Brandi Adams

Participation in three different programs across the SBA agency:

• Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)Program
• SBA Disaster Loan: Disaster Home Lending Program
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL/PPP)

POSITION: SUPERVISORY GRANTS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST & AUDIT TEAM LEAD (09/2023- PRESENT)

GS 12-01: 40 hours - 60 hours per week.

SVOG Accomplishments: Contributed to awarding over $16 billion in grants.

• Managing a team of 10 audit reviewers with diverse portfolios of 2,000+ grants totaling billions, ensuring proper fund allocation and compliance throughout pre-closeout, closeout, and post-award stages.
• Collaborating with other audit team leads in training and work sessions, providing exposure to auditors and grant administrators to distinguish between for-profit and non-federal entities effectively.
• Developing comprehensive 3-step review processes and guidance documents, including review checklists, for team members to diligently approve audit reports across single audits, program-specific audits, financial statements audits, and compliance examinations.
• Providing interactive working sessions to audit team members with in-depth knowledge of the federal audit requirements for non-profit, for-profit, and SVOG grants.
• Completed audit and compliance training provided by Williams Adley, a highly respected and experienced auditing firm. Williams Adley is renowned for its expertise in financial management, and ethical standards, and for delivering high-quality work in audit and assurance, cybersecurity risk services, and management consulting. This training equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex compliance landscapes and effectively address relevant government regulations.
• Analyzing and researching Title 2 CFR Part 200, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Compliance Supplement, and related statutory regulations.
• Collaborating with internal and external parties while interpreting audit findings within reports and supporting documents.
• Providing strategic advice to Management and Program Analysts (MAPA), Program Advisors, and the Leadership team concerning identified risks, audit non-compliance, suspicious cost categories, and discrepancies in award reporting.
• Resolving audit concerns by engaging in constructive conversations with the audit team and grantees while providing corrective action plans, and requesting specific justifications for potential misinterpretations of published statutes, regulations, or policy guidance.
• Identifying potential compliance risks and irregularities within single audits of non-federal entities exceeding $750,000 per fiscal year in federal funding by scrutinizing allowed/unallowed activities, cost principles, and performance period documentation.
• Presenting the four key auditor report types: unqualified, modified, adverse, and disclaimer opinions while fostering collective understanding of their implications for financial statement presentation.
• Identifying and proactively escalating potential fraud or material misrepresentations discovered during reviews and forwarding detailed findings to the Fraud Investigations Team (FIT)for program integrity assurance.
• Developing new insights into complex issues by encouraging new ideas and solutions while using SVOG’s risk and/or issue tracking tools such as internal referrals to the FIT and external referrals to the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
• Supervising a special team of 4 Contact Change Specialists within the Contact Change Team Vertical who provide Tier 1 technical support to 13,000+ grantees in logging into the Salesforce SVOG portal and downloading and installing authenticator applications along with resetting passwords and usernames.

SUPERVISORY GRANTS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (02/2022-09/2023)

GS 12-01: 40 hours - 60 hours per week.

• Supervised a dedicated team of 18 grants management specialists (GMS) with extensive portfolios of over 135+ grants per team member that consisted of various activities relating to oversight and financial administration of grants funded through the Office of Disaster Assistance for Covid Relief.
• Directed and assigned specific grant applications to team members to ensure that pre- and post-awards are managed and administered per governing policies and procedures.
• Assured that special projects proceeded consistent with approved objectives, costs, and schedules provided by the management and leadership team.
• Supervising a special team of 4 Contact Change Specialists within the Contact Change Team Vertical who provide Tier 1 technical support to grantees in logging into the Salesforce SVOG portal and downloading and installing authenticator apps along with resetting passwords and usernames.
• Explained security measures to help users understand malware and phishing threats. Planned and directed activities of staff including receipt and initial review of applications to determine completeness and compliance with requirements SVOG procedures and regulations.
• Changed workflows and work assignments to balance workloads and increase the effectiveness of operations and personnel utilization as directed by the leadership team and management.
• Exceeded expectations by reviewing and signing off on 40 closeout checklists per workday.
• Delivered successful outcomes through adaptable work plans, clear deadlines, and rigorous quality standards across special projects, congressional files, and monitoring/audit tasks.
• Supervised the administration of 13,000+ Shuttered Venue Operators grants ($15 billion in COVID-19 Relief) by streamlining processes for rapid and compliant fund disbursement.
• Evaluated assigned elements per quarter of grant management specialists and established guidelines and performance expectations for staff members via the Talent Management Center.
• Used strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with different teams such as audit, monitoring, quality assurance, closeout, and litigation while actively resolving discrepancies and ensuring meticulous accuracy and compliance with the SVOG terms and conditions.
• Fostered team growth and development by maintaining an “open door” policy within my team.
• Conducted in-depth quarterly and annual performance reviews for each team member, focusing on five established elements: customer service, teamwork, quality assurance, productivity and processes, and written communication.
• Utilized the review process as a coaching opportunity by providing constructive feedback and targeted guidance to empower LPAOO team members to reach their full potential. Through a holistic approach, the LPAOO team has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and consistently exceeded team goals.
• Engaged with grantees, provided solutions to complex issues, and ensured clear deadlines and rigorous quality standards were met across special projects, congressional stakeholders, and audit tasks which led to successful outcomes and meeting leadership and management goals.
• Safeguarded organizational interests by vigilantly reviewing for potential legal concerns associated with ownership changes, mergers/acquisitions, business closures, and name changes while ensuring prompt escalation to the legal team for risk mitigation.
• Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting to support decision-making in grant applications to move the application into the correct queue such as complex review, FIT review, or disbursement...
• Resolved issues when working with other SVOG team members and with similar staff of the grantee organization.
• Evaluated budget justifications and financial arrangements, including cost analysis, accounting systems, adequacy of resources, and techniques proposed to ensure responsible stewardship of funds.
• Addressed unique situations arising in pre-award grants and agreements by interpreting the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act during COVID-19.
• Researched and analyzed the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act during Covid-19OVID to resolve and provide solutions to complex issues arising on behalf of applicants and/or grantees.
• Ensured compliance with terms and conditions of grants, helped resolve problems with obligated funds, and monitored pre- and post-award grants.
• Provided budget input to my Senior Supervisor for the Live Performing Arts Organization Operators (LPAOO).
• Monitoring production levels of my team members using reports from Salesforce and addressing any issues with solutions.

GRANT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (02/22-09/2023)

GS 11-01: 40 hours - 60 hours per week

• Managed and audited a diverse portfolio of 1,000+ grants totaling up to $10 million, by ensuring proper fund allocation and compliance throughout closeout, closeout, and post-award stages.
• Reviewed hundreds of SVOG applications by reviewing all supporting documents submitted by applicants such as financial statements, articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, tax returns, contracts of artists, floor plans, and box office reports.
• Contributed to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Program by reviewing and disbursing grant funds, directly supporting the ongoing operations of different entities such as live venue operators, live venue promoters, theatrical producers, talent representatives, live performing arts organizations operators, museum operators, and motion picture theater operators.
• Chosen among 350+ employees as part of a 16-person elite Tiger Team (High-Level Customer Support) within the SVOG program, providing critical pre- and post-award support to grantees and congressional inquiries by resolving complex inquiries on applications, documents, awards, Sam.gov setup, disbursements, and more.
• Reviewed applications, federal tax returns (1040, Schedule C, Schedule K, 1065, special tax considerations for U.S. territories, etc), financial statements, and other revenue documents for grant assistance to aid Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act.
• Optimized grant program administration by providing skilled support across all stages, ensuring smooth pre-award processes, seamless award implementation, robust post-award monitoring, and timely closeout.
• Streamlined grant application reviews by employing a comprehensive suite of manual verification tools, including 4506-T, Do Not Pay (Power BI), Capital Access Financial System (CAFS) to research Pay Check Protection Program(PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), USA Spending, FAPIIS, LexisNexis, Secretary of State information, SAM, and research.
• Efficiently gathered supporting documentation to facilitate informed grant award or denial decisions.
• Successfully reviewed, approved, or declined, and disbursed a substantial number of over 1000 SVOG grant applications.
• Demonstrated exceptional performance in significant responsibilities, such as assessing intricate grants, preparing award notifications, and reviewing the successful distribution of grant funding through the JAAMS system and the System for Awards Management (SAM).
• Provided awardees with comprehensive instructions on managing post-award obligations, including recoupment, interest return, property compliance, and disposal, ensuring clear understanding and timely action.
• Provided consistent follow-up to ensure receipt of required documentation from applicants.
• Re-sent action items to grantees who requested reissuance due to extenuating circumstances.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Disaster Business/Home Lending Program

Position: Loan Specialist

GS 11-01: 60+ hours per week

• Analyzed financial documents, tax documents, and credit reports to approve or decline business and home loans.
• Reviewed designated documents (third-party reports, loan approval, insurance, etc.), collected by the processor, to approve a loan for closing and funding.
• Investigated and evaluated credit histories to determine the creditworthiness of businesses and applicants.
• Recommended collateral to secure and process home or business loans. Reviewed all supporting documentation and factors needed to make eligibility determinations by examining the use of proceeds, legislative and administrative loan limits, arrangement of insurance, and other recoveries (FEMA, Red Cross, State Assistance Programs).
• Reviewed all pertinent facts needed to make eligibility determinations under regulations such as the Stafford Act, and CARES Act, among other disasters completed by analyzing factors such as nature and cause of damage, intended use of proceeds, legislative and administrative loan or grant limits, and disposition of insurance and other recoveries.
• Processed loans using web-based software (Rapid 7) achieving over daily required loan quota of 30+ loan applications per day and grant production by referencing government third-party sites, such as Netr Online.
• Assessed the soundness of the customer/business application financial resources such as credit reports, tax returns, income sources, insurance coverage, damage details, lease agreements, corporate documents, and construction documentation, among other factors to determine an applicant's ability to repay requested loans or grants.
• Successfully managed a substantial portfolio segment comprising high-value, high-risk loans, contributing to improved portfolio performance and mitigated risk exposure through proactive asset management strategies.
• Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
• Reviewed reports and individual transactions that appeared suspicious to uncover possible fraudulent activity.
• Evaluated customer data to identify and prevent fraudulent activities.
• Ensure EIDL Program, PPP, and Disaster Relief Loan files contain all documentation, recommendations, and conversations to support loan decisions.
• Worked with third-party vendors to access and analyze data and systems.
• Maintained strict confidentiality of bank records and client information.
• Assisted customers in understanding loan terms and conditions to make informed decisions.

60 hours per week

• Checked submitted financial documentation for accuracy and integrity against internal and regulatory standards.
• Developed improvement plans to continuously develop individual and group performance, knowledge, and abilities.
• IRS PTIN-obtained.
• Seasoned tax professional with 10+ years of experience preparing business and individual income taxes, offering expert guidance on tax optimization and proactive solutions to clients' tax challenges.
• Performed audits for companies, municipalities, and individuals by meeting compliance/tax laws, gathering financial reports, account balances, cash flow with state/federal grant projects, ow statements, Income Statements, balance statements, balance sheets, tax returns, and internal control systems.
• Transformed clients' financial well-being by providing tailored coaching, accessible financial education, and effective financial health tools, driving measurable progress toward individual goals.
• Nurtured authentic professional relationships through active participation in community events and strategic social media engagement, fostering organic client connections and sustainable business expansion.
• Prepared and presented financial reports to managerial staff in addition to providing an analysis of the financial information. Furthermore, offers practical recommendations for the actions that should be taken based on the interpreted data.
• Oversee projects, achieve timelines and goals; focus on business development.
• Conducted reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.
• Coordinated efficient department operations by effectively supervising employees, delegating assignments and personally handling routine and advanced problems.
• Identified signs of fraud and took proactive steps to protect institutional assets.
• Established and enforced operational policies and procedures to maintain efficient and effective accounting operations.
• Processed transactions, deposits, withdrawals, and payments to loan accounts for customers.
• Organized new accounts and updated existing ones with current personal and business information.
• Conducted in-depth audits to review accounts, controls, and compliance with sound accounting practices.
• Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve the accuracy of financial reporting.
• Utilized financial software (Quickbooks, Intuit Pro Connect) to prepare consolidated financial statements and tax returns.
• Planned audits and audit activities to allocate necessary resources to determine the consistency of plans with audit objectives.
• Planned and executed follow-up audits at appropriate intervals.
• Identified control gaps in processes, procedures, and systems through in-depth research and assessment and suggested methods for improvement.
• Interviewed auditees to gather data needed to conduct audits.
• Originated, reviewed, processed, closed, and administered customer loan proposals.
• Reviewed and edited loan agreements to enhance clarity and monitor compliance with requirements.

40 hours per week

NMLS ID: 1562574

• Educated customers on options for managing financial transactions by using technology, tools, and resources.
• Opened deposit and savings accounts, loan accounts such as HEIL, HELOC, auto loans, and personal loans.
• Implemented innovative strategies to generate proactive sales conversations across various touchpoints, including outbound calls, service-to-sales handoffs, teller interactions, and engaging lobby experiences, driving significant sales growth.
• Solicited new credit card accounts, investment accounts, home mortgage loans, and auto financing.
• Cultivated and secured new customer relationships through impactful community engagement, efficient lead conversion, and a thriving referral network, exceeding sales goals and achieving 5-star customer satisfaction through customer surveys.
• Worked directly with customers and associates to handle internal and external complaints and objections.
• Analyzed customer profiles to identify appropriate products and provide value-added approaches to client issues.
• Collaborated with the compliance department to eliminate procedural errors and margin breaks.
• Remedied gaps in financial planning based on client needs and suitability.
• Identified customers with additional profit potential and designed action plans to expand relationships.
• Actively worked to build branch credibility and develop relationships to increase community and industry visibility and overall profitability.
• Worked closely with management to strategize sales techniques to increase branch production and customer service.
• Managed deposits, bonds, securities, ACH transfers, withdrawals, and wire transfers to process smooth banking transactions for clients.
• Balanced cash drawers and vault accounts daily with zero discrepancies.
• Informed customers of procedures for applying for services such as ATM cards, direct deposit of checks, and certificates of deposit.
• Responded to customer inquiries regarding new accounts and account services.
• Greeted customers and delivered information about new account processes.

60 hours per week

• Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
• Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Managed multiple deadlines across several businesses to meet the dynamic needs of multiple clients.
• Supported clients with business analysis, documentation, and data modeling using data management systems and various tools.
• Conducted targeted studies and research initiatives, systematically analyzing both primary and secondary data, to glean actionable insights on industry, market, and company trends, ultimately optimizing business processes and driving organizational growth.
• Prepared business proposals, presentations, training, and marketing events for Professional Development Workshops.
• Managed accounts, financial records, accounts payable and receivable, prepare payroll and invoices.
• Utilized strong analytical and communication skills to extract key insights from data, present compelling recommendations to clients, and collaborate on building achievable implementation schedules.
• Developed innovative learning resources used by educators nationwide, empowering them to deliver effective instruction and witness tangible gains in student performance.
• Conducted and performed various technical reviews, analyses, and designs to calculate projections for various projects.
• Managed the company's online presence across website and social media platforms, crafting compelling content and implementing strategic marketing campaigns to drive brand awareness and engagement.
• Compiled presentation revisions, enhancements, and process improvements to the company's systems and programs, ensuring stakeholder understanding and driving adoption.
• Integrated technology and business operations to identify targeted solutions to customer issues.
• Enhanced client sales by implementing automated e-commerce features into the system. These features aimed to streamline and optimize the client's online sales processes.
• Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives, and communication goals.
• Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
• Established team priorities, maintained schedules, and monitored performance.
• Recruited, interviewed, and hired employees and implemented a mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
• Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
• Oversee employee expense tracking with associated expense verification and credit card reconciliation.
• Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve the accuracy of financial reporting.
• Coordinated training for districts and schools by creating webinars, tutorials, and training manuals, maintaining consistent quality of educational programs.
• Collaborated closely with the marketing team on product positioning and messaging in the education market.