Herjy Similien
Washington,USA
Summary
I am an experienced crisis management professional with a strong background in coordinating response strategies at the U.S. Department of State. I led initiatives focused on crisis communication, international collaboration, and business continuity planning. My graduate capstone project at Rice University examined strategies to diversify and secure the military supply chain, further fueling my interest in operational management and strategic resource planning. I am eager to leverage my crisis response and continuity planning skills within Eastern University’s MBA program in Operational Management to deepen my expertise in optimizing resilient business operations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Visa Analyst
U.S. Department of State
09.2024 - Current
- Managed inquiries regarding visa eligibility and security issues from overseas U.S
- Embassies, Congress, interagency partners, the White House, foreign diplomatic missions, and other government agencies
- Provided Security Advisory Opinions (SAOs) to assess visa eligibility for individuals flagged for security concerns, ensuring compliance with security-related grounds of ineligibility
- Coordinated with international missions and U.S.-based agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Intelligence Community, and the White House to address counterterrorism issues impacting visa applications
- Drafted and edited critical documentation, including regulations, briefing papers, correspondence, and security advisories, ensuring they adhered to departmental standards
- Advised department offices on procedures and best practices for counterterrorism screening and case handling, contributing to continuous improvement in crisis and continuity management
- Collaborated with overseas missions to maintain and update watch-list information, enhancing security measures related to visa ineligibility criteria
- Engaged in consular outreach and interagency coordination, representing the department at professional events, interagency meetings, and educational institutions to foster collaboration and readiness
- Managed regional and policy-specific portfolios, particularly focused on the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, with an emphasis on crisis response and continuity planning
- Adapted to dynamic work environments, supporting continuity efforts across different sites within the State Department and partner agencies
- Communicated complex security requirements for visas and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) status professionally and efficiently, ensuring clarity and adherence to protocols
- Conducted in-depth research on visa cases, compiling findings from various sources, including government databases and open-source intelligence, to provide comprehensive analysis for crisis management support
- Supported special projects and events, including high-level conferences, meetings, and international delegations, with a focus on continuity and emergency preparedness
Program Analyst
U.S. Department of State
12.2023 - 09.2024
- Developed and advocated for continuity policies to safeguard children impacted by international parental abduction, ensuring their welfare amidst complex international crises
- Monitored and analyzed critical political, economic, and security developments, producing in-depth reports to inform U.S
- Foreign policy and strengthen crisis response within the Office of American Services and Crisis Management
- Delivered informational consultations and orientations to stakeholders, providing insights into consular programs and services, with a focus on evaluating and enhancing program efficiency and service delivery
- Participated in interagency working groups and national security-focused meetings, supporting the alignment of U.S
- National security policies with continuity and crisis management goals
- Drafted and managed key communications with stakeholders, including foreign authorities, domestic agencies, law enforcement, Congress, and impacted families, maintaining clear, sensitive, and effective messaging during crises
- Served as the main point of contact for incoming actions from U.S
- Embassies, consulates, and foreign central authorities within the East Asia and Pacific region facilitating efficient response coordination
- Coordinated crisis communication with overseas U.S
- Embassies, consulates, and foreign authorities, ensuring timely updates on health threats, disaster recovery, and security issues for U.S
- Citizens abroad
- Collaborated with the Haiti Task Force to locate and support the adoption process for children in Haitian orphanages approved for U.S
- Adoption, showcasing expertise in humanitarian response during critical situations
- Developed detailed project plans for crisis initiatives, outlining essential tasks, dependencies, and resource requirements, ensuring alignment with continuity objectives and organizational goals
- Fostered a collaborative environment among team members, enhancing communication and cohesion to efficiently meet program and operational continuity objectives
- Conducted thorough risk assessments, identifying potential operational vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure continuity during disruptions
- Worked with the Israel and Lebanon Task Force to coordinate the safe repatriation of American citizens from the Middle East, demonstrating crisis management proficiency in international evacuation and repatriation
Passport Specialist / Adjudicator
U.S. Department of State
11.2022 - 12.2023
- Reviewed and evaluated cases for accuracy and compliance, verifying documentation and citizenship evidence in accordance with 8 FAM regulations, supporting informed decision-making in high-stakes scenarios
- Suspended and managed high-risk cases with pending holds, collaborating with legal experts to resolve complex issues, reinforcing compliance and risk mitigation
- Leveraged multiple research databases (Lexis Nexis, CCD) to investigate and resolve cases, demonstrating resourcefulness and thorough analysis critical to effective crisis management
- Communicated solutions effectively, conducting comprehensive investigations to resolve cases in line with U.S
- Immigration and nationality laws, upholding high standards in emergency response frameworks
- Provided guidance to passport-issuing agencies on cases involving restricted or denied passports, ensuring alignment with FAM protocols on a case-by-case basis to mitigate potential legal and operational risks
- Applied expertise in nationality laws to streamline passport adjudication processes, minimizing compliance risks and enhancing operational continuity through rigorous procedural adherence
- Developed detailed process documentation including checklists and guidelines to optimize workflow efficiency, ensuring accuracy and preparedness under crisis conditions
- Created training materials and led presentations on complex procedures for colleagues and stakeholders, emphasizing clarity and precision essential for continuity planning and crisis management
- Analyzed and processed data across multiple platforms (TDIS, OPR, CLASS), promptly addressing issues and maintaining data integrity crucial for informed decision-making during emergencies
- Implemented structured processing schedules for passport applications to meet regulatory deadlines, supporting business continuity in citizen services during crises
- Led fraud detection exercises and collaborated on inter-agency programs, strengthening the organization’s ability to detect and mitigate fraud risks proactively
- Resolved complex passport cases involving identity verification and fraud, ensuring fair adjudication and reinforcing public trust, a critical element in emergency response strategies
- Oversaw customer interactions at Will Call windows during high-demand periods, ensuring streamlined communication and operational efficiency to maintain high service standards and continuity during peak times
Passport Associate II
U.S. Department of State
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Managed the thorough review of passport applications, supporting documents, and photographs to ensure compliance with all legal and procedural requirements, maintaining high operational standards
- Oversaw the verification of all applicant documents and fees, ensuring adherence to passport requirements and minimizing errors in the application process
- Directed quality control procedures for printed passport books, ensuring the accuracy and quality of passports before distribution to applicants
- Supervised the processing of refund and reimbursement requests, ensuring that all financial transactions were managed accurately, promptly, and in line with budgetary requirements
- Identified operational inefficiencies in the passport application review process and implemented workflow improvements that enhanced processing speed and accuracy
- Managed the review of passport photo submissions, ensuring compliance with official guidelines and providing actionable feedback to applicants to meet required standards
- Fostered a collaborative work environment, leading a team of customer service staff to maintain high standards of service and resolve applicant concerns efficiently
- Developed strategic relationships with local postal services to streamline mail-in application processing, reducing processing times and enhancing service delivery
- Ensured the highest level of confidentiality in handling sensitive personal data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and organizational policies
- Led crisis management efforts by coordinating with relevant authorities and providing timely, accurate updates to stakeholders, ensuring continuity of operations during emergencies
Sales Associate
BetterMortgage.com
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Advised clients on optimal mortgage options and managed client portfolios, aligning financial strategies with both client and company objectives to drive financial success
- Pre-approved mortgage loans efficiently, aligning client needs with customized financial solutions to ensure satisfaction and meet company goals
- Streamlined operations by coordinating with loan officers to expedite the loan closing process, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround times
- Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to delivering the best financial outcomes for clients while maintaining company standards
- Conducted comprehensive financial analyses, providing tailored mortgage solutions that contributed to a 95% client satisfaction rate
- Consistently surpassed sales targets by an average of 20%, significantly contributing to the department's annual revenue and improving team performance
- Managed a portfolio of over 100 clients, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent advice on mortgage options, fostering long-term client relationships
- Achieved financial bonuses for engaging with 1,000 potential clients monthly, increasing sales opportunities and driving business growth
- Guided clients through the mortgage application process, achieving a 98% approval rate for submitted applications, ensuring operational success
- Fostered strong client relationships, resulting in a 40% increase in referrals and repeat business, directly contributing to department revenue
- Collaborated with underwriters and cross-functional teams to ensure the timely processing of loan applications, enhancing the overall customer experience
- Worked across departments to ensure seamless coordination throughout the loan process, driving higher customer satisfaction and retention rates
Business Development Specialist
The Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa
05.2016 - 09.2020
- Implemented and monitored operational systems to enhance sales performance, ensuring consistent growth and improved profitability
- Coached and mentored team members, providing ongoing support through new hire onboarding and professional development to promote a culture of continuous learning
- Engaged guests by educating them on in-house programs, local studios, instructors, events, and community initiatives, fostering strong customer relationships and loyalty
- Developed marketing initiatives and utilized referral networks to drive business development and expand customer base
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities by efficiently managing multiple tables and customer needs without compromising service quality or operational standards
- Proficiently operated the POS system to place orders, manage billing, and handle complimentary items, ensuring smooth transactions and accurate order processing
- Collaborated closely with team members during high-volume shifts to optimize workflow, ensuring efficient service delivery and an exceptional guest experience
Education
Master of Global Affairs - International development, Global Risk and Crisis Management
Rice University, James A. Baker Institute for Public Policy
Houston, TX05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Government, History
Sam Houston State University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Huntsville, TX05.2022
Skills
- Risk Mitigation
- Crisis Management
- Problem-solving
- Project Management
- Critical Thinking
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Data Analysis
Governmentclearance
Hold Government clearance
Projects
Capstone Project: Rice University Baker Institute, 2024, Explored U.S. strategies to influence China's regional dynamics through strategic economic, industrial, and commercial investments in infrastructure to support the military supply chain. Crisis Management Analysis - Iran Hostage Crisis, Conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981), focusing on identifying failures, successes, and recommendations for future crisis management strategies. Crisis Communication Plan Practical Application, Developed a comprehensive crisis communication plan for Rice University, addressing the specific needs and expectations of the academic institution.
Timeline
Visa Analyst
U.S. Department of State
09.2024 - Current
Program Analyst
U.S. Department of State
12.2023 - 09.2024
Passport Specialist / Adjudicator
U.S. Department of State
11.2022 - 12.2023
Sales Associate
BetterMortgage.com
10.2021 - 03.2022
Passport Associate II
U.S. Department of State
08.2021 - 11.2022
Business Development Specialist
The Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa
05.2016 - 09.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Government, History
Sam Houston State University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Master of Global Affairs - International development, Global Risk and Crisis Management
Rice University, James A. Baker Institute for Public Policy
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