Leola M Swain
Columbus,US
Summary
Poised Human Resources Unit Leader with 29 years of experience guiding human resources employees handling high-pressure disaster operations. Strong understanding of enhancing business efficiency and team productivity. Guarantee all human resource operations meet high federal standards of accountability and efficiency.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
DHS/Federal Emegency Management Agency
DHS/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Winchester, VA
- Goal-oriented professional with proven success in applying analytical skills to solve complex problems and overcome challenges. Dedicated to enhancing team performance and driving business success.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Resolved problems, improved operations, and provided exceptional service.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
Personnel Process Clerk
Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA
Winchester, VA
08.1996 - Current
- Recommended
- I am passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- I was responsible for maintaining a professional, organized, and safe environment for both employees and patrons.
- I facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, thereby enhancing their job position knowledge and skill set.
- I possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- I recruited top talent with the intention of maximizing profitability.
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management.
- I evaluated employee onboarding programs and provided strategic improvement recommendations to the top systems responsible for managing payroll and benefits programs.
- Provided quality clerical support through data entry, document management, email correspondence, and overseeing operation of office equipment.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Created and maintained detailed records of all office activities.
- Assisted with onboarding of new employees.
- Edited documents to keep company materials free of grammatical errors.
Human Resources Specialist
DHS/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Winchester, VA
08.1996 - Current
- The federal branch was specifically formed to effectively coordinate responses to natural and man-made disasters, such as flooding, snow emergencies, and the 9/11 attacks.
- Supervise time and attendance activities.
- Recruit, orient, and assist employees in identifying and selecting ideal candidates to oversee all levels of disaster management.
- Navigate employees through human resources processes, including delineation of job duties, policies, and working conditions.
- I possess comprehensive knowledge of the GOVTA payroll system, career development, and benefits.
- Coordinate communications between employees, management, and local and state authorities.
- Supervise HR Department employees by directing activities and monitoring performance.
- I prepared employees for their assignments by establishing and conducting orientation and training programs.
- Serves as a liaison between employees and senior leadership, addressing inquiries and fostering problem resolution.
- Works with department managers to assess needs.
- The individual oversees the management of human resource operations, ensuring they adhere to the stringent federal standards of accountability and efficiency.
- HR processes include the FEMA Deployment Tracking System (DTS), Government Time and Attendance (GOV TA), and daily required reports.
- I provide advice to senior management on matters related to human resources and have the authority to approve terminations.
- I fulfilled the operational requirements of human resources by efficiently scheduling and assigning employees.
- I handled inquiries from employees regarding insurance, pension plans, vacation, sick leave, and employee assistance.
- I also contributed to the creation of job postings and job descriptions for various job boards.
- I acted as an advocate for staff members, assisting in the identification and resolution of conflicts.
- Improved office efficiency by effectively managing internal communications and correspondence.
- Generated and analyzed reports to monitor employee engagement and attrition trends.
- I was responsible for developing and monitoringemployee recognition programs.
- I was responsible for creating and delivering HR training sessions to various staff members, managers, and executives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ03.2020
Master of Science - Public Administration
Universityy of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ 03.2023 - 09.2025
Skills
- PC and Mac Operating Systems
- Microsoft Office, Outlook, SharePoint
- Internet, Research
- Keyboarding 50-60 WPM
- Microsoft Office
- Outlook
- Multi-line telephone
- Operating Systems
- HRIS applications proficient
- Team building
- Personnel engagement
- Personnel recruitment
- Customer service
References
References Available Upon Request
Timeline
Master of Science - Public Administration
Universityy of Phoenix
03.2023 - 09.2025
Personnel Process Clerk
Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA
08.1996 - Current
Human Resources Specialist
DHS/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
08.1996 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
DHS/Federal Emegency Management Agency
DHS/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY