Janean Lomax
Buford
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Public Health Analyst
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
08.2013 - Current
- Oversee activities of the U.S. Congress as the Senior Audit Liaison in the Office of Chief of Staff and the CDC Washington Office.
- Impart expert guidance to policymakers on effective measures for preventing disease outbreaks and promoting overall wellness in communities.
- Agency single point of contact working directly with the Government Accountability (GAO) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) responding to Congressional inquiries and mandates.
- Independently facilitate all phase of GAO and OIG audits to inform decision-making for public health programs and policy development.
- Present findings to drive awareness of key challenges impacting the agency or resulting in negative media.
- Develop strategic reports, hold interdepartmental presentations, and prepare leadership and subject matter experts for congressional meetings.
- Transform GAO and OIG recommendations into action ensuring remediation efforts are implemented.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement (e.g., voluntarily training Emergency Operation Center staff on processes during the Mpox Response).
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary offices within CDC and across Health and Human Services (HHS) to strengthen partnerships and develop effective strategies.
- Track, report, and maintain audits using several advanced systems.
- Identify gaps in existing processes and propose targeted solutions (e.g., advising senior leaders during the creation of CDC Moving Forward).
- Served as interim Oversight Team Lead working on legislative member briefings and hearings, meticulous data collection, and HHS document clearance.
Health Communication Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
01.2013 - 08.2013
- Collaborated with Ministries of Health cross-functional teams to coordinate health campaigns effectively.
- Developed strategic communication to enhance public health messaging across divers platforms.
- Created and edited articles and country factsheets for the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP).
- Analyzed audience feedback to improve engagement.
- Coordinated with creative and design specialist to produce high-quality visuals for marketing materials.
- Managed production of annual reports showcasing the organization's achievements and impact.
Inventory Management Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
04.2012 - 01.2013
- Managed inventory and database of reagents valued at over $1 million.
- Collaborated with hospitals, international, state, federal and local departments of health for the transfer of biological and select agent material.
- Coordinated audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with agency standards.
- Secured agreements with partners, vendors, and government-controlled facilities.
- Implemented tracking systems to enhance visibility and improve transporting finished products.
- Trained staff on best practices for shipping regulations, inventory control, system usage.
- Developed reports on performance metrics to support leadership's strategic decision-making.
Senior Biologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
08.2004 - 04.2012
- Led initiatives to support diagnostic testing, including producing reagents, media, and kits to combat public health threats.
- Principal advisor on the design and execution of lyophilization techniques for in vitro diagnostic products.
- Developed and implemented protocols for laboratory safety and quality assurance measures.
- Planned the direction and progress of the team's work while mentoring junior biologists on career development and technical expertise.
- Conducted tests, handled specimens, and kept records according to established protocols.
- Supervised annual audits and maintained laboratory policies and procedures.
- Disseminated scientific findings to advise leadership on improvements.
- Documented records for select agents in accordance with strict governmental procedures.
- Procured equipment contracts and maintenance agreements.
- Implemented a formal system to document records, detail completed projects, and associated cost.
Emergency Operation Center Coordinator
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
01.2012 - 03.2012
- Served as the Task Coordinator during a rotation on the global Polio Response.
- Facilitated communication to ensure project alignment with public health goals.
- Streamlined communication between stakeholders and staff by establishing clear channels of communication.
- Coordinated assignments and training opportunities to enhance operational efficiency using an Incident Action Plan (IAP).
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to improve process consistency.
- Managed scheduling and logistics for community outreach initiatives and planning purposes.
- Utilized a series of systems to facilitate requests, enter track documents, and generate incident management reports.
- Briefed incident leaders on the status of team projects in response to the Polio Eradication Initiative.
- Developed position descriptions and interviewed staff for successful workforce management.
Quality Assurance Manager
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
03.2003 - 02.2004
- Conducted thorough reviews of product and laboratory ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to enhance product reliability and performance.
- Cross-collaborated with other experts to identify areas for process improvement and efficiency gains.
- Trained junior staff on quality control and expectations consistent with the agency mission.
- Implemented an electronic record management system ensuring labs adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) while collecting data.
- Led internal and external audits and resolution follow-ups.
- Presented the Director with analyzed data to influence decision-making for the division.
Education
Doctor of Health Education -
A.T. Still University
Kirksville, MOMaster of Science Administration -
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan, MIBachelor of Science -
Alabama A&M University
Normal, Alabama, ALSkills
- Leadership
- Relationship building
- Workflow optimization
- Adaptability
- Decision-making
- Issue management
- Long-term planning
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Strategic communication
- Cross-functional collaboration
Accomplishments
- Personnel Performance Appraisal - Annual top-rating of "outstanding", 2003-2025
- “On the Spot” Award - For individual performance considered above and beyond routine work: April 2024, August 2023, August 2022, February 2022, September 2018, March 2018, May 2017, March 2017, May 2012, April 2011, April 2010, and April 2009
- Public Health Protection Research Honors - For significant contributions in identifying disease and adverse public health effects, 2008
- Public Health Honoree – For outstanding performance in support of National Center for Infectious Diseases’ laboratories, 2003
Certification
- Secret Security Clearance, 2013
Timeline
Public Health Analyst
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
08.2013 - Current
Health Communication Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
01.2013 - 08.2013
Inventory Management Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
04.2012 - 01.2013
Emergency Operation Center Coordinator
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
01.2012 - 03.2012
Senior Biologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
08.2004 - 04.2012
Quality Assurance Manager
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
03.2003 - 02.2004
Doctor of Health Education -
A.T. Still University
Master of Science Administration -
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science -
Alabama A&M University