Laurel M. Barnhill
Lexington,GA
Summary
Energetic and strategic, bringing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex organizational challenges. Possesses deep understanding of operational efficiency and stakeholder management, with proficiency in data analysis and project management. Committed to driving impactful improvements and fostering collaborative work environment.
Offering proactive mindset and dedication to professional growth within dynamic environment. Brings strong organizational skills and ability to quickly adapt to new challenges. Ready to use and develop strategic planning and communication skills in [Desired Position] role.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief of Staff, Southeast Region
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
09.2019 - Current
- Supervisor Name: Michael Oetker
- Supervisor Contact: (404) 679-4000
- Serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to Regional Director and Deputy Regional Director
- Provide policy analysis by assessing and evaluating the impact of policy and program proposals
- Conduct administrative management for the Regional Director's Office
- Serve as a liaison within the Region and Agency and with stakeholders
- Mediated conflicts between departments or individuals, fostering a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork and respect.
- Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
- Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits, and recordkeeping.
- Managed supervisor itinerary and appointments and streamlined scheduling procedures.
- Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
- Built and managed processes for tracking and monitoring department performance.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors and partners supporting administrative operations.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and trust.
- Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for business functions.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
- Maintained primary relationship accountability for clients, overall servicing responsibility and client satisfaction to maximize profitability of client relationships.
- Streamlined executive decision-making processes for improved organizational performance.
- Implemented performance metrics to evaluate team effectiveness, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Maintained and enhanced partnerships with key stakeholders.
- Oversaw projects to completion and measured results.
- Served as a trusted advisor to the CEO, providing insightful analysis on critical business issues.
- Increased employee satisfaction levels by addressing concerns proactively through listening sessions and regular feedback mechanisms.
- Explained policies and procedures to office staff to promote understanding.
- Ensured regulatory compliance across all divisions by developing thorough policies and procedures.
- Facilitated effective collaboration between internal teams while maintaining clear lines of communication throughout the organization.
- Developed strategic plans with measurable goals, leading to significant company growth.
- Coordinated broad continuum of programs.
- Managed cross-functional teams, ensuring timely completion of projects and initiatives.
- Monitored industry trends closely in order to identify new growth opportunities or potential risks.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient communication channels and workflows.
- Improved overall efficiency with streamlined scheduling processes, reducing time spent on administrative tasks.
- Coordinated company-wide events and meetings to promote employee engagement and recognition.
- Spearheaded successful change management initiatives during organizational restructuring.
- Mentored junior staff members to help them advance their skills and career development opportunities.
- Attended meetings to make informed business decisions, provide administrative support and evaluate progress toward goals and objectives.
- Encouraged coordination and cooperation among departments and continuous review of interdepartmental processes to support quality control and improvement.
- Managed business operations while overseeing contractors and consultants to verify on-time completion of key deliverables.
- Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
- Identified opportunities to streamline processes and improve office operations and efficiency.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Acting Branch Chief, Wildlife Trade and Conservation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
- Supervisor Name: Naimah Aziz
- Supervisor Contact: (571) 218-5019
- Supported the team in developing tentative U.S
- Positions for the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CoP19)
- Facilitated weekly Branch team meetings
- Analyzed, interpreted and shared regulatory policy expertise.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficiency, timely resolution of issues, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Facilitated smooth transitions during times of organizational change by providing clear direction to staff members about expectations during restructuring periods.
- Enhanced employee engagement by fostering a positive work environment, resulting in reduced turnover rates and increased staff morale.
- Led or managed team of employees and monitored progress towards achieving project goals and objectives.
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
Chief, Migratory Bird Program, Southeast Region
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
04.2015 - 10.2019
- Supervisor Name: Michael Oetker
- Supervisor Contact: (404) 679-4000
- Provided leadership and expert technical assistance to conserve and manage sustainable populations and habitat for birds of management concern
- Managed a regional program of 27 multidisciplinary staff
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Deputy Division Chief and Branch Chief Inventory, Monitoring and Research
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
01.2011 - 04.2015
- Supervisor Name: W
- Chuck Hunter
- Supervisor Contact: (770) 331-4475
- Served as the first Southeast Regional I&M coordinator and managed a Branch of twelve multidisciplinary staff
- Developed and directed the regional I&M program
- Optimized resource allocation by identifying opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining high-quality outputs.
- Navigated complex negotiations with stakeholders, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements that advanced division interests.
- Implemented risk management strategies to identify potential issues early on, mitigating threats to project timelines or deliverables.
- Championed innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving techniques amongst team members.
- Promoted a culture of excellence by recognizing outstanding achievements and fostering collaboration among team members.
- Resolved conflicts swiftly and professionally, fostering an environment of trust within the team dynamic.
- Built lasting relationships with external partners, expanding opportunities for collaboration across various industries.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and support for their professional growth and development.
- Developed strategic plans in alignment with organizational goals, setting clear expectations and priorities for the division.
- Led a team of professionals to achieve division goals and maintain high standards of performance.
- Improved overall productivity levels by implementing technology solutions that streamlined workflows across the division.
- Delivered successful projects on time and within budget constraints, demonstrating strong leadership skills throughout each phase.
- Established performance metrics to track progress towards division objectives and drive continuous improvement.
- Enhanced communication within the division through regular meetings, updates, and training sessions.
- Gathered valuable customer insights through data analysis efforts to enhance service offerings tailored toward client needs.
- Increased division efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative strategies.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Coordinated, scheduled and maintained team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness.
- Identified opportunities to streamline processes and improve office operations and efficiency.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors and partners supporting administrative operations.
- Negotiated and executed contracts on behalf of department.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
- Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and business initiatives.
- Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits, and recordkeeping.
- Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity.
- Built and managed processes for tracking and monitoring department performance.
Bird Conservation Coordinator
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
06.2005 - 12.2010
- Supervisor Name: Derrell Shipes
- Managed a staff of five biologists and three technicians
- Developed and managed multiple grants to fund project operations and research projects
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
- Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
Education
Master of Science - Zoology
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR05.1995
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Biology
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT05.1991
Skills
- Organizational development
- Meeting facilitation
- Human resources management
- Innovation management
- Collaborative mindset
- Results orientation
- Teamwork
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Planning and prioritization
- Relationship building
- Flexible schedule
- Team building
- Task prioritization
- Self motivation
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Operations management
- Goal setting
- Professionalism
- Staff management
- Interpersonal communication
- Strategic planning
- Staff supervision
- Time management abilities
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Project management
- Administrative background
- Crisis management
- Administrative management
- Documentation and control
- Professional demeanor
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Workflow planning
- Budget planning
- Company representation
- Hiring and terminations
- Negotiation
- Operational improvements
- Operational reporting
- Performance evaluations
Accomplishments
- Improved operations efficiency [number]% with implementation of various process improvements.
- Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
Certification
- TWS Professional Wildlife Biologist Certification, 03/01/00
- TWS Associate Wildlife Biologist Certification, 10/01/96
Publications
- Assessing golden-winged warbler dispersal habitat in a highly parcelized landscape, Woodie, M. B., A. Tomcho, L. M. Barnhill, B. C. McComb, 2023, Wildlife Society Bulletin, https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1473
• Distinguished Service Award
• Distinguished Service Award presented September 8, 2022. The Department of Interior’s highest honorary recognition presented to employees for outstanding contributions made during an eminent career with DOI or exceptional contributions to public service.
Timeline
Chief of Staff, Southeast Region
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
09.2019 - Current
Chief, Migratory Bird Program, Southeast Region
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
04.2015 - 10.2019
Deputy Division Chief and Branch Chief Inventory, Monitoring and Research
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
01.2011 - 04.2015
Bird Conservation Coordinator
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
06.2005 - 12.2010
- TWS Professional Wildlife Biologist Certification, 03/01/00
- TWS Associate Wildlife Biologist Certification, 10/01/96
Acting Branch Chief, Wildlife Trade and Conservation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Master of Science - Zoology
University of Arkansas
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Biology
University of Vermont
Similar Profiles
Steven StenigerSteven Steniger
Special Agent at U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceSpecial Agent at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
MICHAEL LEMIEUXMICHAEL LEMIEUX
Architect/COR/Project Manager at U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceArchitect/COR/Project Manager at U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Kashyap Dilipkumar PatelKashyap Dilipkumar Patel
Senior Management and Program Analyst at Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceSenior Management and Program Analyst at Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service