Joel Mitchell
Washington,USA
Summary
Public Assistance Group Supervisor at FEMA with expertise in strategic project planning and team leadership. Proven track record in managing disaster recovery efforts, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering customized training programs. Adept at contract negotiation and fostering strong client relationships, driving successful outcomes in high-pressure environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Assistance Group Supervisor (PAGS)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Washington, USA
03.2021 - 01.2026
- Managed teams of 7 to 10 program delivery managers (PDMG) and up to four program delivery task force leads (PDTFL) for disaster response across the United States and territories, ensuring compliance with state lead declarations.
- Matched PDTFL/PDMG pairing with the applicant's damage needs providing a balance workload across all teams.
- Put together a customized Just in Time Training (JITT) program for the staff, meeting the needs of both the experienced staff and those that are relatively new to Public Assistance and the Grants Manger model.
- Utilized the Public Assistance Guide (PAPPG) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 2/44 to research and write determination memos. (200+ written an or analyzed).
- Managed an onsite and virtual workforce by establishing priorities utilizing a clear decision-making process with guidelines that included all operational steps in the new COVID environment.
- Used video tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams in daily briefings with staff and applicants to facilitate the grants process.
- Met daily with PDTFLs to discuss progress and challenges identified during daily huddles.
- Utilized Lean Management tools, including Day in the Life of/Week in the Life of (DILO/WILO), to manage staff workloads.
- Made PDMG assignments based on the Recipient input with careful prioritization of Applicant's needs.
- Organized TFLs, ensuring they received consistent information and understood expectations.
- Conducted exploratory calls and recovery scoping meetings within the required timeframe, ensuring engagement with environmental health professionals, mitigation specialists, and special consideration specialists.
- Coordinated merging of two disaster responses, providing training and staff assignments to align with recipient expectations and improve service delivery.
- Provided group and individual mentoring/coaching to new or inexperienced TFL's on the specifics of how to successfully perform their job.
Task Force Lead / Program Delivery Manager
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Washington, USA
03.2019 - 03.2021
- Worked as a PDTFL for DR4540-KY remotely during the COVID environment (March 2020 to January 2021) and as a PDMG for DR4428 and DR4429 (March 2019 to February 2020).
- Guided PDMGs in delivering Public Assistance grant funding by developing lists of damaged sites, scheduling site inspections, summarizing applicant damages, and coordinating information requests.
- Assisted applicants in addressing program-related challenges to facilitate prompt project processing.
- Trained PDMGs on tracking and communication techniques to ensure smooth project progress through the program delivery model in coordination with the applicant.
- Assisted the PDMG's in proper ways of gathering all required documentation needed to complete the grants process so the applicant can be returned to their Pre-Disaster condition as soon as possible.
- Supported a Public Assistance program and its associated policies to assist in the delivery process.
- Led a team and monitored the work of team members to ensure effective customer service and productivity.
- Provided customer service and/or client relations management to assist with identifying needs or resolve any issues.
- Attended a required command and general staff/leadership meetings and briefings, providing necessary guidance to Program Delivery Managers.
- Established and communicated work guidelines including work hours, rotation schedule, staggering of work hours with PDMG team.
- Served as single point of contact for KYTC Public Assistance, providing essential information and support in compliance with Stafford Act and PAPPG regulations during the declaration.
- Engaged program areas early and often (inc. EHP and Mitigation) with required resources needed for the applicants.
- Delivered clear guidance to internal and external customers as it relates to complex, unusual, or unprecedented management initiatives.
- Provided technical advice and assistance working with Subject Matter Experts (SME) on engineering and construction management practices.
Planning Support Specialist - RSV
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Washington, USA
01.2017 - 03.2019
- Designed and developed emergency response reports to support federal, state, and local governments during disaster response and recovery.
- This process entailed organizing raw information (e.g., databases, charts, graphs,) to establish a common operating picture and help maintain situational awareness and incident chronology, applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration and resolution of issues or problems.
- Planning Section reports produced included reports for: the Documentation Unit, Situation Unit, Resource Unit, Planning Support Unit and any combination of.
- Examples of the reports include: Incident Action Plan (IAP), Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Daily Fact Sheet, Executive Summary (EXSUM), Situation Report (SitRep), Strategic Timeline, Contingency Plan, Advanced Operations Plan, Crisis Action Plan (CAP), Transition Plan, Common Operating Picture (COP) and the Demobilization Plan.
- Produced Specialized Public Assistance (PA) reports, including PA Project Process Step Aging Report, tracking project duration at each step in the new PA model to identify system backlogs.
- It identifies backlogs in the system giving you an aging report of the number of days at each step/stage and who is responsible.
- Process Step Data Change - This report identifies the increases/decreases in projects as the flow through each step/stage of the New PA process.
- Deployed Planning Cadre to the United States and territories including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Charleston WV (FEMA-4359-DR-WV), and Orlando, FL (FEMA-4337-DR-FL).
- Served as the Situation Unit Lead during deployments in Charleston and Orlando, overseeing operations and team coordination.
- This experience allowed the opportunity to put into action many of the concepts taught in the many completed FEMA classes including; collaborating with state on development and adaptation of incident objectives and planning issues.
- Exposure to the new PA model giving me working knowledge of Grants Manager.
- Manage of personnel who were responsible for the collection and vetting of disaster specific information.
- Gathered, updated, and applied situational information relevant to incidents, ensuring timely processing, analysis, posting, and distribution.
- Utilizing information systems for incident information management.
- Preparing incident objectives for the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
- Developing trends analysis charts related to incident management utilizing trend analysis charts related to incident management.
- Coordinating with State's Incident Management Team Situation Unit Leader and other appropriate State planning section.
- Work in identifying the appropriate Essential Elements of Information (EEI) while preparing maintaining and implementing the information collection plan.
Lead Project Manager
Sun State Fire Sprinkler Co
Debary, USA
07.2005 - 01.2010
- Managed all aspects of Sun State Fire a fire sprinkler company.
- Preparing project worksheets including conducting site inspection by documenting building specifics to accurately reflect cost estimates for new and disaster related fire sprinkler installations for public assistance.
- Performed project research and analysis for installation tasks.
- Formulating eligible scope of work and estimating costs while identifying and coordinating special considerations for stakeholders.
- Estimated costs and analyzed fire sprinkler installations for compliance with current codes following building fires or disaster-related damage, overseeing removal and replacement of outdated systems.
- Review Federal and local National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) compliance as it relates to existing laws, regulations and code enforcement on new and existing buildings.
- Create and assemble project worksheets / permit packages for fire sprinkler projects.
- Working directly with local building departments ensuring scope of work is complete and according to local / state building code standards and safety regulations.
- Developed responses to technical and programmatic conflicts related to disaster grant and funding programs, presenting findings through written reports and verbal communications to diverse audiences.
- Oversaw and coordinated all aspects of major projects.
- Conducted weekly construction meetings.
- Coordinating all aspects of the building fire sprinkler project with the stakeholders, technical staff, consultants, and others as required by the applicant and project specifications.
- Screening and hiring of field personnel supervising 22 field personnel, including team building and work scheduling.
- Monitored team performance to ensure superior customer service and enhance installation efficiency.
- Utilized project management and facilitation skills to manage all aspects of complex public projects.
- This include working with public school and fire districts to ensure on time delivery of systems and services meeting tight budget and time sensitive guidelines.
- Supporting a public assistance program and its associated policies to assist in the delivery process of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building projects.
- Applying a wide range of analytical and evaluative methods (including qualitative analysis) to perform efficiency and effectiveness evaluations of the program and administrative support functions, keeping the projects on time and under budget.
- Providing technical advice and guidance to agencies and organizations regarding recovery efforts.
- Applying analytical and evaluative methods to assess program efficiency and effectiveness.
Business Development Specialist
Prysms Business Services
New Smyrna Beach, USA
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Developed web design and hosting solutions, optimized search engine presence, implemented security systems, offered social networking services, produced business videos, facilitated merchant services, provided small business consulting, and managed point of sale systems.
- Specialized in assisting brick and mortar firms with cost-effective internet marketing tools to enhance online presence and customer engagement.
Owner | Franchise Operator
PVDC, LLC
West Bend, USA
01.2001 - 07.2005
- Managed sales personnel and administered company policies and procedures.
- Managed profit and loss for computer repair franchise, ensuring financial targets met.
- Managed direct sales to all business accounts.
- Business automation consultant for small to mid size businesses.
- Oversaw the operation of a dispatch center to manage field service personnel.
- Trained field personnel in computer repair and networking.
- Developed direct marketing program that doubled sales over two years.
- Implemented automated customer database to streamline sales tracking and enhance customer interactions.
- Worked with clients onsite repairing corrupt computers including network issues.
- Built custom computers to meet client specifications.
- Installed customs networks including running and terminating network cables.
Education
MBA - Accounting and Finance
Keller Graduate School of Management
Glendale, WIBBA - Marketing/Computer Science
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WISkills
- Strategic Project Planning
- Contract Negotiation
- Contract Writing
- Project Scheduling
- Hiring
- Lead Project Management
- Estimating
- Permitting
- Installation Coordination
- Team Leadership
- Time Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Software Training
- System Administration
- Microsoft Office
- Training
Skills And Expertise
Strategic Project Planning, Contract Negotiation, Contract Writing, Project Scheduling, Purchasing, Hiring, Lead Project Management, Estimating, Permitting, Installation Coordination, Team Leadership, Time Management, System Design, Web Design, PowerPoint, Access- Facebook Sales Process, Microsoft Excel, Software Training, System Administration, Microsoft Office, Computer repair, Training, Blogging, Sales Management, Database Integration, Social Networking, Recruiting Direct Sales, Social Media Marketing B2B, Direct Marketing (via Database integration), Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Local SEO, Social Media, Sales Operations, Public Speaking, Motivational Writing, Coaching, Leadership Marketing
Volunteer Experience
- Past President, Rotary Club of Edgewater, 01/01/14, Present, 10, Supports and raises funds for local causes in Southeast Volusia County.
- Junior Achievement Speaker, New Smyrna Beach Middle School, 05/01/12, 05/01/12, 6, Taught small business practices to 8th grade students.
- Treasurer, Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Volunteer), 09/01/08, 06/01/13, 10, Oversaw church finances and annual budget.
- Building Committee Chair, Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Volunteer), 07/01/06, 08/01/08, 10, Oversaw the building of the church, working with contractors and financing.
- Youth Football Trainer, 52weekfootball (Volunteer), 01/01/09, 08/01/11, 14, Motivated young athletes to excel.
Languages
Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Novice, Novice, Novice
Additional Information - Fema Coach Evaluator
FEMA Coach Evaluator for PDMG and PDTFL with a 100% completed Position Task Book for Public Assistance Group Supervisor (PAGS).
Job Related Training
- L0869: FEMA Incident Workforce Academy - Program Delivery Manager course
- IS-1000 - Public Assistance Program and Eligibility
- IS-1001 - The Public Assistance Delivery Model Orientation
- IS-1002 - FEMA Grants Portal - Transparency at Every Step
- IS-1003 - The Exploratory Call, the Damage Inventory, and the Recovery Scoping Meeting
- IS-1004 - The FEMA Site Inspection Process
- IS-1005 - Public Assistance Alternative Procedures
- IS-1006 - Documenting Disaster Damage and Developing Project Files
- IS-1007 - Detailed Damage Description and Dimensions
- IS-1008 - Scope of Work Development (Scoping and Costing)
- IS-1009 - Conditions of the Public Assistance Grant
- IS-1010 - Emergency Protective Measures
- IS-1011 - Roads and Culverts
- IS-1012 - Direct Administrative Costs
- IS-1013 - Costing - Estimates and the Cost Estimating Format
- IS-1014 - Integrating 406 Mitigation Considerations into Your Public Assistance Grant
- IS-1015 - Insurance Considerations, Compliance, and Requirements
- IS-1016 - Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Considerations/Compliance for Public Assistance Grants
- IS-1017 - Scope Change Requests, Time Extensions, Improved/Alternate Project Requests
- IS-1018 - Determination Memorandums and Appeals
- IS-1019 - Codes and Standards
- IS-1020 - Public Assistance Donated Resources
- IS-1021 - Bridge Damage Considerations
- IS-1022 - Substantiating Disaster-Related Damages to Buildings, Contents, Vehicles, and Equipment
- IS-1023 - Electrical Systems Considerations
- IS-1024 - Water and Wastewater Treatment System Considerations
- IS-1025 - Grant Administration Decisions for Tribal Governments
- IS-1026 - Eligibility of Private Nonprofit Organizations
- IS-1027 - Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG)
- E0754: Planning Section Specialist
- E0604: Emergency Manager Orientation (EMO)/FEMA Incident Workforce Academy (FIWA) Tier IV Specialist Series
- DTS001: Curriculum Delivery Module
- E0799: Situation Unit Leader
- E0602: FEMA Incident Workforce Academy (FIWA - Tier II) for Middle Managers
- E0603: FEMA Incident Workforce Academy (FIWA-Tier III) for First-Line Supervisors
- E0300: ICS 300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
- FOD823: Coach and Evaluator Qualification Course
Timeline
Public Assistance Group Supervisor (PAGS)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
03.2021 - 01.2026
Task Force Lead / Program Delivery Manager
Federal Emergency Management Agency
03.2019 - 03.2021
Planning Support Specialist - RSV
Federal Emergency Management Agency
01.2017 - 03.2019
Business Development Specialist
Prysms Business Services
01.2010 - 01.2017
Lead Project Manager
Sun State Fire Sprinkler Co
07.2005 - 01.2010
Owner | Franchise Operator
PVDC, LLC
01.2001 - 07.2005
MBA - Accounting and Finance
Keller Graduate School of Management
BBA - Marketing/Computer Science
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee