplinary actions. Provided day-to-day consultation and casework support in alignment with policies governed by DOD, DON, USMC, OPM, FLSA, and FLRA regulations. Developed and maintained productive working relationships with management officials, union representatives, and HR counterparts at USMC Headquarters. Earned consistent recognition from leadership for professionalism, subject matter expertise, and ability to de-escalate emotionally charged situations. Conducted fact-finding investigations, researched case law, and analyzed policy to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to management. Drafted counseling memos, disciplinary and adverse action notices, and formal responses to grievances under both administrative and negotiated procedures. Represented management as a technical advisor and/or agency representative during grievance proceedings, Unemployment Compensation hearings, and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) hearings. Prepared case files, agency briefs, and witness testimony, and conducted direct and cross-examinations. Delivered employee and supervisory training at worksites on request, tailoring presentations to enhance understanding of labor and employee relations practices. Frequently conducted briefings to inform, persuade, and educate audiences at all levels, including union officials and Command leadership. Provided performance management support by helping supervisors draft performance improvement plans (PIPs), apply formal recognition plans, and manage rating cycles. Assisted employees and managers in navigating pay entitlements, leave policies, insurance programs, and retirement processes. Acted as liaison between employees and the Benefits Center, offering one-on-one support in preparing and reviewing retirement paperwork, and resolving benefit-related inquiries.

United States Marine CorpsHuman Resources Assistant (GS-07)

Oct. 2007 - Mar. 2008Served as a special assistant to the Director of the Civilian Human Resources Office – Southeast (CHRO-SE), providing administrative, secretarial, and procurement support in alignment with the office’s mission, programs, and staff needs. Exercised judgment in selecting, interpreting, and adapting a variety of guidelines, including agency policy, laws, regulations, and precedents to resolve issues and assist staff. Compiled, verified, and organized detailed data across multiple administrative and HR program areas. Functioned as a subject matter expert in correspondence, clerical, and administrative procedures, offering guidance to CHRO-SE clerical/support personnel. Coordinated and executed specialized projects and management studies to enhance office operations and improve efficiency. Utilized in-depth knowledge of CHRO-SE functions—including Employee Relations, Labor Relations, and Prohibited Personnel Practices—to support staff and advise management. Researched, analyzed, and assembled complex information such as training materials, organization charts, PowerPoint presentations, civilian personnel regulations, and statistical briefs. Frequently interacted with high-level agency officials and external partners, often in non-routine situations requiring tact, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills to identify information needs and establish contact with appropriate individuals. Served as the CHRO government purchase cardholder, independently managing procurement of supplies and services. Managed travel logistics by preparing funded travel orders, securing transportation and lodging, and coordinating trip itineraries for CHRO-SE staff. Prepared reports and personnel-related documents, advised management and employees on basic HR matters, and responded to routine inquiries from customers, including feedback submitted via the Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) system. Demonstrated exceptional writing and proofreading skills, using applicable manuals and reference materials to ensure accuracy. Organized and prioritized work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequently shifting deadlines and guidelines.

United States Marine CorpsEqual Employment Opportunity Assistant (GS-06)

Aug. 2006 - Oct. 2007rovided comprehensive administrative and program support to the Equal Employment Manager, EEO Specialists, Special Emphasis Program (SEP) Committee members, complaint investigators, mediators, and EEO complainants. Entered and maintained accurate complainant data in the Department of the Navy’s iComplaints system, meeting strict deadlines and proactively informing supervisors of upcoming requirements to ensure timely submissions. Compiled and analyzed iComplaints data to produce reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, as well as for ad hoc requests. Designed and developed marketing materials—pamphlets, flyers, and brochures—to promote EEO programs and events. Created visually engaging PowerPoint presentations for training and SEP activities. Conducted in-depth research on cultural, historical, and demographic topics to support SEP programming. Served as the CHRO government purchase cardholder, overseeing procurement and funds management functions. Analyzed supply needs, determined categories and quantities of materials, and executed purchases in compliance with regulations. Reconciled monthly statements, monitored account activity, and ensured accuracy of transactions, including adjustments, credits, disputes, and refunds. Assessed problems, gathered relevant data, and identified effective solutions to enhance operational efficiency. Promoted the use of technology, streamlined work functions, and implemented innovative practices while eliminating ineffective procedures. Maintained strict confidentiality in all work assignments and internal/external contacts. Performed routine personnel management support functions and responded to internal and external information requests. Maintained a variety of official files, including time and attendance records, leave requests, discrimination complaint files (formal and informal), SEP documentation, statistical reports, and EEO regulations and guidance. Applied advanced office automation skills across Microsoft Office Suite and other platforms—generated documents using Microsoft Word, created and maintained databases in Excel and Access, built presentations in PowerPoint, extracted data from PDFs, and utilized Outlook for communication and task coordination. Demonstrated working knowledge of federal anti-discrimination laws and applied that knowledge in support of EEO program functions and compliance.

Department of the NavyElectronics Technician (Active Duty - E5)

Mar. 1997 - Mar. 2005Served honorably in the U.S. Navy with progressive leadership roles and technical responsibilities in electronics maintenance, communications systems, security, and training. Demonstrated excellence in supervision, administration, and operational readiness in high-stakes environments both afloat and ashore. USS Fife (DD-991) | Electronics Technician (1998 – 2002) Lead technician for AN/SPS-40E Air Search Radar; responsible for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of advanced radar and communications systems. Supervised and evaluated performance of 7 personnel; managed training, counseling, timekeeping, and workload distribution. Served as Work Center Supervisor, Safety Petty Officer, Training Coordinator, and Supply Petty Officer. Developed and implemented training programs for 25 personnel, including ethics, maintenance procedures, and operational protocols. Improved work center productivity by analyzing administrative processes and recommending enhancements. Meritoriously promoted from E-4 to E-5 for superior performance. Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, GA | Electronics/IT Technician (2002 – 2005) Maintained and programmed Land Mobile Radios and related communications systems; installed radio systems in police and bomb squad vehicles. Conducted systems inventory and infrastructure setup in preparation for Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) implementation. Processed MAC (Move/Add/Change) requests for user accounts, software, hardware, and network infrastructure. Temporarily assigned to the Auxiliary Security Force (ASF) providing armed patrol, search, and protection of high-value military installations.