Donald McDowell
Kansas City,KS
Summary
Results-driven Office Manager with over 20 years of experience in Personnel Security and legal principles, focusing on optimizing productivity and service quality within diverse environments. Proven track record in data analysis and report generation to inform leadership decisions, alongside effective coordination among federal, state, and military legal offices. Recognized as a resourceful Legal Administrative Specialist, excelling in legal research, document management, and client communication while demonstrating strong time management and problem-solving skills. Committed to enhancing office functionality to support legal teams in achieving their goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Administrative Specialist
Department of Defense
Fort Leavenworth, KS
10.2024 - Current
- Delivered precise and prompt guidance to the RDC on office management and operational topics.
- Oversees all administrative functions of Fourth Circuit Trial Defense Services, covering five Active Duty Legal Offices.
- Established comprehensive administrative procedures.
- Coordinates real estate dealings alongside managing vendor engagement and financial allocations for efficient delivery.
- Managed security management program encompassing personnel, physical, and information security.
- Monitored regional staffing, case distribution, training schedules, and personnel reviews, and processed comprehensive personnel actions, functioning as a timecard certifier in ATAAPS.
- Oversees official personnel travel in Defense Travel System and Government Travel Credit Card program.
Personnel Security Specialist
Essnova Solutions, Inc
Kansas City, MO
01.2023 - 10.2024
- Planned and executed investigations for critical national security matters.
- Facilitated and conducted complex investigative procedures requiring delicate handling during security assessments, and detailed inquiry processes in high-priority cases related to personnel security.
- Draft security and suitability recommendations, manage inquiry correspondence.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of pre-hire background investigations to assess candidate reliability and suitability.
- Facilitated onboarding by managing background investigations, funding acquisition, and case submissions to OPM/DSS.
- Reviewed daily incoming information on OPM/DSS case files and adjudications.
- Streamlined security clearance and background investigation adjudication for agency personnel, including applicants, senior officials, and contractors.
- Reviewed, developed, and interpreted personnel security policies and guidelines for agency-wide implementation.
- Activated, suspended, reprinted, and revoked PIV/LINCpass cards efficiently.
- Utilized NBIS, eQIP, DISS and USAccess for personnel security programs.
Compliance Manager
Mr. Goodcents Franchise Systems, Inc.
De Soto, KS
04.2022 - 11.2022
- Authored franchise agreements, renewals, and amendments, and created comprehensive communications between franchisor and franchisees.
- Overhauled tracking system to manage franchise agreements, renewal terms, payments, and fee collections.
- Conducted analysis of internal business systems, ensuring alignment with industry regulations.
- Spearheaded creation and execution of new company policy modifications.
- Engineered mechanisms to prevent breaches of company policies.
Legal Officer
U.S. Navy
Ballston Spa, NY
07.2018 - 05.2022
- Created in-depth corporate leadership plan and instructed top-tier management on regulatory standards.
- Conducted extensive research on legal authority, compared case details with precedent-setting examples, and drafted in excess of 200 legal documents, encompassing briefs, pleadings, appeals, and contracts.
- Evaluated proposed initiatives and staff behavior to identify liability risks.
- Enhanced organizational compliance by recommending appropriate measures to meet governmental standards.
- Enhanced employee understanding through regular compliance education sessions and updates.
- Showcases expertise in regulations for Federal personnel security programs.
- Reviewed OF306 forms and Personnel Security Questionnaires for completeness.
Staff Judge Advocate Assistant
U.S. Navy
Misawa AB, Japan
07.2015 - 07.2018
- Counseled top-tier management on issues related to legal protocols, ethical guidelines and operational policies.
- Assessed and analyzed legal documents, discovery materials, and contracts.
- Provided training to 12-member workforce on protocols aimed at achieving optimal productivity.
- Conducted evaluations of governmental frameworks, judiciary systems, and arbitration methodologies.
- Enhanced office personnel effectiveness through strategic process modifications.
- Oversaw inventory management activities such as ordering, requisitions, stocking and receiving shipments.
Paralegal/Public Affairs Office Manager/Duty Section Lead
USS EMORY S. LAND (AS-39)
FPO, AP
07.2014 - 05.2015
- Supervised over 60 ships force personnel, ensuring successful physical security operations.
- Facilitated comprehensive training programs for watch stander accreditation in physical security and firefighting.
- Interviewed clients and witnesses to gather critical case details.
- Prepared written analyses outlining rationale for judgments and highlighting relevant case law.
- Oversaw Legal and Public Affairs offices to monitor the creation and dissemination of digital content.
Education
MBA - Business Analytics
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Emergency And Disaster Management
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV01.2016
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI01.2014
Skills
- Strategic Team Leadership
- Data Governance Expertise
- Expert in Building Relationships
- Effective Written Communication
- Proficient Conflict Management
- Security Management
- Strong verbal communication
- Risk Analysis Frameworks
- Operational Coordination
- Office Management
Accomplishments
- Awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6), and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals(2), 6 Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
- Received several Community Service awards from the Misawa Japan Chamber of Commerce and Jido-kan Afterschool English programs.
- Initiated and led the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program at U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa, Misawa AB, Japan teaching and mentoring 24 youths in drug and alcohol education, prevention, and life skills, and managing 12 staff. Received two Commanding Officer U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa Letters of Appreciation.
Additional Education
- Data Analytics, Microsoft Learning, 05/2021
- Google Ad Manager, Google, 05/2021
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Legal Administrative Specialist
Department of Defense
10.2024 - Current
Personnel Security Specialist
Essnova Solutions, Inc
01.2023 - 10.2024
Compliance Manager
Mr. Goodcents Franchise Systems, Inc.
04.2022 - 11.2022
Legal Officer
U.S. Navy
07.2018 - 05.2022
Staff Judge Advocate Assistant
U.S. Navy
07.2015 - 07.2018
Paralegal/Public Affairs Office Manager/Duty Section Lead
USS EMORY S. LAND (AS-39)
07.2014 - 05.2015
MBA - Business Analytics
American Public University System
Bachelor of Arts - Emergency And Disaster Management
American Public University System
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Roger Williams University
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