- High-Intensity Interval Training
- Gardening
- Volunteer Travel
- Community Cleanup
- Animal Care
- Hiking
- Historical Exploration
- Horseback Riding
- I like working with my hands and fixing things
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Auto Repair/Restoration
- Backpacking and Hiking
- DIY and Home Improvement
- Outdoor Recreation
- Adventure Travel
- Road Trips
Lela Placey
Military Professional
Colchester,VT
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented professional with extensive experience at the Vermont National Guard, excelling in strategic project planning and effective team leadership. Proven track record in managing multi-million dollar budgets and enhancing operational efficiency. Adept at problem resolution and fostering strong interpersonal relationships, committed to driving team success and achieving organizational goals.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Company 1SG
Vermont National Guard
08.2020 - 09.2023
- Managed 85 personnel on tactical and technical skills while staying mission focused and detailed orientated.
- Managed the companies retention program.
- Ensured the commanders intent was executed at all times.
- Worked with higher echelons to coordinate needed mission critical supplies and resources to effectively support a 600 manned engineer battalion.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
Operation NCO - Biathlon Coordinator
Vermont National Guard
10.2018 - 09.2023
- Organized 15 multi state and country events that represented the United States Army at the national level.
- Worked to organize distribution of supplies, weapons, and resources to 25 states annually.
- Managed and executed a $1.25 million dollar budget annually.
- Executed over 2500 pay orders, travel orders and defense travel system payments.
- Reconciled monthly budget expenses
- Attended monthly budget meetings with detailed and resourced spend plans at both state and National Guard Bureau.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Created contingency plans to address unexpected tactical scenarios.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Communicated with command centers to develop and execute tactical plans.
- Handled administrative requirements, maintained records and submitted operational reports.
- Directed tactical operations in complex and challenging environments.
- Planned and coordinated tactical movements of personnel and equipment.
- Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
Equine /Private Dog Sitter
Self
- Communicated professionally with pet owners via phone, email, and text.
- Managed pet safety and wellness in owners' absence by securing yard gates and removing items that could make pets sick.
- Exercised animals regularly with walks and rigorous play activities.
- Gave animals proper attention to promote secure environment in owner's absence.
- Prepared and administered medications and treatments as prescribed by veterinarian.
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
- Managed inventory, ordered new supplies and maintained optimal storage to meet expected needs.
- Washed, trimmed, and brushed animals to maintain good grooming standards.
- Performed basic wound care and other medical aid, working with veterinarians to handle advanced cases.
- Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.
- Trained animals in behavioral compliance or other special routines or commands.
Battalion S1 NCOIC
Vermont National Guard
09.2022 - Current
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Identified plans, scheduled phases and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Adaptable individual with exceptional interpersonal skills and talent for building relationships. Known for delivering outstanding service and enhancing client satisfaction. Focused on fostering positive interactions and creating collaborative environment.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
- Organized, professional, expert at managing resources and optimizing performance. Proficient in providing valuable insights and supporting decision-making processes. Committed to enhancing productivity and contributing to overall success.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to supervisor and team members.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
Company Readiness NCO
Vermont National Guard
10.2012 - 09.2018
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Heavy equipment operation to include forklift, tractors, plow truck, ATV & Gator, Military vehicles up to 8x8s, 54 passenger bus, 15 passenger vans, miscellaneous other vehicles.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
- Planned, Resourced, forecasted, and tracked mission essential tasks for a 112 manned maintenance company.
- Trained and mentored personnel in combat operations and tactics.
- Monitored and assessed mission progress and provided updates to command.
- Developed and implemented plans to reduce risk to personnel and equipment during tactical operations.
- Handled administrative requirements, maintained records and submitted operational reports.
- Planned and coordinated tactical movements of personnel and equipment.
- Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
- Created contingency plans to address unexpected tactical scenarios.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
Education
One-Year Apprenticeship Program Certificate - Equine Studies
UVM Morgan Horse Farm
Weybridge, VTCertification - Military Studies
Professional Military Education
United StatesBachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
University of Charleston
Charleston, WV07-2026
Skills
- Detail-oriented approach
- Technical troubleshooting
- Administrative assistance
- Effective problem resolution
- Strategic project planning
- Experienced with Microsoft Office applications
- Clear interpersonal communication
- Project coordination
- Conducting performance evaluations
- Strategic task assignment
- Strategic decision-making
- Effective team leadership
- Animal nutrition management
- Animal handling
- Animal training
- Supply management
- Creativity and innovation
- Exercising and playing
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Leadership
- Self-Directed
Certification
- Certified Small Group Instructor, VTARNG
- Basic Mountaineering, VTARNG
- Equal Opportunity Leader, VTARNG
- Victim Advocate, VTARNG
- Anti-Terrorism Level 2, VTARNG
Interests
Affiliations
- EANGUS - Military Organization
Timeline
Battalion S1 NCOIC
Vermont National Guard
09.2022 - Current
Company 1SG
Vermont National Guard
08.2020 - 09.2023
Operation NCO - Biathlon Coordinator
Vermont National Guard
10.2018 - 09.2023
Company Readiness NCO
Vermont National Guard
10.2012 - 09.2018
One-Year Apprenticeship Program Certificate - Equine Studies
UVM Morgan Horse Farm
Certification - Military Studies
Professional Military Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
University of Charleston
Equine /Private Dog Sitter
Self