Cynthia Baker
Fuquay Varina,USA
Summary
Dynamic leader with 16 years of experience in administrative management, overseeing substantial budgets and personnel resources. Proven track record in strategic planning and mentoring, implementing initiatives that improve operational efficiency and ensure program continuity across diverse teams. Expertise includes planning and managing laboratory renovations, coordinating public responses, and developing internet and intranet sites, along with creating onboarding materials for new staff.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief, Administrative Officer, GS-0341-14
NIH/NIEHS/Division of Translational Toxicology
Durham, North Carolina
12.2024 - Current
- Directed administrative operations for the Division of Translational Toxicology initiatives, optimizing division efficiency and productivity.
- Managed budget planning and resource allocation of $116 million to address division needs and goals effectively.
- Oversaw recruitment processes to secure qualified candidates for diverse roles.
- Implemented policies enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness across departments.
- Facilitated training sessions developing staff skills in regulatory practices.
- Supported strategic planning through analysis of program performance data and trends.
- Cultivated stakeholder relationships to foster collaborative partnerships.
- Collaborated with leaders to set financial goals, optimizing research opportunities.
- Provided leadership to motivate staff members to achieve performance goals.
- Developed strategies to resolve conflicts, and improve customer service.
- Provided guidance to supervisors regarding employee discipline issues.
- Managed personnel matters including hiring decisions, employee discipline issues and salary reviews.
- Provided leadership role during situations requiring immediate intervention or decision making.
- Responded quickly and effectively to situations requiring immediate action or decision making.
- Supported management in decision making by providing data analysis insights.
Deputy Chief, ARSB, GS-0341-14
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Durham, USA
04.2014 - 12.2024
- Oversaw two intramural programs with combined resources exceeding $220 million and 700 personnel.
- Supervised a team of six federal employees, enhancing budget, personnel, and procurement operations.
- Co-led ARSB during transition periods, fostering stability and continuity from 2017 to 2018 and 2022 to 2023.
- Advised scientific directors on program planning and financial forecasting to influence resource allocation.
- Facilitated staff meetings to strengthen collaboration and communication among team members.
- Managed NIA Fellowship, NIDDK Fellowship, and NIEHS Diversity Program resources, ensuring effective allocation and tracking.
- Developed creative solutions for efficient fund expenditure, including partnerships for logistical support.
- Implemented budget resource tracking systems to streamline operational efficiency across intramural programs.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance research collaboration across departments.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders to align project goals and objectives.
- Oversaw policy development to ensure compliance with federal regulations and guidelines.
- Coordinated training programs to improve staff skills and operational efficiency.
- Resolved conflicts between departments or personnel when necessary.
- Conducted employee evaluations to assess and document performance.
- Led staff meetings to address issues and drive improvements.
- Contributed to formulation of short-term and long-term goals for division.
- Analyzed data to identify trends or areas requiring improvement and change in policy or procedure.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
- Recruited, interviewed and selected employees to fill vacant roles.
- Provided guidance to supervisors regarding employee discipline issues.
- Managed personnel matters including hiring decisions, employee discipline issues and salary reviews.
Education
High School -
Northwestern High School
Adelphi, MD06-1988
Montgomery College
Rockville, MDSkills
- Financial analysis
- Budget and Personnel management
- Program and Strategic planning
- Operational efficiency
- Team leadership
Accomplishments
- Received NIEHS Director’s Award (Group) for leading the development and implementation the new Budget Resource Tracking System
- Received the NIEHS Director’s Award (Group) for leading and developing tools to manage two Title 42 Spring Increase Cycles
- Assisted the NCCAM Director and Executive Officer in rebuilding the Intramural Research Program, including forecasting the budget requirements over 5 years, recruitment of the Scientific Director, Tenure Track Investigators, and their staff. Coordinated space in new building, coordinate moves, purchasing of specialize scientific equipment, and supplies.
- Received the NIH Director's Merit Award (Group) for contributions in developing the NIH Budget Course.
- Lead the initiative to implement 2 core labs in NIDDK, Mass Spec and the Clinical Support, including renovations of space to accommodate a mass spec machine, hiring of core lab directors and staff, developing a budget allocation and other services.
- Lead the congressionally mandated initiative to build and implement a Metabolic Research Unit, including construction of a one of a kind Metabolic Chamber and in-patient ward, coordinated the in-patient ward and research unit with specialized equipment and bariatric furniture, coordinating scheduling nursing staff, food service, and other patient needs. Also coordinated the hiring of the director and other staff.
- Coordinated the replacement of building 5's telephone system with up to date cabling and equipment.
Committee Involvement
- NIEHS DIR Diversity Program Committee, 2021 - 2024
- NIEHS Paperless System Committee, 2018
- NIEHS COOP/Emergency Planning Team, 2014 - Present
- NIH Intramural Administrative Management Committee, 2010 - Present
- NIH/IC Emergency Coordinators Working Group (ECWG), 2012 - 2014
- NIH Deputy Executive Officer’s Working Group, 2012 - 2014
- Recreation and Welfare Advisory Council, 2012 - 2014
- NIH Learning Management System Working Group, 2013
- NIH nSIGHT Focus Group, 2013
- NIH Space and Renovations Course Working Group, 2010
- NIH Budget Course Working Group, 2011
- NIH HSPD-12 Working Group, 2008
Timeline
Chief, Administrative Officer, GS-0341-14
NIH/NIEHS/Division of Translational Toxicology
12.2024 - Current
Deputy Chief, ARSB, GS-0341-14
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
04.2014 - 12.2024
High School -
Northwestern High School
Montgomery College