Benjamin Abbott
Herndon,VA
Summary
Proven leader experienced in establishing and enhancing production initiatives to achieve performance objectives. Well-versed in establishing work priorities to support personnel duties and tasks to promote quality service. Monitors cost-effectiveness and develops countermeasures and process improvement activities to train workers and enhance productivity.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Consular Section Chief
U.S. Consulate-General
08.2020 - 08.2023
- Leader of a unit that provided all consular services to 8,000 U.S citizen residents and 600,000 U.S. visitors.
- Collaborated with interagency partners for effective coordination on consular matters, resulting in improved service delivery.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and support for professional development.
- Promoted US interests abroad by engaging with foreign government officials on various bilateral issues and initiatives.
- Safeguarded US citizens overseas through efficient provision of consular services, including passport issuance and emergency assistance.
- Conducted outreach activities to educate the public about US travel requirements.
- Developed expertise in immigration law, staying current on policy changes and applying this knowledge to complex cases.
- Facilitated communication between US citizens and local authorities during crisis situations, providing timely support and guidance.
- Improved overall customer satisfaction levels by delivering prompt resolutions to inquiries regarding consular services from both American citizens and foreign nationals.
- Assisted families in navigating the repatriation process for deceased loved ones, demonstrating compassion and professionalism throughout a difficult time.
- Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in increased productivity across the section.
Vietnam Countrywide Fraud Prevention Coordinator
U.S. Consulate-General
08.2018 - 07.2020
- Served as Mission Vietnam’s Country Fraud Prevention Coordinator and led countrywide counter fraud efforts.
- Leader of the Fraud Prevention Unit (FPU) in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Oversaw the 3rd largest Department of State DNA testing program in the world.
- Promoted US interests abroad by engaging with foreign government officials on various bilateral issues and initiatives.
- Strengthened security measures by conducting thorough background checks on visa applicants to mitigate potential risks.
- Built strong relationships with host country counterparts, fostering cooperation in addressing shared challenges such as human trafficking or international crime prevention efforts.
- Trained new consular staff in visa processing procedures, fostering a collaborative work environment and promoting best practices within the team.
Special Assistant
Department Of State, Consular Affairs (CA)
07.2015 - 07.2017
- Served as Special Assistant to the Department of State's Chief Information Officer (CIO).
- Supported executive leadership with timely research, data analysis, and strategic planning for informed decision making.
- Managed high-level projects successfully by coordinating resources, meeting deadlines, and staying within budget constraints.
- Developed strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to optimize collaboration and achieve common goals.
Consular Officer
U.S. Consulate-General
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Served one year in the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Unit to include manager of the investment portfolio, Outreach Coordinator, and Fraud Prevention Manager – and then one year as the American Citizen Services Chief leading a unit comprised of four local staff members
- President of the Osaka-Kobe employee welfare association and chair of the housing board.
- Promoted US interests abroad by engaging with foreign government officials on various bilateral issues and initiatives.
- Safeguarded US citizens overseas through efficient provision of consular services, including passport issuance and emergency assistance.
- Conducted outreach activities to educate the public about US travel requirements and promote cultural exchange programs.
- Managed high-volume caseloads with attention to detail, ensuring accurate review and processing of visa applications within tight deadlines.
- Built strong relationships with host country counterparts, fostering cooperation in addressing shared challenges such as human trafficking or international crime prevention efforts.
Consular Officer
U.S. Embassy
07.2010 - 07.2012
- Collaborated with interagency partners for effective coordination on consular matters, resulting in improved service delivery.
- Enhanced visa processing efficiency by streamlining application procedures and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Conducted outreach activities to educate the public about US travel requirements and promote cultural exchange programs.
- Managed high-volume caseloads with attention to detail, ensuring accurate review and processing of visa applications within tight deadlines.
- Developed expertise in immigration law, staying current on policy changes and applying this knowledge to complex cases.
- Maintained detailed records of all consular cases, ensuring data integrity for future reference or reporting purposes.
- Supported the organization and execution of high-level diplomatic visits, contributing to the success of international events and engagements.
- Served as the president of the U.S. Embassy Club, a charity organization affiliated with the Embassy that raised money for orphanages in the Philippines as well as surgeries for children without means.
Executive Officer and Marine Officer Instructor
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps
07.2006 - 09.2009
- Major Abbott in a Lieutenant Colonel’s billet has done an outstanding job balancing the duties as Unit Executive Officer and Marine Officer Instructor for the 5th largest Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit in the country
- Major Abbott is a highly qualified Marine Corps Officer and Leader and I most strongly recommend him for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.
- Enhanced company performance by developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
- Monitored unit training and training schedules.
- Handled administrative management, personnel issues and supply requirements for unit.
- Enhanced unit readiness by conducting thorough training sessions and implementing strategic planning initiatives.
- Developed strong relationships with community leaders, fostering cooperation between military and local organizations.
- Mentored junior officers in leadership development, contributing to a high-performing organizational culture.
- Organized morale-boosting events for unit members to promote camaraderie and foster a positive work environment.
- Trained personnel to improve performance and attain mission-ready status.
Marine Officer Selection Officer
Officer Selection Station Manhattan
04.2004 - 06.2006
- Sharp, professional officer whose performance as a first year Officer Selection Officer (OSO) has been nothing short of extraordinary
- Operated in the dynamic and fast moving environment of Manhattan and Northern New Jersey during the most challenging period to ever face the recruiting force
- Capable of handling a multitude of tasks simultaneously with efforts resulting in superior execution of all
- Intelligent, articulate, and is a stellar officer whose unlimited potential for continued growth and development makes him a must for continued promotion and assignments to billets requiring our top 10%.
- Increased enlistment rates by developing and implementing targeted recruitment strategies for high-potential candidates.
- Streamlined the recruitment process for greater efficiency, resulting in reduced time-to-hire and improved candidate experience.
- Built strong relationships with local community organizations to promote military career opportunities and attract diverse talent pools.
- Conducted thorough pre-screenings of applicants, ensuring only qualified individuals were advanced through the hiring process.
- Provided exceptional support to potential recruits throughout the enlistment process, answering questions and addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Collaborated with fellow recruiters on team-based initiatives, leading to improved overall performance in meeting recruiting goals.
- Organized and participated in job fairs, college campus events, and other outreach activities to increase awareness of military career opportunities.
- Developed customized presentations for various audiences, effectively showcasing the benefits of military service tailored to individual needs and aspirations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current military occupational specialties and prerequisites, providing accurate information to potential recruits during consultations.
- Enhanced military brand perception within target communities through consistent representation at public events and engagement with local media outlets.
- Facilitated smooth transition from civilian life into the military for new recruits by offering comprehensive guidance on training programs and career paths available within their chosen field.
- Consistently met or exceeded assigned recruiting quotas through diligent prospecting efforts combined with skilled relationship-building abilities honed over years of experience in the field.
- Conducted follow-up communications with applicants who had expressed initial interest but not yet committed to enlistment, successfully converting a significant percentage into enlisted personnel.
- Displayed exemplary personal and professional appearance, attracting local populace to inquire about military experience and opportunities.
Intelligence Officer
United States Marine Corps
07.2002 - 04.2004
- An exemplary Captain who has made significant contributions to the Control Group and Wing as the Group Intelligence Officer
- A smart, articulate, mature professional who possesses a quiet unassuming and very effective leadership style
- A self-motivator who focuses on mission accomplishment and gets results without much fanfare.
- Enhanced team efficiency by streamlining intelligence gathering processes and implementing new analytical techniques.
- Developed high-quality intelligence products for decision-makers, contributing to informed policy decisions.
- Conducted in-depth research on emerging threats, enabling proactive countermeasures and increased situational awareness.
- Identified trends and patterns in intelligence data, providing actionable insights for strategic planning efforts.
- Managed sensitive information with discretion, ensuring proper handling and dissemination to authorized personnel only.
- Provided timely and accurate briefings to senior leadership on critical developments in the global security landscape.
- Mentored junior analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the team.
- Supported military operations through real-time tactical intelligence updates, enhancing situational awareness for deployed units.
- Evaluated source reliability and information credibility, ensuring high-quality input for analytical processes.
- Improved internal communication channels by developing standard operating procedures for efficient information flow among team members.
Intelligence Officer
Marine Corps Intelligence Activity
11.2001 - 07.2002
- Captain Abbott has been a tremendous asset for the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity
- Excellent Briefing Skills allowed him to pass along precise intelligence to the Commanding General and the Deputy Commanding General of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command on a weekly basis
- Provided outstanding leadership for the Crisis Action Cell during a challenging time period.
- Enhanced intelligence analysis by implementing innovative data collection and processing techniques.
- Streamlined communication channels, improving information flow between military units and command centers.
- Developed comprehensive threat assessments for high-priority targets, leading to successful mission execution.
- Led a team of analysts in providing actionable intelligence, resulting in increased situational awareness for decisionmakers.
- Collaborated with interagency partners for effective information sharing and improved joint operations.
- Managed sensitive compartmented information programs, ensuring strict compliance with security protocols and safeguarding critical assets.
- Evaluated open-source intelligence sources to corroborate classified reporting, increasing report accuracy and credibility.
- Provided timely and accurate intelligence briefings to senior leaders, facilitating informed decision-making processes.
- Assisted in the development of collection strategies by identifying intelligence gaps within priority areas of interest.
- Promoted a strong culture of professional development within the unit through continuous training and mentorship programs.
Sniper Platoon Commander
3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division
01.1999 - 05.2001
- Captain Abbott is a very strong and competent officer who has contributed to the success of Battalion Landing Team 3/1
- Captain Abbott has demonstrated a high degree of tactical and technical proficiency and possesses unlimited potential.
- Enhanced platoon readiness by conducting regular training exercises and drills.
- Improved unit cohesion through team-building activities and open communication.
- Coordinated with higher headquarters, effectively communicating operational updates and receiving guidance on mission priorities.
- Maintained accountability of sensitive equipment and supplies, reducing loss rates significantly.
- Conducted thorough after-action reviews to identify areas for improvement following training events or missions.
- Oversaw platoon administrative tasks, ensuring accurate records management and timely submission of reports.
- Evaluated Marines' performance through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback for personal development.
- Facilitated skill development courses to enhance individual competencies within the platoon.
- Liaised with supporting units to ensure seamless integration during joint operations and exercises.
- Promoted a positive command climate by addressing issues promptly and fairly, reinforcing trust among team members.
- Led Marines during challenging field exercises to build resilience and adaptability under adverse conditions.
- Maintained health, welfare and combat readiness of personnel within platoon.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management And Marketing
Cornell University
Ithaca, NYMBA -
University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign, ILSkills
- Strategic Planning
- Staff Training
- Adaptability
- Attention to Detail
- Quality Assurance
- Business Acumen
- Cross-functional Coordination
- Organizational Skills
- Performance Measurement
- Decision Making
- Conflict Resolution
- Budget Management
Accomplishments
Personal Military Decorations: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3).
Languages
Vietnamese
Limited Working
Japanese
Limited Working
Timeline
Consular Section Chief
U.S. Consulate-General
08.2020 - 08.2023
Vietnam Countrywide Fraud Prevention Coordinator
U.S. Consulate-General
08.2018 - 07.2020
Special Assistant
Department Of State, Consular Affairs (CA)
07.2015 - 07.2017
Consular Officer
U.S. Consulate-General
07.2013 - 07.2015
Consular Officer
U.S. Embassy
07.2010 - 07.2012
Executive Officer and Marine Officer Instructor
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps
07.2006 - 09.2009
Marine Officer Selection Officer
Officer Selection Station Manhattan
04.2004 - 06.2006
Intelligence Officer
United States Marine Corps
07.2002 - 04.2004
Intelligence Officer
Marine Corps Intelligence Activity
11.2001 - 07.2002
Sniper Platoon Commander
3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division
01.1999 - 05.2001
Bachelor of Science - Business Management And Marketing
Cornell University
MBA -
University of Illinois
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