AJA JAMES
MA
Summary
Accomplished Human Services Manager with a track record of successful leadership, training, coaching, and team-building. Proven abilities in developing and sustaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Experienced in designing, implementing, and executing succession planning and workforce development strategies, utilizing agile methodologies to achieve strategic and operational outcomes. Implemented innovative strategies to enhance employee engagement and support the agency's mission. Strategic thought leader with the ability to coach and mentor supervisors and managers to reach their full potential. Integrated diversity and inclusion best practices throughout the workplace, including talent acquisition processes within the Agency. Major strengths include strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, professional and cultural competency, successful liaison and negotiation skills, as well as impartial mediation capabilities. Creative and strategic mindset serving as a valuable thought partner in operations and HR. Decisive nature and independent work ethic excel in multitasking and project management. Seeking to transition into a new field after developing strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and public communication skills within the public administration environment. Expertise lies in policy implementation and data-driven decision-making. Focused on leveraging these competencies to drive meaningful results in diverse settings.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Commissioner
MassAbility- Disability Determination Services
03.2021 - Current
- Responsible for the management and direction of the entire division that administers the SSDI/SSI program for the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Ensure programs, systems, and staff function effectively, and efficiently while maintaining compliance with State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies
- Evaluate, analyze, and performance measurement, key indicators and with public service demands
- Manage, lead, direct, and foster support/development of direct reports through timely feedback and facilitate the ability of staff to achieve the highest level of professional individual and team growth/performance
- Work with the State Office of Financial Management and Budget and the Social Security Administration's Regional Office as needed to ensure excellent fiscal management, fiscal agility, and meeting compliance standards
- Maintain organizational flexibility to ensure compliance with ever-changing federal laws enacted by Congress, Statutes, and Social Security rulings, policies and procedures
- Develop, implement, and administer personnel policy and procedures
- Hire and determine disciplinary action, terminations, policy formulation, program implementation, the establishment of goals and objectives, and negotiations with SSA and State bargaining units
- Annual Budget formulations to obtain federal funding, Fiscal purchasing, computer and telecommunication systems, contracting, general procurement, and related support initiatives necessary to meet the Division’s goals
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills in guiding diverse teams toward shared objectives while maintaining individual accountability standards.
- Lead a team of professionals in achieving project goals on time and within budget constraints.
- Optimized work processes through regular analysis and evaluation, identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective solutions.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, making recommendations for enhancements based on data-driven insights.
- Facilitated productive meetings among team members, promoting open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Spearheaded initiatives focused on improving organizational culture, leading to increased employee morale and retention rates.
- Champion efforts to incorporate technology into daily operations, increasing overall productivity levels within the department.
- Maximize resource utilization by identifying opportunities for cost savings and reallocating funds where needed.
- Manage budgets effectively, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources for optimal results.
- Devise legal and administrative recommendations to protect government issues related to data and privacy.
- Provide executive coaching, mentoring, and guidance to senior management
- Developed and implemented a DEI strategic plan for the organization resulting marked increase in recruitment, promotion, and retention
Assistant Commissioner
MassAbility- Disability Determination Services
03.2021 - Current
- Responsible for the management and direction of the entire division that administers the SSDI/SSI program for the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Ensures that programs, systems, and staff function effectively, efficiently, and are compliant with State and Federal laws, rules, regulations and policies
- Through leadership, the AC creates and directs the vision of MRC-DDS and ensures its integration into MRC’s mission, goals, policies, operations, culture, service programs, strategic planning, and special initiatives
- Evaluate, analyze, and performance measurement, key indicators and with public service demands
- Manage, lead, direct, and foster support/development of direct reports through timely feedback and facilitate the ability of staff to achieve the highest level of professional individual and team growth/performance
- Develop and implement operational policies and procedures consistent with federal law to provide timely and quality determinations
- Monitor through weekly, monthly, and quarterly review of internal and federal reports
- Work with the State Office of Financial Management and Budget and the Social Security Administration's Regional Office as needed to ensure excellent fiscal management, fiscal agility, and meeting compliance standards
- Maintain organizational flexibility to ensure compliance with ever-changing federal laws enacted by Congress, Statutes, and Social Security rulings, policies and procedures
- Develop, implement, and administer personnel policy and procedures
- Provide guidance and direction on other related initiatives within the DDS Division
- Hire and determine disciplinary action, terminations, a policy formulation, program implementation, the establishment of goals and objectives, and negotiations with SSA and State bargaining units
- Annual Budget formulations to obtain federal funding, Fiscal purchasing, computer and telecommunication systems, contracting, general procurement and related support initiatives necessary to meet the Division’s goals
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in guiding diverse teams toward shared objectives while maintaining individual accountability standards.
- Implemented innovative solutions for complex problems, resulting in improved customer satisfaction rates.
- Conducted thorough research into industry trends and best practices, incorporating findings into strategic planning processes.
- Developed strategic plans to address critical issues affecting the department''s performance.
- Led a team of professionals in achieving project goals on time and within budget constraints.
- Oversaw the training and professional development of staff members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Optimized work processes through regular analysis and evaluation, identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective solutions.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, making recommendations for enhancements based on data-driven insights.
- Facilitated productive meetings among team members, promoting open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Spearheaded initiatives focused on improving organizational culture, leading to increased employee morale and retention rates.
- Championed efforts to incorporate technology into daily operations, increasing overall productivity levels within the department.
- Increased community engagement through the development of outreach programs and public forums.
- Maximized resource utilization by identifying opportunities for cost savings and reallocating funds where needed.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring open lines of communication for ongoing collaboration and support.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources for optimal results.
- Established effective partnerships with external organizations to leverage resources for mutual benefit.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations, mitigating potential risks associated with noncompliance issues.
- Collaborated with various government agencies to improve inter-agency communication and service delivery.
- Completed polished reports outlining findings and corrective action recommendations.
- Devised legal and administrative recommendations to protect government issues related to data and privacy.
- Carefully evaluated the use of government property to determine compliance with federal laws, regulations, and requirements.
- Provide executive coaching, mentoring, and guidance to senior management
- Developed and implemented a DEI strategic plan for the organization resulting marked increase in recruitment, promotion, and retention
Director of Statewide Support Services
MassAbility Disability Determination Services Unit
10.2019 - 03.2021
- Ensure operations, programs, staff, and systems are running successfully and proficiently, and in compliance with all state/federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies
- Institute internal controls, standards, and measures for fiscal, administrative, and support business processes
- Identify source(s) of raw data to collect from multiple systems, analyze results for trends/solutions for positive and negative outcomes, and communicate analysis effectively with all stakeholders
- Create and oversee protocols and processes for proper review/monitoring of federal budget expenditures; create and submit for approval spending justifications as appropriate
- Foster support/development of direct reports through timely feedback and facilitate the ability of staff to achieve the highest level of professional growth/performance
- Directed strategic initiatives to align company goals with market demands, enhancing overall business performance in Fiscal, IT, Procurement, and Service Departments
- Spearheaded cross-functional teams to develop innovative projects, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
- Managed budget allocations to maximize resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.
- Established key performance indicators for measuring success and driving continuous improvement.
- Implemented risk management strategies to safeguard the Commonwealth's interests.
- Cultivated relationships with stakeholders to support long-term Agency growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Transformed organizational culture to embrace continuous improvement, leading by example and mentoring teams.
- Improved team morale and productivity by implementing a comprehensive professional development program.
- Strengthened financial health with rigorous cost control measures and revenue enhancement strategies.
- Cultivated high-performance executive team, selecting and mentoring candidates for key leadership roles.
- Achieved remarkable turnaround of underperforming divisions through strategic leadership and restructuring.
Director of Statewide Support Services
MassAbility Disability Determination Services Unit
10.2019 - 03.2021
- Ensure operations, programs, staff, and systems are running successfully and proficiently, and in compliance with all state/federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies
- Institute internal controls, standards, and measures for fiscal, administrative, and support business processes
- Identify source(s) of raw data to collect from multiple systems, analyze results for trends/solutions for positive and negative outcomes, and communicate analysis effectively with all stakeholders
- Create and oversee protocols and processes for proper review/monitoring of federal budget expenditures; create and submit for approval spending justifications as appropriate
- Foster support/development of direct reports through timely feedback and facilitate the ability of staff to achieve the highest level of professional growth/performance
- Directed strategic initiatives to align company goals with market demands, enhancing overall business performance in Fiscal, IT, Procurement, and Service Departments
- Spearheaded cross-functional teams to develop innovative projects, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
- Managed budget allocations to maximize resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.
- Established key performance indicators for measuring success and driving continuous improvement.
- Implemented risk management strategies to safeguard the Commonwealth's interests.
- Cultivated relationships with stakeholders to support long-term Agency growth.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Enhanced stakeholder satisfaction with timely and transparent communication strategies.
- Enhanced data-driven decision-making by implementing advanced analytics and reporting tools.
- Transformed organizational culture to embrace continuous improvement, leading by example and mentoring teams.
- Improved team morale and productivity by implementing a comprehensive professional development program.
- Strengthened financial health with rigorous cost control measures and revenue enhancement strategies.
- Cultivated high-performance executive team, selecting and mentoring candidates for key leadership roles.
- Achieved remarkable turnaround of underperforming divisions through strategic leadership and restructuring.
Regional Director
MassAbility-Disability Determination Services Unit
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Lead, planned, developed, and monitored programs to carry out the Agency’s mission to process disability claims based within the region and with the Agency that affects all areas of accurate and timely case processing and adjudication
- Administered accurate and timely adjudication of the region’s 30,000 claims under the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs filed annually
- Designed and implemented an efficient system of control to streamline operations and improve administrative policies and procedures
- Developed policy, procedures and plans to effectively meet the goals attributed with federal and state workloads
- Monitored and evaluated the region’s performance against federal standards, analyzing and interpreting federal and Agency data and reports; establish priorities, identify, and manage implementation of strategies to accomplish priorities
Unit Supervisor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Rehabilitation Commission) Disability Determination Services Unit
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Supervised disability vocational examiners of various grades including entry-level vocational disability examiner, medical review examiner, alternate, supervisor, and clerical personnel
- Such supervision includes reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating the cases to determine ensure accuracy, completeness, and efficiency of development
- Developed efficiency-enhancing workflow/process improvements within the case-processing unit to decrease processing time and improve the accuracy of decisions made
- Performed statistical analysis and advised staff of needed improvements; initiated remedial action on technical and substantive issues in conjunction with the regional director
Joint Executive Board Member
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local509
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Ensured the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement (labor contract) to ensure both the Commonwealth and union workers are not violating the terms of the agreement
- Negotiated the interests of the public sector regarding the public sector contract for SEIU Local509
- Ensured that the Agency complies with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Chief Steward
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local509
01.2009 - 01.2015
- Monitored and enforced the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement (labor contract) to ensure both the Commonwealth and union workers are not violating the terms of the agreement
- Negotiated the interests of the public sector regarding the public sector contract for SEIU Local509
- Ensured that the Agency complies with all federal, state and local laws and regulations
Chapter Board Member
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local509
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Monitored and enforced the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement (labor contract) to ensure both the Commonwealth and union workers are not violating the terms of the agreement
- Negotiated the interests of the public sector regarding the public sector contract for SEIU Local509
- Ensured that the Agency complies with all federal, state and local laws and regulations
Union Steward
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local509
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Monitored and enforced the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement (labor contract) to ensure both the Commonwealth and union workers are not violating the terms of the agreement
- Negotiated the interests of the public sector regarding the public sector contract for SEIU Local509
- Ensured that the Agency complies with all federal, state and local laws and regulations
Alternate Supervisor
MassAbility-Disability Determination Services Unit
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Served as assistant supervisor of the case-processing unit, while successfully managing a caseload
- Performed the necessary and critical functions of the Vocational Disability Supervisor and all Vocational Disability Examiners levels or in their absence while maintaining an independent caseload
- Provided insight, analysis, and assistance to vocational disability examiners with difficult claims
Disability Vocational Examiner
MassAbility Disability Determination Services Unit
01.2001 - 01.2010
- Examined, analyzed and determined disability eligibility according to the Title II and Title XVI statues of the Social Security Administration
- Evaluated economic, vocational, and other social variables in accordance to the POMS in order to determine the claimant’s capacity to work
Education
Doctorate of Law And Policy - Law And Policy
Northeastern University
Boston, MA06-2026
Masters of Public Administration -
Suffolk University
Boston, MA01.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Saint Paul’s College
Lawrenceville, VA01.2001
Skills
- Policy enforcement
- Crisis management
- Program implementation
- Meeting facilitation
- Government relations
- Problem-solving abilities
- Reliability
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Partnership building
- Human resources
Affiliations
- National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA)
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission- Black Managers Committee (BMC)
- National Association of Disability Determinations Services
- A Global Voice for Autism, Director
Certifications
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts MasSP: Emerging Manager Certificate Program (June2015)
- Suffolk University – Human Services Leadership and Administration Certificate Program (June2017)
Timeline
Assistant Commissioner
MassAbility- Disability Determination Services
03.2021 - Current
Assistant Commissioner
MassAbility- Disability Determination Services
03.2021 - Current
Director of Statewide Support Services
MassAbility Disability Determination Services Unit
10.2019 - 03.2021
Director of Statewide Support Services
MassAbility Disability Determination Services Unit
10.2019 - 03.2021
Regional Director
MassAbility-Disability Determination Services Unit
01.2015 - 01.2019
Unit Supervisor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Rehabilitation Commission) Disability Determination Services Unit
01.2012 - 01.2015
Joint Executive Board Member
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local509
01.2012 - 01.2015
Alternate Supervisor
MassAbility-Disability Determination Services Unit
01.2011 - 01.2012
Chief Steward
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local509
01.2009 - 01.2015
Chapter Board Member
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local509
01.2006 - 01.2015
Union Steward
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local509
01.2006 - 01.2015
Disability Vocational Examiner
MassAbility Disability Determination Services Unit
01.2001 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Saint Paul’s College
Doctorate of Law And Policy - Law And Policy
Northeastern University
Masters of Public Administration -
Suffolk University
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