Microsoft Office
Heather Van Wijk
Program Specialist
Long Beach,CA
Summary
Experienced program specialist that excels in short-, mid- and long-range planning, with over 15 years serving in local government in various capacities. I seek to leverage my skills and experience into a leadership position that will enhance and maintain the City of Long Beach's Ethics Program.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Specialist (Citywide ADA Coordinator)
City Of Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
08.2016 - Current
- Leads the City’s efforts on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI compliance.
- Serve as a City resource across all departments and the public for the understanding and application of federal, state and local accessibility laws and best practices; includes coordination with subject-matter-experts.
- Project manager for the City’s updated self-evaluation and on-going transition plan, which calls for very specific benchmarks over the next 25 years.
- Develop, update and implement policies and trainings across all departments.
- Community liaison to the disability community; created a disability resource collaborative.
- Primary support staff for the Citizen's Advisory Commission on Disabilities.
Chief of Staff
Suja Lowenthal, Vice Mayor, City Of Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
12.2015 - 07.2016
- Managed day-to-day operations within and related to the 2nd Council District.
- Collaborate directly with all City departments on issues and projects in the district.
- Coordinate and supervise the administration and implementation of office goals, policies and procedures; oversight responsibility for all personnel matters.
- Coordinate and supervise the efforts of employees including district projects, constituent services, social media.
- Manage office budget of $410,000 and Divide by Nine Budget of $900,000.
- Research, analyze and interpret information and data related to district issues and legislative goals.
- Working knowledge of the legal requirements and ethical principles that govern conduct of business by municipal government.
Executive Assistant
Suja Lowenthal, Councilmember, City Of Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
09.2006 - 12.2015
- General office management
- Responsible for maintaining vice mayor, chief of staff and district calendars
- Prepared documents, reports and presentations for vice mayor, district staff and community using advanced software proficiencies.
- Managed administrative logistics for community events, including press and social media.
- Collaborated with City leadership and staff in addressing constituent concerns and requests
- Research legislative questions and issues; support creation of council agenda items
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Government
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA 08.2003 - 12.2005
Skills
Strategic planning and project coordination
Employee training and development
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Decision Making
Relationship Building
Cultural Awareness
Affiliations
- Vice President, Board of Directors, Disabled Resources Center
- Steering Committee, CA Network of ADA Coordinators
Software
Certification
ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program
Timeline
ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program
02-2020
Program Specialist (Citywide ADA Coordinator)
City Of Long Beach
08.2016 - Current
Chief of Staff
Suja Lowenthal, Vice Mayor, City Of Long Beach
12.2015 - 07.2016
Executive Assistant
Suja Lowenthal, Councilmember, City Of Long Beach
09.2006 - 12.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Government
California State University - Dominguez Hills
08.2003 - 12.2005