Fernando Smith
Washington,DC
Summary
Results-driven Program Manager with extensive lived, academic, and professional development experience in violence prevention and community development, specializing in program design, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Successfully led the "Ambassador for Peace" initiative at Cities4Peace, achieving a 70% retention rate, and positively impacting over 100 youths. Proficient in implementing health-based approaches, managing budgets, and fostering partnerships to reduce criminal justice involvement, and improve individual outcomes. Eager to bring proven leadership and expertise to the ONSE Pathways Program, to drive transformative impact and enhance community safety in Washington, DC.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager
Cities4Peace
04.2024 - Current
- Led the 'Ambassador For Peace' initiative, developing a pilot program that combined substance abuse and violence prevention using evidence-based curriculums, achieving a 100% retention rate in the first cohort and 70% overall.
- Secured continued funding from DBH for 2025 and expanded the program to two wards, with an application pending for Ward 8.
- Provided strategic planning and community partnership in the Grant Administration, enhancing program effectiveness and outreach.
- Monitored performance metrics to ensure timely completion of tasks.
- Prioritized tasks and managed teams throughout multiple projects.
- Oversaw each project's technical requirements and completed every milestone on time.
Hospital Responder
United Medical Center Hospital
Washington, DC
06.2023 - 04.2024
- Delivered immediate bedside intervention services as a certified Violence Interrupter, adept at de-escalating potentially volatile situations within a high-pressure hospital environment.
- Executed case management duties for victims of severe violence.
- Provided critical information, referrals, and linkage to essential services, fostering community resource accessibility for affected individuals and their families.
- Conducted crisis intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of each victim, contributing to the reduction of subsequent victimization, and promoting healing within the District of Columbia.
- Acted as an integral member of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG)'s funded Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of violence prevention experts, government agencies, community leaders, and community-based organizations (CBOs) to develop and implement innovative violence intervention solutions.
Credible Messenger & Grants Monitor
Building Blocks DC
06.2021 - 10.2023
- Company Overview: Office of Gun Violence Prevention
- Actively involved in administering grant parameters, ensuring that grantees fulfill eligibility, and maintain transparent reporting standards on the Quickbase management system.
- Identified areas needing improvement in grant management, provided training initiatives, and set clear priorities.
- Collaborated seamlessly with agency members, DC Government entities, consultants, interns, and community organizations on implementing violence reduction programs and strategies.
- Engaged in data research and feasibility studies.
- Assisted in representing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in discussions with the City Council, the Mayor, and DC agencies in community forums.
- Served as a founding expert for the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, providing critical guidance and expertise to shape policy decisions from its inception.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Rubicon Motor Group
Keyser, MD
09.2015 - 11.2020
- Oversaw business strategies and financial administration, including managing budgets, invoices, and expenditures, aligning them with company goals and priorities.
- Demonstrated expertise in asset liquidation, payroll, and accounts payable.
- Collaborated with teams to improve business practices and enhance efficiency.
Corporate Responsibility Manager
Pristine PreOwned Autos, Inc.
Keyser, WV
09.2006 - 12.2012
- Spearheaded public safety initiatives within the corporate responsibility program.
- Developed and managed transitional housing and job development programs for returning citizens facing reintegration challenges post-incarceration or violence incidents.
Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS - BUSINESS CONCENTRATION
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV05.2022
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
High Point High School
Beltsville, MD06.1998
Skills
- Program Development and Oversight: Expertise in planning, organizing, and supervising program operations to align with organizational goals and strategic direction
- Health-Based Interventions: Strong understanding of health-based approaches to address criminal justice involvement and improve individual outcomes in areas such as housing, employment, and education
- Budget Management: Proficient in developing, managing, and monitoring program budgets to ensure compliance with financial guidelines and resource allocation
- Policy and Procedure Development: Experience in creating and implementing policies, operational processes, and administrative procedures to optimize program performance
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled in working closely with executive leadership, program managers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure successful delivery of program initiatives
- Risk Analysis and Mitigation: Ability to analyze program risks, develop mitigation strategies, and produce actionable improvement reports for stakeholders
- Strategic Planning and Implementation: Demonstrated ability to develop scopes, deliverables, work plans, and timelines for new initiatives that drive organizational objectives
- Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving: Adept at identifying and resolving conflicts or challenges, ensuring program operations remain efficient and goal-oriented
Certification
- Violence Prevention and Community Wellness (2) - University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and Peace Academy
- "Stop the Bleed" Blood Loss Intervention
- Narcan, Opioid Reversal
- CPR / Basic First Aid
- Restorative Justice Facilitator
- Cognitive Behavior Theory (CBT)
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Sky-Breath and Yoga Ambassador
Affiliations
- DC Chapter Lead for Moms Demand Action 2023-Present
- Community Advisory Council for Martha's Table 2024
- Serve DC Snow Hero 2024-Present
Accomplishments
- Center for American Progress (CAP 2024) distinguished guest speaker at its annual Violence Prevention Convention in Washington, DC
- Everytown for Gun Safety 2024 panel moderator at their annual Gun Sense University Convention in Washington, DC
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Program Manager
Cities4Peace
04.2024 - Current
Hospital Responder
United Medical Center Hospital
06.2023 - 04.2024
Credible Messenger & Grants Monitor
Building Blocks DC
06.2021 - 10.2023
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Rubicon Motor Group
09.2015 - 11.2020
Corporate Responsibility Manager
Pristine PreOwned Autos, Inc.
09.2006 - 12.2012
BACHELOR OF ARTS - BUSINESS CONCENTRATION
West Virginia University
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
High Point High School
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