Dafna Teichner
Tampa,FL
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in project management and talent development, enhancing global immigration processes and compliance through strategic initiatives. Achievements include significant efficiency gains driven by stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement efforts. Expertise in Lean principles and software business analysis supports a commitment to operational excellence.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Americas Immigration Leader
GE Vernova
Atlanta, GA
04.2017 - Current
- Overseeing the North and Latin America Regional Immigration team of managers and analysts (11 direct reports) while providing leadership and direction in all areas, including but not limited to immigration training, performance management, reward and recognition, coaching, career development, and succession planning. The Americas region fulfills an average yearly portfolio of 7,000 immigration demands for both staff and field employees assigned outbound globally on short- and long-term mobilizations, with a various range of work permits, residence permits, and visas, with specialty in L-1, TN, J-1, H-1B, employment-based GC, Canadian ICT, and CUSMA permits, as well as a wide range of work permits to Latin American countries.
- Designated Registered Officer for GE Vernova J1 Visa Program with the Department of State
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance the efficiency and scalability of global immigration processes.
- Developed audit procedures to identify and mitigate operational risks, and develop/lead mitigation strategies to address risks associated with cross-border mobilizations.
- Formed and monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) to track team performance, productivity, and service quality.
- Develop and execute new growth directives for the Immigration function, acting as liaison and project leader to design project management processes.
- Conducted internal quality review processes by leading Lean Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement.
Global Imm Project Manager (Bubble Assignment)
FieldCore , a GE Vernova Company
Atlanta, GA
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Spearheaded and executed operational tactics to boost efficiency and scalability of worldwide immigration procedures.
- Worked with process owners to understand current processes' performance capability, barriers to higher performance, and improvement opportunities.
- Partnered with region and global immigration leaders to develop and implement immigration systems and processes to ensure global standardization.
- Collaborated with leadership to set short- and long-term operational goals aligned with business objectives.
- Managed issue resolution between company systems as they relate to immigration business processes.
- Generate regular reports on operational performance, risk assessments, and compliance metrics for senior leadership.
- Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions and propose operational enhancements.
- Acted as a thought leader for innovative operational practices, sharing insights and best practices across the team.
- Developed and executed new growth directives for the Immigration function, acting as a liaison and project leader to design project management processes.
Sr. Immigration Analyst
Granite Service Inc, a GE Company
Tampa, FL
11.2015 - 04.2017
- Served as the Immigration Lead Specialist for the Latin America region for any immigration processes and country immigration strategy.
- Managed between 150-300 immigration cases in different stages of the visa and work permit application process for Latin America and North America, covering short- and long-term technical work in multiple destinations worldwide.
- Organized and kept an ongoing and accurate record of large group mobilizations that required extensions, renewals, rotations, and tailored-made solutions.
- Researched country-specific requirements and regulations.
- Ensured accurate and timely completion of all immigration paperwork, including but not limited to applications, forms, letters, entity registration renewals, document legalization, and procurement.
- Worked with government agencies, immigration attorneys, and outside counsel to obtain appropriate work permits, visas, and/or residency documentation as needed per country specifications
- Facilitated weekly segment meetings to review forecasts and ongoing processes.
Global Immigration Specialist (Freelance)
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC)
Tampa, FL
01.2015 - 11.2015
- Assisted staff with immigration procedures, both inbound and outbound.
- Assisted PwC partners and staff on outbound immigration regulations and documentation for international business travel, such as business visas, work permits, and passports for entry into non-U.S. countries.
- Applied immigration programs and firm policy to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.
- Ensured all paperwork, including applications, are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Assisted the firm with strategy and preparation of H-1B cases during cap season.
- Corresponded and cooperated with PwC and vendor offices worldwide.
- Assessed immigration requirements for various PwC travel and assignments.
- Worked with the offshore team in resolving issues to optimize internal processes related to visas and work permits.
Global Mobility Specialist (Freelance)
PwC
Tampa, FL
01.2015 - 11.2015
- Assisted staff with immigration procedures, both U.S. inbound and outbound.
- Supported PwC partners and staff with immigration documentation for international business travel, such as business visas, work permits, and passports for entry into non-U.S. countries. countries.
- Applied immigration programs and firm policy to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.
- Ensured all paperwork, including applications, are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Assisted the firm with strategy and preparation of H-1B cases during cap season.
- Assessed immigration requirements for various PwC travel and assignments.
- Worked with the offshore team in resolving issues to optimize internal processes related to visas and work permits.
Head of Global Corporate Immigration Team
Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm (Fragomen co-counsel)
Ramat-Gan, Israel
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Managed all global assignment accounts, and reported directly to the managing partner.
- Communicated regularly with consulates and government representatives of Asia-Pacific, European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries.
- Navigate complex fields of worldwide corporate immigration law work, student and investment visas, as well as sponsorship petitions, work permits, and consular processing.
- Monitored immigration workload, production, and billing.
- Develop a continuing legal education and training program.
- Participated in executive management meetings and critical decision processes.
- Acted as the firm's official representative and point of contact to manage relationships with several governmental agencies and organizations, including the British Embassy in Israel, the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce, the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce, and Israel Advanced Technology Industries (IATI).
Paralegal
Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm (Fragomen co-counsel)
Ramat Gan , Israel
01.2010 - 05.2012
- Worked alongside the Managing Partner on the establishment and practice development of the new Global Department and Coordination Center.
- Performed substantive legal work, and conducted research.
- Supported and assisted the U.S. outbound team in J, L, H-1B, and E-1 cases.
- Paperwork and client billing were acquired and properly completed.
- Supervised and trained law clerks and student interns.
- Supported the firm's website development and served as content editor.
Education
Executive Program Certificate - Performance Leadership
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY06-2023
Associate of Science - Hydrotherapy
Wingate Institute
Netanya, Israel Skills
- Industry expertise
- Effective project management
- Lean principles
- Continuous improvements
- Stakeholder engagement
- Talent development
- Compliance
- Process change management
- Software business analysis
Languages
English
Full Professional
Hebrew
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- 2020 - Unsung Hero Award
- 2022 - CEO Award
- 2024 - GE Vernova Core Award - Mentorship
Timeline
Global Imm Project Manager (Bubble Assignment)
FieldCore , a GE Vernova Company
01.2019 - 12.2023
Americas Immigration Leader
GE Vernova
04.2017 - Current
Sr. Immigration Analyst
Granite Service Inc, a GE Company
11.2015 - 04.2017
Global Immigration Specialist (Freelance)
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC)
01.2015 - 11.2015
Global Mobility Specialist (Freelance)
PwC
01.2015 - 11.2015
Head of Global Corporate Immigration Team
Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm (Fragomen co-counsel)
01.2012 - 12.2014
Paralegal
Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm (Fragomen co-counsel)
01.2010 - 05.2012
Executive Program Certificate - Performance Leadership
Cornell University
Associate of Science - Hydrotherapy
Wingate Institute
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