Catrina Austin Kamau
DeSoto,USA
Summary
Accomplished compliance and program integrity leader with 15+ years of experience directing national and regional initiatives in high-stakes regulatory environments. Skilled in case file review, audit oversight, and timeliness management to ensure statutory alignment and operational excellence. Proven record of advising senior leadership, resolving complex compliance issues, and building high-performing teams. Expertise in policy development, strategic planning, and corrective action to strengthen compliance frameworks and mitigate risk.
Compliance professional with comprehensive understanding of regulatory processes and investigative techniques. Proven ability to identify and address compliance risks, ensuring organizational integrity. Reliable team collaborator focused on achieving results and adaptable to changing needs.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Compliance Investigator, Retailer Operations
USDA
Dallas, TX
- Conducted retailer fraud investigations, prepared investigation reports and enforced sanctions.
- Issued charge letters and penalties in line with statutes; collaborated with USDA OIG and local authorities.
- Consistently exceeded regulatory timelines to protect agency case standing and prevent filing delays.
- Earlier Roles
Branch Chief, Certification Policy Division
United States Department of Agriculture
Alexandria, VA
07.2022 - Current
- Lead a team of 8 analysts managing certification policy compliance for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), ensuring timely and accurate policy guidance across 50 states and territories.
- Direct development of national regulations, handbooks, and guidance materials, providing clarity for state and local administrators.
- Collaborate with federal, state, and regional partners to resolve complex compliance issues and litigation, ensuring statutory alignment and program integrity.
- Establish performance metrics and review processes to improve case file timeliness and reduce administrative backlog.
- Provide policy briefings to senior executives, translating regulatory language into actionable compliance guidance.
- Key Achievements:
- Designed a standardized assessment framework to address inconsistent state reporting, improving data accuracy and nationwide compliance.
- Briefed congressional staff on proposed and final rulemaking.
- Directed transition guidance during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, balancing client access with state administrative capacity.
Branch Chief, Program Integrity & Nutrition
United States Department of Agriculture
Dallas, TX
11.2012 - 07.2022
- Managed review teams that consistently meet statutory timelines, maintained 95% accuracy in benefit issuance and exceeded federal benchmarks in compliance reviews.
- Directed federal quality control reviews, negotiated corrective action plans, and ensured deadlines were consistently met.
- Supervised a $200M+ grant portfolio, providing technical oversight and ensuring compliance with federal standards.
- Led a team of 14 specialists, driving performance improvement and mentoring for professional growth.
- Coordinated disaster response activities with FEMA and other partners to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
- Ensured secure handling of pre-decisional and sensitive information in compliance with federal records keeping standards.
- Key Achievements:
- Directed Pandemic-EBT rollout across multiple school years, issuing $15B in benefits.
- Expanded online purchasing pilot program, increasing access for 6.2M+ recipients.
- Reduced inefficiencies in regional disaster operations, implementing corrective measures to maintain operational continuity.
- Increased farmers market participation by 60%+, expanding healthy food access for SNAP recipients.
Supervisory Program Specialist
United States Department of Agriculture
Dallas, TX
08.2007 - 11.2012
- Managed compliance and operations across 5 states, overseeing 8 staff and ensuring policy adherence.
- Conducted onsite reviews, enforced corrective action plans, and ensured timely case closure.
- Improved quality control productivity by consistently meeting and exceeding national deadlines.
- Key Achievements:
- Developed policies supporting regional work plans and strategic priorities.
- Built collaborative relationships with grassroots organizations and state agencies to strengthen compliance outcomes.
Education
Master of Public Administration -
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TXSkills
- Regulatory Compliance & Case File Review
- Corrective Action Planning & Root Cause Analysis
- Timeliness / SLA Management & Backlog Reduction
- Quality Assurance & Risk Mitigation
- Strategic Leadership & Program Integrity
- Process Improvement & Change Management
- Team Development & Performance Coaching
- Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Agency Collaboration
- Investigation techniques
- Training delivery
- Internal auditing
- Legal research
Certification
- John Maxwell Certified Trainer/Speaker – 2018
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (Trained) – 2016
- Certified Mediator – 2013
Awards
Professional Excellence – 2024, FNS Administrator’s Award – 2020, Multiple Performance-Based Awards (2017–2023)
Disclaimer
“I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of my statements are true, correct, complete, and made in good faith.” September 2, 2025
Timeline
Branch Chief, Certification Policy Division
United States Department of Agriculture
07.2022 - Current
Branch Chief, Program Integrity & Nutrition
United States Department of Agriculture
11.2012 - 07.2022
Supervisory Program Specialist
United States Department of Agriculture
08.2007 - 11.2012
Compliance Investigator, Retailer Operations
USDA
Master of Public Administration -
University of Texas at Arlington