Lawrence T. Williams
Slidell,LA
Summary
Accomplished emergency management and public assistance professional with nearly a decade of experience supporting FEMA programs, disaster recovery operations, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Skilled in grants management, risk assessment, compliance, and regulatory guidance with proven expertise across Public Assistance (PA), Hazard Mitigation (HMA), and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) programs. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, guiding applicants through federal recovery processes, and ensuring compliance with 2CFR, 44CFR, Stafford Act, and FEMA’s PAPPG. Recognized for strong analytical skills, strategic planning, and the ability to build trusted relationships with federal, state, and local stakeholders to drive successful recovery outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Public Assistance Specialist
ICF
12.2024 - Current
- Working with Federal and State Recovery Programs and Initiatives, Public Assistance, and its implementing regulations.
- Applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of a wide variety of grants administration issues and problem.
- Serve a variety of clients, primarily within the financial services industry, by managing a range of project types, including operating model design and strategy, large-scale risk and compliance transformation, regulatory remediation, risk and compliance assessments, operational and enterprise risk management, and operational resilience.
- Interpret FEMA statutes and regulations pertaining to applicable FEMA grant to lead to successful project development, applications, and closeout.
- Conduct Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) as needed to support client application.
- Develop and implement risk and contingency management plans, procedures, support documentation, conduct workshops, performance indicators and reporting metrics, based on best practices.
- Work in partnership with the Reporting function to provide strategic direction to, the monthly and-annual reporting requirements so that information is appropriately prioritized for its audience, is accurate, appropriately detailed, submitted timely to enable key decision making and is aligned to the requirements of key stakeholders.
- Maintain primary one-to-one contact with the client; attend regular meetings with the client and issue meeting minutes.
- Support crisis action planning and surge response efforts, ensuring the team’s readiness to scale support within 48–72 hours of tasking.
FEMA Consultant
KPMG
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Collaborate with departments to enhance compliance efforts.
- Assess the effectiveness of internal controls and identify areas for improvement.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture and contribute to people development, this includes overseeing, managing, and mentoring junior staff through engagements and internal career development initiatives.
- Engage and lead in go-to-market and business development efforts, including the preparation of proposals and client presentations, as well as providing subject matter expertise when needed for prospective clients; contribute to engagement management and administration, including contracting and budget management, as well as building and managing day-to-day client relationships.
- Ensure that all FTA requirements and guidelines are compiled with, especially the requirements of Oversight Procedure OP40, Risk and Contingency Review.
- Compare and analyze trends and risks against the original cost estimates and budgets within the Capital Baseline. Identify opportunities to bring costs trends to prompt mitigations to bring cost trend in line with estimates and budgets.
- Understand the client's needs and goals, and work closely with the capture management teams to guide the direction of our service offerings.
FEMA Technical Assistance Contracting (TAC)
Atkinson Consulting
10.2024 - 02.2025
- Conduct thorough site inspections of disaster-damaged infrastructure, documenting damage through photographs, sketches, and detailed reports.
- Lead all phases of the program life cycle, as well as grow and position the program for emerging opportunities.
- Manage all program activities and lead program review sessions with internal and external customers to deliver cost, schedule, and technical performance.
- Guide applicants through project prioritization, recovery scoping meetings, and grant documentation.
- Develop and review scopes of work, cost estimates, and identify applicable codes and standards.
- Review engineering reports, designs, and as-built plans to evaluate damage and recommend hazard mitigation measures.
- Use FEMA’s Grants Manager system to manage project actions, documentation, and correspondence.
- Serve as the technical resource and subject matter expert in risk assessment and mitigation.
- Drive process, procedure and systems related improvement across the Risk Management Office working with the wider business to fully integrate these requirement.
FEMA Consultant Senior Level Construction Manager
Serco
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Led all aspects of the Public Assistance (PA) program for applicants, including damage assessments, surveys, and recovery operations.
- Advised applicants on policies, regulations, and eligibility throughout recovery phases.
- Coordinated damage site inspections and tracked project progress within FEMA's delivery model.
- Communicated program eligibility to stakeholders and led informational meetings for large groups.
- Manage the overall project execution of our design-build initiatives, ensuring adherence to design specifications, budget constraints, and schedule requirements.
- Oversee administrative functions including design-builder’s adherence to the design-build agreement, contract performance monitoring, review of payment requisitions, and maintenance of project schedules and budget projections.
- Develop and implement risk and contingency management plans, procedures, support documentation, conduct workshops, performance indicators and reporting metrics, based on best practices.
- Support with the development of annual budgets for specialist sections of the program, taking ownership of articulating and tabulating year on year movements and the multi-year forecasts.
Reports and Communications Specialist Senior
CCPRS
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Supported the Public Assistance program by applying FEMA policies and procedures for damage assessments and disaster recovery.
- Provided guidance on FEMA eligibility and assisted applicants through all recovery stages.
- Identify and evaluate client's processes, risks, and controls against leading practices and industry frameworks informed by regulations, identifying gaps in design/execution and communicate issues as well as recommendations to engagement leads and client management; conduct in-depth risk assessments to identify potential and emerging risks, as well as develop and execute controls testing plans, assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls in mitigating identified risks.
- Coordinated public meetings to communicate eligibility and assist stakeholders.
- Collaborated closely with impacted communities to integrate mitigation and resilience efforts into recovery plans.
- Led recovery operations, addressing community recovery issues and interdependencies between sectors.
FEMA Advanced Subject Matter Expert
Guidehouse
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Lead the delivery of small engagements, or workstreams of large, complex engagements for financial services clients by leading deliverable design, oversight of engagement process and deliverable creation, as well as socialization/sign-off with engagement leads and client management.
- Exercise independent judgment to support clients and/or sub-recipients on technical aspects of FEMA PA, HMA, and/or BRIC programs within the limits of applicable Federal and State statues, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Interpret FEMA statutes and regulations pertaining to applicable FEMA grant to lead to successful project development, applications, and closeout.
- Support the delivery of project plans by creating project goals and deliverables, identifying necessary tasks, workflows, and resource requirements.
- Coordinate with the project team on tasks to ensure schedule and budget are maintained.
- Review and process reimbursement request of funds while providing ongoing eligibility determinations.
- Conduct Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) as needed to support client applications.
Cook County Document Validation Specialist
Guidehouse
08.2020 - 12.2020
- Reviewed and validated applicant information and documentation to ensure compliance with FEMA guidelines.
- Addressed eligibility issues and collaborated with the Program Compliance Manager to resolve discrepancies.
- Prepared validation summaries and performed quality reviews to maintain project standards.
- Tracking, reporting, and monitoring program and project execution to ensure timely implementation, risk management and alignment with federal directives.
- Ability to oversee compliance with legislative and regulatory frameworks related to energy, water, healthcare and other administrative resilience initiatives.
- Support the larger organization in identifying, developing, and realizing organic and adjacent growth opportunities.
Public Assistance Group Supervisor (Education Sector) DR-4340
FEMA
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Manage the team through all phases of a program including strategic planning, work planning, mobilization, execution, and completion, consistent with established program delivery processes to meet the scope, schedule, budget, and other contract requirements.
- Manage client situations; identifies and interprets federal regulations and use knowledge and experience to determine method of project implementation.
- Develop and maintain relationships with governmental entities implementing disaster recovery programs and other firms providing disaster services.
- Exercise supervisory responsibility with respect to subordinates, including those associated with performance appraisals, selection, and delegation of authority, work assignment and definition of areas of responsibility.
- Monitor the financial performance of the practice and projects and work with the Practice Manager to make critical adjustments as needed.
- Perform risk assessments, record maintenance and provide oversight of compliance obligations.
- Deploy in support of disaster missions for limited periods of time to provide high level consulting and program and client support.
Deputy Public Assistance Task Force Lead DR-4339
FEMA
08.2018 - 07.2019
- Perform supervisory responsibilities of a team including serving as a performance career coach to staff, provide prompt feedback to Directors and Partners regarding staff performance, and complete annual staff evaluations. Managed customer service for the PA delivery model, mentoring and coaching staff.
- Lead large, complex programs implementing major state and community-level post-disaster recovery efforts, including administering FEMA Public Assistance funds. Experience may also include Individual Assistance and/or Hazard Mitigation (404 and 406) funds.
- Evaluate client needs, recommend project approaches, and understand engagement scope, manage activities for completing work and overall quality control of client deliverables.
- Exercise supervisory responsibility with respect to subordinates, including those associated with performance appraisals, selection, and delegation of authority, work assignment and definition of areas of responsibility.
- Identifying, allocating and managing program resources, including workforce planning.
- Deploy in support of disaster missions for limited periods of time to provide high level consulting and program and client support.
Public Assistance Program Delivery Manager DR-4344
FEMA
03.2018 - 07.2018
- Delivered customer service throughout the PA grant management process and coordinated with Site Inspector and Program Delivery teams.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal regulations in managing grant information.
- Facilitated communication with applicants, ensuring timely processing of projects.
- Lead and participate in proposal writing teams including writing and coordinating submissions.
- Oversee administrative functions including design-builder’s adherence to the design-build agreement, contract performance monitoring, review of payment.
- Deploy in support of disaster missions for limited periods of time to provide high level consulting and program and client support.
Public Assistance Site Inspector DR-4344
FEMA
01.2018 - 03.2018
- Conducted site inspections to document disaster-related damage, completing detailed Site Inspection Reports (SIR).
- Conduct regular site visits and inspections to monitor project progress and ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Ensured accurate documentation was properly uploaded into FEMA’s Grants Manager system for review.
- Provided technical assistance to applicants, ensuring consistent application of FEMA’s PA program.
- Deploy in support of disaster missions for limited periods of time to provide high level consulting and program and client support.
Debris Quality Assurance Observation DR-4344
FEMA
10.2017 - 01.2018
- Oversee business operations of debris management practice to include supporting the Practice Manager with day-to-day operational tasks.
- Exercise supervisory responsibility with respect to subordinates, including those associated with performance appraisals, selection, and delegation of authority, work assignment and definition of areas of responsibility.
- Evaluated operational efficiency and identified health and safety risks at various debris sites.
- Documented non-compliance issues and collaborated with teams to implement corrective measures.
- Deploy in support of disaster missions for limited periods of time to provide high level consulting and program and client support.
Project Specialist DR-4277
FEMA
05.2016 - 10.2017
- Supported the delivery of the Public Assistance program by assisting in damage assessments, surveys, and recovery operations.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to ensure that recovery assistance was delivered on time and in compliance with regulations.
- Shadow the seasoned personnel while performing the matriculation of the public assistance grants manager.
Operations Manager
Holiday Inn Express
01.2016 - 09.2016
- Maintain order throughout the facility and ensure customer satisfaction is a top priority.
- Manage a total of 52 employees varying from front desk agents, maintenance men, valet, breakfast attendance and a sales director.
- Conduct bi-weekly meeting with each department to recognize outstanding employees as well as identify and address employee concerns and areas of improvement.
- Establish team atmosphere through leadership and employee development.
- Attend monthly management meeting discussing monthly revenue quotas, how to competitively price rooms in accordance to major events hosted within the hotel’s vicinity.
- Create various tactics to get the guest to enroll into our hospitality brand membership program as well as ways of getting the guest to return to our location.
- Meet every quarter with franchise representatives of the IHG brand to create ways of maintaining a high guest score percent to remain in good standing with the brand standards.
Front Office Liaison
Southern University A&M University Admissions/Recruitment
08.2014 - 12.2015
- Act as a direct campus liaison for the public as well the on-campus student body.
- Conduct on campus tours for incoming freshman and parents to explore every department and answer any concerns or questions the student or parents may have.
- Contact potential incoming student via email to let them know what missing information is needed before a full or provisional acceptance is given to him or her.
- Utilize excel spreadsheets to document and separate the number of students that had been contacted, ones who answered, no answers, as well the amount of missing information was needed per student.
- Meet with the media relations department to create newsletter, radio commercials, and visual commercials, to inform the student body, faculty, alumni and aspiring students of upcoming recruitment opportunities and events.
Truancy Officer
Krista McAuliffe Superintendent Academy
04.2013 - 05.2014
- Monitor the activities of the student around the campus during and after school hours.
- Walk the premises of the campus to assure every student is accounted for.
- Meet with the troubled students and teacher to determine if the student was acting out for attention or needed some time off to regather their selves.
- Keep both faculty and the student body safe during the end of the year, where the students’ tension tends to get high and the atmosphere begins to get tense.
- Maintain control of the campus during regulated school hours.
Human Resources Intern
Target
12.2012 - 01.2013
- Shadow the assigned consultant that I was given that week.
- Assistant in the daily office duties varying from, shredding confidential documentation, scheduling upcoming meeting with the team, alerting your team of any office changes.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication/Public Relations, Psychology
Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA12.2015
Skills
- PA Grants Management
- FEMA’s Delivery Model
- Damage Assessment
- Site Inspections
- Recovery Operations
- Grants Manager/Portal
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Macintosh OS
- Staff Management
- Public Speaking
- Training
- Mentorship
- FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG)
- 2CFR and 44CFR Compliance
- Stafford Act Proficient
- Strong analytical skills
- Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
Certification
- PDMG Qualified
- PD Task Force Lead Qualified
- Site Inspector Qualified
- SI Crew Lead & Task Force Lead Qualified
- FEMA Public Assistance Group Supervisor Qualified
- 428 & Fixed Cost Estimate Trained
- FEMA Coach & Evaluator Certified
- FEMA Courses: IS-100, IS-700, IS-800, IS-1002, IS-1003, IS-1004, IS-1016, IS-2900, and others related to public assistance and disaster recovery.
Timeline
FEMA Consultant
KPMG
01.2025 - 08.2025
Public Assistance Specialist
ICF
12.2024 - Current
FEMA Technical Assistance Contracting (TAC)
Atkinson Consulting
10.2024 - 02.2025
FEMA Consultant Senior Level Construction Manager
Serco
04.2024 - 10.2024
Reports and Communications Specialist Senior
CCPRS
03.2024 - 10.2024
FEMA Advanced Subject Matter Expert
Guidehouse
01.2021 - 01.2024
Cook County Document Validation Specialist
Guidehouse
08.2020 - 12.2020
Public Assistance Group Supervisor (Education Sector) DR-4340
FEMA
08.2019 - 07.2020
Deputy Public Assistance Task Force Lead DR-4339
FEMA
08.2018 - 07.2019
Public Assistance Program Delivery Manager DR-4344
FEMA
03.2018 - 07.2018
Public Assistance Site Inspector DR-4344
FEMA
01.2018 - 03.2018
Debris Quality Assurance Observation DR-4344
FEMA
10.2017 - 01.2018
Project Specialist DR-4277
FEMA
05.2016 - 10.2017
Operations Manager
Holiday Inn Express
01.2016 - 09.2016
Front Office Liaison
Southern University A&M University Admissions/Recruitment
08.2014 - 12.2015
Truancy Officer
Krista McAuliffe Superintendent Academy
04.2013 - 05.2014
Human Resources Intern
Target
12.2012 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication/Public Relations, Psychology
Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College