Anne Ward
Cedar Park,TX
Summary
Dynamic and experienced Program Specialist VI currently serving as the Special Projects Lead for the Contract Quality, Audit and Training (CQAT) team within the AES Office of Administration (OA).
Strategic thinker who thrives in a creative and fast-paced environment. Passionate about stakeholder engagement, project leadership, and organizational development. Expert in project planning, team building, effective communication, and continuous improvement.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Program Specialist VI
Health and Human Services Commission
Austin, Texas
08.2022 - Current
- Execute senior-level consultative and technical functions in audit and compliance to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
- Develop and maintain documentation for reporting processes and methodologies.
- Prioritize tasks to sustain project momentum and meet deadlines.
- Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency.
- Collaborate with stakeholders organization-wide to align initiatives with strategic goals.
- Contribute innovative solutions that enhance team collaboration and project outcomes.
Program Specialist III
Texas Workforce Commission
Austin, Texas
09.2017 - 08.2022
- Evaluated applications from career schools and colleges for compliance with ownership changes and renewal requirements, ensuring regulatory adherence.
- Authored correspondence, reports, and memoranda to communicate certificate of approval statuses, recommending adverse actions.
- Collaborated with staff to identify non-compliant schools, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
- Communicated state licensing criteria and procedures to school officials, internal staff, and the public through verbal and written formats.
- Interpreted statutes, rules, and procedures for career school owners, staff, and government officials.
- Executed special projects to support team objectives, contributing to improved operational efficiency.
Elementary School Teacher
Leander Independent School District
Cedar Park, Texas
08.1998 - 06.2017
- Taught Kindergarten and First Grade in public schools for 20 years.
- Provided statewide guidance and support for language arts and reading education in Texas public schools.
- Developed resources to support TEKS implementation and clarify curriculum laws and rules.
- Launched Everyday Mathematics program, implementing thematic lessons and interactive learning centers to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Utilized Handwriting Without Tears program to enhance handwriting and fine motor skills.
- Facilitated Leader in Me project, organizing leadership opportunities that empowered families, students, and community members to develop leadership skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK12-1995
Skills
- Organizational Leadership and Support
- Special Projects Coordination
- Program Compliance and Oversight
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Education and Training
- Writing and Editing
- Project Planning and Execution
- Time Management
- Innovation and Critical Thinking
- Effective Communication
Certification
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM)
Timeline
Program Specialist VI
Health and Human Services Commission
08.2022 - Current
Program Specialist III
Texas Workforce Commission
09.2017 - 08.2022
Elementary School Teacher
Leander Independent School District
08.1998 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Oklahoma State University