Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Clearance
Timeline

ERIN R. BRAXTON

Beltsville

Summary

Results-driven professional with extensive experience providing high-level administrative, programmatic, and project management support to government agencies, including USAID, the U.S. Department of State, and the Department of Defense. Adept in international relations, diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and federal procurement. Proven ability to manage complex initiatives, ensure policy compliance, and support executive leadership in fast-paced environments. Strong analytical, research, and communication skills with a keen ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief of Staff and Advisor

ZEMITEK
02.2024 - Current
  • Company Overview: US Agency for International Development
  • Conducts research, reviews, and analyzes critical documentation to support executive decision-making.
  • Reviewing, and analyzing critical documents for the principal, attending meetings, coordinating special projects, and representing the office on domestic and international travel as required (Egypt, Germany, Colombia, Nepal, Pakistan, etc.).
  • Prioritizes tasks based on urgency and deadlines while managing multiple assignments simultaneously.
  • Maintains regular communication with senior agency leaders to obtain briefing materials, background documents, and information relevant to specific requests.
  • Serves as the primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders, including senior agency leaders and partner organizations.
  • Oversees communication strategies, including social media, newsletters, and official correspondence for executive leadership.
  • Supports USAID's FSN Empowerment Implementation Plan by fostering partnerships with MSIs, universities, private sector entities, and underserved communities.
  • Develops and executes event planning initiatives, including conferences, summits, and partnership engagements.
  • Ensures compliance with administrative procedures, manages travel logistics, and provides executive-level administrative support.
  • US Agency for International Development
  • Attended meetings to make informed business decisions, provide administrative support and evaluate progress toward goals and objectives.
  • Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for business functions.
  • Aligned departmental goals with overall company vision, ensuring cohesive progress towards shared objectives.
  • Provided comprehensive support to the CEO, enabling them to focus on critical decision-making and leadership tasks.
  • Oversaw change management initiatives, minimizing disruption while maximizing positive outcomes during periods of transition.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration and completion of high-priority projects.
  • Developed and executed strategic initiatives for improved company growth and long-term success.
  • Led crisis-management efforts during unexpected challenges; mitigating potential negative impacts on business operations.
  • Mentored and developed junior staff members; fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within the organization.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for direct reports, providing constructive feedback for continuous professional growth.
  • Facilitated productive meetings by creating well-organized agendas and ensuring clear communication of objectives.
  • Encouraged coordination and cooperation among departments and continuous review of interdepartmental processes to support quality control and improvement.
  • Performed financial and managerial analyses to evaluate data and make recommendations, prepare financial reports and projections and conduct presentations.
  • Managed business operations while overseeing contractors and consultants to verify on-time completion of key deliverables.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms that led to significant cost savings without compromising quality or service delivery.
  • Mitigated risks for major projects by conducting in-depth risk assessments and implementing strategic mitigation plans.

Special Assistant

VISTANT (PM CONSULTING GROUP LLC)
02.2021 - 02.2024
  • Company Overview: US Agency for International Development
  • Provided direct executive support to the Director, including managing appointments, briefings, and strategic priorities.
  • Conducted in-depth research and analysis to inform policy decisions and innovation initiatives within USAID.
  • Led calendar management, scheduling, and logistical coordination for high-level meetings, conferences, and speaking engagements.
  • Facilitated communication between agency leadership and external partners, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
  • Supported the FSN Empowerment Implementation Plan and played a key role in expanding USAID’s partner base, fostering outreach and collaborations with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), universities, private sector entities, and underserved communities.
  • Contributed to May Summit follow-ups, Road Show planning, and other partnership engagements.
  • US Agency for International Development
  • Enhanced team productivity by streamlining processes and implementing efficient communication strategies.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while managing correspondence, reports, and documents on behalf of executive staff.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports on industry trends to inform executive decision-making processes related to competitive positioning strategies.
  • Contributed to a positive office environment by maintaining professionalism, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, and fostering collaboration among team members.
  • Supported executive leadership with timely research, data analysis, and strategic planning for informed decisionmaking.
  • Developed strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to optimize collaboration and achieve common goals.

Program Analyst

US Agency for International Development
07.2020 - 02.2021
  • Conducts research, data analysis, and program evaluations to inform decision-making and improve resource allocation.
  • Supports the development and implementation of cutting-edge technological solutions to enhance USAID’s global development efforts.
  • Assists in tracking and managing program resources, ensuring alignment with USAID’s strategic priorities.
  • Coordinates with internal and external partners, including government agencies, private sector entities, and academic institutions, to foster collaboration and innovation.
  • Identifies opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of innovation and technology programs.
  • Prepares reports, briefings, and presentations on program outcomes, challenges, and best practices.
  • Monitored program performance against established benchmarks, taking corrective action as needed to realign with desired outcomes.
  • Trained team members on new software tools, improving overall productivity and efficiency.
  • Developed detailed project plans outlining tasks, timelines, dependencies, and resource requirements for successful execution of complex initiatives.

Program Analyst

DEXTERA CORPORATION
03.2019 - 07.2020
  • Company Overview: Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)Washington Navy Yard
  • Supported senior leadership in program management functions, including scheduling, data analysis, and project coordination.
  • Managed executive calendars, prepared briefings, and facilitated communication between internal and external stakeholders.
  • Drafted and reviewed official correspondence, reports, and executive presentations for senior NAVSEA leadership.
  • Coordinated travel logistics, processed travel orders, and submitted reimbursement vouchers through the Defense Travel System (DTS).
  • Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)Washington Navy Yard

Executive Assistant

E-9 CORPORATION
12.2016 - 03.2019
  • Company Overview: Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State
  • Provided direct executive support to the Director, including managing appointments, briefings, and strategic priorities.
  • Conducted in-depth research and analysis to inform policy decisions and innovation initiatives within USAID.
  • Led calendar management, scheduling, and logistical coordination for high-level meetings, conferences, and speaking engagements.
  • Managed official travel arrangements, prepared itineraries, and ensured compliance with agency travel policies.
  • Facilitated communication between agency leadership and external partners, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
  • Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State
  • Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
  • Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
  • Prepared and edited presentations on behalf of executives for both internal meetings and external conferences.

Education

Master of Arts - International Relations and Affairs

American University, Washington, DC
05.2026

Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication, Political Science, African American Studies

Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
12-2011

Skills

  • Statistics
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Crisis management
  • Logistics management
  • Travel planning expertise
  • Strategic sourcing management
  • Invoice Reconciliation
  • Training Facilitation
  • Policy and procedure modification
  • Administrative background
  • Staff management
  • Relationship building

Clearance

Active Top Secret SCI Clearance

Timeline

Chief of Staff and Advisor - ZEMITEK
02.2024 - Current
Special Assistant - VISTANT (PM CONSULTING GROUP LLC)
02.2021 - 02.2024
Program Analyst - US Agency for International Development
07.2020 - 02.2021
Program Analyst - DEXTERA CORPORATION
03.2019 - 07.2020
Executive Assistant - E-9 CORPORATION
12.2016 - 03.2019
American University - Master of Arts, International Relations and Affairs
Southern University A&M College - Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication, Political Science, African American Studies