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Motivated Strategy and Communications Professional

Posted on: 2015-03-10

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Top Secret-SCI                                                                     ?   

LANGUAGES: English & French

 

EXPERIENCE

 

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT

2013-Present

Recent Counter-/Anti-Corruption subject matter expert projects include: NATO's Joint Warfare Centre (JWC), NATO's Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum, and Transparency International's Defence and Security Programme. Master’s Thesis Advisor at Grenoble Ecole de Management.

 

NAVANTI GROUP, Arlington, Virginia

Deputy Program Manager (Consultant) – August-September 2014

Navanti provides analytical, programmatic, and technological support focused on the socio-economic and transformative role of social media in various societies across the globe. They provide information on topics, such as media assessment, following popular trends, infrastructure, political risk, security, demographics, economic matters, humanitarian concerns, social dynamics, public perceptions, and government and NGOs. Their reports are widely disseminated to private, public and non-governmental clients to inform timely decision-making.

  • Provided daily mentorship and leadership to a team of 45+ onsite and offsite subject matter experts, analysts, copy editors, and graphic designers.
  • Ensured customer RFIs were prioritized and actioned by analyst teams and performed quality control checks on final products in an effort to meet the specific needs and aspirations of the client.
  • Managed the final product analysis and fusion of open-source operational information to assist the planning and intelligence priorities of the client.
  • Advised team leadership on courses of action for employee development utilizing operational and strategic experience to ensure high levels of performance, while also doubling the team production.
  • Utilized prior USG, military and NGO experience to enhance quality of products produced.

 

 CJIATF-AFGHANISTAN, HQ ISAF, Kabul, Afghanistan

2012-2013

Counter-Corruption Strategic Liaison and Chief – Assessments, Training & Lessons Learned

CJIATF-Afghanistan tasked by former International Security Force Assistance (ISAF) and Coalition Forces Commander General Allen to work with GIRoA, ISAF, Coalition Forces, and the International Community (IC) to ensure the success of the enduring campaign in Afghanistan. CJIATF-Shafafiyat is tasked by the ISAF Commander to integrate counter-/anti-corruption lines of effort with key leadership in the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA), ISAF, NATO and the International Community to galvanize multi-national, inter/intra-agency partners to act against corruption and organized crime that fatally threatens the ISAF mission and Afghan state.

  • Requested by former CJIATF-Shafafiyat Commander, MG H.R. McMaster to serve as a counter-corruption liaison and further prior work in counter-corruption curriculum development; and hand selected to move to the newly created CJIATF-Afghanistan.
  • Drew upon experience in public relations/diplomacy to initiate the NATO Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre study entitled “Counter-Corruption in Post-Conflict States” and the Joint and Coalition Operational Analysis (JCOA) study entitled “Operationalizing Counter-/Anti-Corruption Study” for General Allen and served as ISAF headquarters project manager.
  • As the Strategic Liaison Officer, designed and led a strategic site visit of anti-corruption experts from Transparency International’s Defence and Security Programme. To include key engagements with USAID, U.S. Embassy, DFID, NATO Senior Civilian Representative, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, Integrity Watch Afghanistan, and GIRoA’s Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior.
  • Tasked by leadership to direct CJIATF-Shafafiyat team for COMISAF Operations Plan revision 6.2 (NATO campaign plan for Operation Enduring Freedom) and a cross-functional team in drafting Quarterly Strategic Assessments Report (QSAR) and Transition Provincial Outlook Report (TPOR).
  • Drawn extensively upon my International Relations background and anti-corruption expertise to coordinate the civil society Women’s Shura toward strategic effect, where women serving in GIRoA, the IC and Afghan civil society were brought together to form a coalition of women against corruption.
  • Crafted counter-corruption training material related to the ISAF Operational Plan and Objective Four – Counter-Corruption and Organized Crime. Material has been taught at the NATO Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway, HQ ISAF, Kabul, Afghanistan, and Grafenwoehr, Germany.
  • Lead Briefer to General Officers (to include Gen. John Allen, Gen. Joseph Dunford, and Lt Gen. Nick Carter) on QSAR, TPOR and Transparency International corruption measurements.
  • Liaison to the Intelligence Community – contributed directly to reporting reaching the highest levels of the U.S. and international governments.

 

KINGFISHER SYSTEMS, INC., Falls Church, VA

Recruitment Consultant – 2012

Provided key recruitment for national security support to U.S. Government with specific focus on the Intelligence, Security, Irregular Warfare, Homeland Security, and Law Enforcement Communities. Synchronized efforts with a multi-faceted team to evaluate, screen, and place potential candidates within mission-essential, contracted positions for the USG, using an understanding of their professional strengths and requirements.

  • Actively data mined candidates from multiple key sites and vetted CVs for USG/national security contracts; prescreened candidates with detailed phone screens, evaluating candidates’ compatibility with specific federal job requirements, ensuring a right fit prior to submission to USG client. Tracked candidates’ activities (i.e. phone calls and emails) in Quickbase applicant tracking system.
  • Obtained security clearance information for verification by Kingfisher’s Facility Security Officer.
  • Coordinated closely with Project Managers to ensure the quality and background of candidates being presented matched the requirements for federal contracts, such as Department of State, JIEDDO, and NCIX.

 

CIBER, INC., Carlisle, PA

Analyst – 2011

PKSOI was requested by the International Security Force Assistance (ISAF) Commander to create a counter-corruption training course for deploying military and civilian personnel. This project is in conjunction with CJIATF-Shafafiyat.  

  • Conducted, analyzed, and cataloged research on counter-corruption in Afghanistan for use in curriculum development for Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI) and SOLLIMS, a lessons learned database.
  • Developed, designed and drafted counter-corruption curriculum to be hosted by Army Training Network (ATN). Content manager for ATN post-construction.
  • Lead the research investigation for development of material for “Building Effective Teamwork in Counter-Corruption” lessons; curriculum is currently being used in pre-deployment COIN seminars at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
  • Developed survey and interview questions to assess effectiveness of training conducted as a result of the counter-corruption program of instruction (POI).
  • Created standard operating procedures for file management, information processing, subject matter expert tracking, and dissemination of research materials to enable government and contract team to easily locate and utilize information.
  • Managed and administered suggested changes to the POI and support materials based on assessment results. Serve as integral part of the design team for conferences (on-site) related to this project. Provide support services to the design team for conferences (VTC or on-site) related to this project.

 

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

2010-2011

  • Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI), U.S. Army War College
  • Collected relevant lessons, integral in development of curriculum/references, and assisted with assimilation of counter-corruption curriculum into existing leader development programs.
  • Interviewed key military and civilians experts engaged in Afghanistan to uncover the depth and breadth of corruption currently seen in theater. Interviews were turned into podcasts and incorporated into course material.
  • National Security Studies, Syracuse University
  • Assisted and supported marketing, coordination, and execution of a high profile national security education program attended by senior public and private sector leaders.

                       

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, Coral Gables, FL

Regional Director of Alumni Giving and Assistant Director of Alumni Programs – 2006-2010

Key leader in aggressively facilitating the funding priorities of the University of Miami; as one of three regional directors for the University of Miami Alumni office. Managed a portfolio of over 435 alumni (200 were new alumni donors) and was accountable for soliciting and closing gifts of $1,000 to $50,000.

  • Successfully raised over $90,000 for student scholarships in 2009 fiscal year.
  • Successfully raised over $86,000 for student scholarships in 2008 fiscal year.
  • Enhanced relationships with existing alumni donors through coordinated alumni programs with the University’s National Outreach Program.
  • Created a high level of alumni participation and increased visibility of the university through regional programming, volunteer recruitment and management, and special events. Including: Summer Send-Off events, Pregame Celebrations, New Dean’s Reception and Book Award program.

 

TRAVELED IN AFRICA, MEXICO AND UNITED STATES

2005

  • Traveled to enhance cultural and personal knowledge of different regions of the world.

 

M/Y MOSAIQUE, Cannes, France

Purser – 2004

Responsible for the accounting and management of a 50 meter, $20 million motor yacht.

  • Balanced accounts and maintained payroll for a staff of 12 people.
  • Officer of the Watch and witness to sale of yacht.
  • Facilitated hand over to new owner, captain and crew.

 

 

INSPECTION ACADEMIQUE DES ALPES MARITIMES, Cannes, France

Assistant d’Anglais – 2003–2004                                                 

  • Taught 200 French children (8-12 years of age) English as a second language.

 

EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL, Alexandria, VA

Assistant Director of Annual Giving, and Annual Fund Assistant – 2001-2003

Principal member of a successful development team, which raised over $2.3 million during fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003.

  • Managed recording and acknowledgement of all gifts to Episcopal High School’s Annual Fund, The Roll Call.
  • Direct oversight of the Roll Call calendar, including correspondence with over 8,000 constituents, e-mail solicitations and phonathons.
  • Directed the alumni solicitation for the classes of 1927-2002.

 

CONGRESSMAN FRED UPTON, Washington, D.C.

Legislative Correspondent, Staff Assistant, Systems Administrator, Intern Coordinator – 1998-2001

  • Managed the flow of incoming/outgoing constituent mail; researched and wrote 80% of responses to constituents (an average of 100 letters a day were delivered, e-mailed or faxed to office).
  • Supervised office operations during annual August recess.
  • Coordinated the Intern Program: advertised, recruited, reviewed applications, conducted initial telephone interviews, scheduled interviews and prepared interview packets for Congressman.
  • Organized and scheduled Congressional tours for constituents.

 

EDUCATION

2010-2011                      SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY                                 Syracuse, NY

Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

  • Master of Arts, International Relations (focus: Public Diplomacy)
  • Certificates of Advanced Study: Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Conflict Resolution

 

1995-1999                      WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY             Kalamazoo, MI

  • Bachelor of Arts, Public Relations; Journalism

 

1998-1999                      GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY                     Fairfax, VA  

  • Extended Studies Program

 

 

ACTIVITIES/INTERESTS

  • Board Member, The Economic Club of Southwest Michigan (September 2014-Present)
  • Alumni Relations Advisor, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity (September 2009-May 2011)
  • Leadership Miami – Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce (October 2007-May 2009)
  • National Debutante Cotillion of Washington, D.C. (November 1999-Present)
  • Delta Gamma Fraternity Member (Fall 1995-Present)
  • Traveling in Eastern and Western Europe, and Southern Africa