Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Darlene Daniels

Bowie,MD

Summary

Strategic Program Manager with 25+ years of experience in the federal government, brining a strong understanding of policy environment and proven ability to drive impactful initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Leading high-impact initiatives across federal agencies. Known for my high political acumen. Known for strong accountability and exceptional attention to detail in managing complex, multi-phase programs. Proven ability to align cross-functional teams and with dedicated commitment to working with the customer. Adept at risk management, decision making, and fostering effective teamwork along with maintaining federal relations across agencies and departments. Highly regarded for interpersonal skills, honesty, and strong reading comprehension that supports precise documentation, policy interpretation, and stakeholder communication.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Leasing Program

General Services Administration, GSA
01.1999 - Current
  • Developed strong communication with Federal Agencies and Landlords and tenants to facilitate strong working relationships.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address leasing issues promptly and effectively. Worked with the LMT to ensure that all leases with child care centers conducted the proper inspections.
  • Optimized space utilization within managed properties through careful analysis and planning.
  • Facilitated group and one-on-one training to educate team members.
  • Provided guidance on complex leasing transactions, serving as a subject matter expert within the organization for child care space.
  • Review and interpret technical guides, standards and documentation to inform program decisions and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
  • Interpreted the GSA Pricing Policy regulation on numerous leases that included child care centers.

Program Manager

General Services Administration, GSA
01.1999 - Current
  • Manage a diverse portfolio of programs, balancing priorities, resources, and stakeholder needs across various initiatives.
  • Served as the Government Representative to multiple agencies.
  • Served as the Vulnerability Security Subject Matter Expert and liaison for Regions 11, 4, and 3 (45 buildings with child care centers).
  • Served as the technical expert that reviewed risk analyses to identify appropriate security countermeasures resulting in improved program performance.
  • Worked with FPS in reviewing regular vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses and implement appropriate countermeasures.
  • Developed a mission critical regional tracking tool that was implemented nationally after an OIG audit to streamline the process and execute policy decisions.
  • Improved the program performance by reviewing Fiscal Security Assessment (FSA) and having discussions with FPS and the Regions about the Appendix C, ISC -guidance and policy consistently looking for ways to improve the program.
  • Reviewed existing security architecture for improvements that aligned with evolving business needs while minimizing risk exposure.
  • Worked with Federal Agencies to ensure vulnerabilities were included in major renovations.
  • Worked cross-functional SME areas- Tracked and reviewed the blast mitigation project with the regional structural engineers. Assessed the findings and developed a ranking system based on the produced data- proposed investment in the building.
  • Familiar with the following Security sources: Appendix B: ISC Countermeasures, GSA Alternative Analysis and Design for Progressive Collapse Resistance.
  • Provide guidance and oversight to program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Conducted comprehensive program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
  • Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team and stakeholders.
  • Utilized data-driven decision-making approaches to inform strategy development and optimize outcomes.
  • Met with project stakeholders on a regular basis to assess progress and course correct.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by closely monitoring adherence to industry standards and guidelines throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Addressed and resolved financial concerns by working with team members and directors.
  • Built teams to address project goals and objectives for multiple projects.
  • Delivered high-quality results by setting performance metrics and monitoring progress against targets. Had high team participation on all group meetings and commitment to deliverables.
  • Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
  • Spearheaded innovative problem-solving techniques that addressed challenges head-on, resulting in effective resolution measures.
  • Enhanced project visibility with regular status updates, leading to increased stakeholder engagement.
  • Engaged and worked alongside cross-functional stakeholders to manage strategic initiatives.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Successfully managed budgets and redistributed funds to various projects to maximize use.

Construction Program

General Services Administration, GSA
01.1999 - Current
  • Oversaw successful completion of multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
  • Worked with Federal procurement as a SME for construction project Scopes and Bid proposals.
  • Identified and resolved construction issues promptly to prevent delays.
  • Collaborated closely with government agencies to ensure project objectives were met, maintaining transparent communication throughout the process.
  • Established a reputation for excellent crisis management skills when unexpected issues arose during construction, quickly developing solutions to minimize project delays.
  • Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality workmanship and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Collaborated with Federal Agencies, Architects, Engineers to ensure all parties priorities were addressed.
  • Contributed innovative ideas during design phase discussions that led to cost-effective solutions while maintaining desired aesthetic appeal.
  • Maintained strong lines of communication with all stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring transparency and collaboration towards shared goals.
  • Developed a Facility Managers workbook to streamline facility inspections.
  • Reviewed architectural designs and provided valuable feedback for improving functionality or reducing costs without sacrificing quality.
  • Coordinate with architects and engineers to troubleshoot design challenges, ensuring projects met all specifications.
  • SME for the PBS-140 for all child care projects and a lead as a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) policy interpretation.
  • Familiar with the ASTM and the Public Playground Safety Handbook standards for child care playgrounds.
  • Provided technical guidance on various Child Care state licensing regulations and the impact to the facility and the profit margin of the provider.
  • Facilitated and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
  • Provided Design and Interior Design guidance on numerous child care and playground projects.
  • Numerous Projects completed: Department of State, Nuclear Regulatory, USDA, IRS, USPTO, Centers for Disease Control, FDA, NIH.

Environmental Health

General Services Administration, GSA
01.1999 - Current
  • Reviewed Regional Safety Reports and executed policy interpretation for 27 buildings.
  • Collaborated with the Fire Protection Engineers, Environmental Team and Facility Managers to provide solutions to closing out or mitigating the deficiency.
  • Supported implementation of the Water Quality Program in accordance with PBS 1000.7A (Drinking Water Quality Management) policy regulation.
  • Served as an Advisory Committee Member to the Children’s Environmental Health Network -led the initiative to ensure all 80+ GSA programs were Eco-Healthy endorsed (Children’s Environmental Health).

Education

M.Ed. - Education/Research

University of Maryland
College Park, MD
05.2006

Bachelor of Science - Health and Human Services

University of Maryland
College Park, MD
05.1993

Skills

  • Strategic Program Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Risk Management
  • Decision Making
  • Teamwork
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Policy Interpretation
  • Program Evaluation

Certification

  • Google- AI Essentials
  • Google- Prompt Engineering
  • Program Management Fundamentals: University of Maryland, College Park

Timeline

Leasing Program

General Services Administration, GSA
01.1999 - Current

Program Manager

General Services Administration, GSA
01.1999 - Current

Construction Program

General Services Administration, GSA
01.1999 - Current

Environmental Health

General Services Administration, GSA
01.1999 - Current

M.Ed. - Education/Research

University of Maryland

Bachelor of Science - Health and Human Services

University of Maryland
Darlene Daniels