Elise Alexander
Beachwood,OH
Summary
Detail oriented professional with experience in public administration, grants, and program management. Demonstrated success enhancing the management and business practices of local, state, and national programs through informed strategic planning and planned process improvements using data analytics and performance tracking. Serving in a diverse range of professional roles as a consultant, program officer, and senior leadership capacities for small and large-scale national programs. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease inefficiencies and promote organizational success. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact organizational success.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Section Chief, Recovery Audits Section
Department Of Homeland Security, FEMA
09.2020 - Current
- Providing advice and guidance to agency leadership on the development and execution of evidence-based process improvements and corrective actions for national disaster recovery programs providing billions of dollars in grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments
- Increased resolution of GAO/ OIG findings by 48 % through data analytics enhancements and utilization of best practices in grants management
- Increased staff satisfaction, performance, and retention rates three years straight, w/ 100% retention and goal attainment
- Improved agency compliance with federal regulation, program policies, and guidelines.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in increased productivity across the section.
- Transformed underperforming teams through strategic leadership and targeted performance improvement initiatives.
- Boosted employee morale by developing a positive organizational culture focused on recognition and growth opportunities.
- Facilitated successful cross-departmental collaborations to achieve shared goals more efficiently.
- Spearheaded change management initiatives that resulted in improved adaptability among team members during periods of transition.
- Supervised, encouraged and evaluated cross-functional teams by coaching and empowering team members to meet production goals.
- Increased overall team productivity by implementing efficient project management strategies and streamlining communication processes.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully complete high-impact projects, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for staff, resulting in improved performance metrics and increased employee satisfaction.
- Enhanced team culture by implementing employee engagement initiatives that fostered collaboration, innovation, and professional development.
Senior Principal, Grants Management SME
ManTech
01.2020 - 09.2020
- Provided post-award grant management consulting with an emphasis on state and local organizations
- Delivering strategic planning, process development, and technical expertise in the areas of monitoring, assessment, and outreach for the grant management portfolio.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences by cultivating strong relationships and addressing concerns in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with stakeholders at various organizational levels to develop targeted strategies aligned with overarching organization objectives.
Section Chief, Program Development and Support
Department Of Homeland Security, FEMA
07.2012 - 03.2019
- Led the implementation of several agency-wide business processes for grants administration of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness grants totaling more than $1.6 billion in funding to state, local, tribal, nonprofit, and private sector
- Facilitated the release of a new $41 million operational grant for law enforcement agencies
- Developed performance measurement, application, and oversight protocols in collaboration with community stakeholders and agency partners
- Managed the development of the federal review and awarding process for $10M in federal funding to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
- Increased project completion rates with effective delegation and priority assignment.
- Enhanced team efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and procedures for daily operations.
Program Officer
Corporation For National Community Service
07.2009 - 07.2012
- Managed and oversaw a diverse portfolio of state agencies, tribal entities, and non-profits
- Maintained a rapport with community partners and represented the agency to provide program management, outreach, monitoring, evaluation, and technical support.
- Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact.
- Conducted thorough program evaluations to identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes.
Education
Master of Public Administration -
Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Science of Political Science -
Hampton University
Certificate in Nonprofit Management -
Cleveland State
Certificate in Agile Project Management -
Management Concepts
Certificate in Grants Management -
Management Concepts
Skills
- Leadership
- Relationship Development
- Process Improvement
- Critical Thinking
- Training
- Grant Administration
- Compliance
- Monitoring
- Performance Evaluation
- Risk Management
- Audit Resolution
- Data Management Systems
- E-Grants
- ND Grants & Grants Manager
- Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS)
- Oracle JAAMs
- Grant Solutions
- Microsoft Word
- Excel (Advanced)
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Project
- Visio
- SharePoint
- Regulatory Compliance
- Leadership Development
- Conflict Management
- Government Relations
- Department Oversight
- Relationship Building
- Emotional Intelligence
- Community Outreach
- Time Management
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Staff Supervision
- Grant Writing
- Program Evaluation
- Change Management
Accomplishments
- Increased resolution of GAO/ OIG findings by 48 % through data analytics enhancements and utilization of best practices in grants management.
- Achieved staff satisfaction, performance, and retention goals three years straight, with 100% retention and goal attainment.
- Facilitated the release of a new $41 million operational grant for law enforcement agencies. Developed performance measurement, application, and oversight protocols in collaboration with community stakeholders and agency partners.
- Managed the development of the federal review and awarding process for $10M in federal funding to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
Awards
- DHS Integrity Award 2023
- FEMA Special Act 2023
- DHS Exceptional Service 2019
Volunteer Experience
- Agency Liaison, DHS Surge Capacity Force, 2012 to present, Develop interagency relationships that foster the enhancement of the federal response to catastrophic disasters. Managed the deployment and safe return of over 400 DHS and other federal agency employees who volunteer for short-term disaster deployments.
- Unit Lead NRCC, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2015 to 2019, Organized daily situational awareness reporting on the efforts of the coordinated national response during times of disaster. Ensured effective communication and information sharing by assigning department and agency liaisons that monitor response activities and developing incidents.
Timeline
Section Chief, Recovery Audits Section
Department Of Homeland Security, FEMA
09.2020 - Current
Senior Principal, Grants Management SME
ManTech
01.2020 - 09.2020
Section Chief, Program Development and Support
Department Of Homeland Security, FEMA
07.2012 - 03.2019
Program Officer
Corporation For National Community Service
07.2009 - 07.2012
Master of Public Administration -
Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Science of Political Science -
Hampton University
Certificate in Nonprofit Management -
Cleveland State
Certificate in Agile Project Management -
Management Concepts
Certificate in Grants Management -
Management Concepts
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