LINDA HAWTON-DURHAM
Fairfax
Summary
Professional with 7 years of experience in personnel security and security clearance. Proven ability to lead teams, successfully completing nearly 10,000 cases while ensuring high standards of accuracy and detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills, complemented by exceptional interpersonal abilities and a commitment to outstanding customer service. Demonstrated leadership qualities as a team lead in a high-stakes environment supporting CBP.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Security Specialist Team Lead
ANASEC
Washington
03.2024 - Current
- Led training for contractor adjudicators on OPM/CBP guidelines and database usage, enhancing compliance and operational knowledge.
- Monitored priority cases, adjudicator caseloads, and PSS queues to ensure operational effectiveness.
- Identified and resolved database issues, delivering focused training to users.
- Managed daily correspondence with customers to ensure effective communication.
- Created monthly technical reports for federal leads, outlining key metrics and addressing concerns.
- Validated proposed action correspondence for the PSS team to maintain clarity and accuracy in communication.
- Ensured timely training updates to SOP for all team members, organizing monthly meetings.
- Assisted in interviewing potential new hire adjudicators.
Personal Security Specialist
ANASEC
Washington
05.2023 - Current
- Completed 675 cases from July 3rd, 2023, to February 9th, 2024, surpassing performance expectations.
- Reviewed and evaluated investigation packages for compliance, ensuring adherence to standards for e-QIP, ROI, NACS, and credit bureau checks.
- Assessed investigations from other federal entities, documenting findings in comprehensive reports.
- Utilized complex information technology systems such as EASE, PCQS, JICMS, and LexisNexis to enhance investigation accuracy.
- Facilitated monthly team meetings to enhance communication and collaboration among team members, improving overall investigation processes.
- Established a Teams chat group to facilitate questions and strengthen team dynamics.
- Mentored a team member weekly to develop investigative skills, contributing to team competency and effectiveness.
1099 Background Investigator
OMNISEC INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS, INC.
Chantilly
12.2021 - Current
- Conducted complex character investigations to assess suitability and security concerns for government agencies.
- Researched criminal elements, verifying interview information to ensure comprehensive background assessments.
- Performed individual background checks using law enforcement agencies and court records.
- Confirmed education credentials and military service records, ensuring data integrity for accurate evaluations.
- Drafted detailed reports and notes, adhering to established guidelines to support informed decision-making.
Personal Security Associate
ANASEC
Washington
02.2020 - 04.2023
- Reviewed Personnel Security Questionnaires (SF-86 and SF-85P) and verified information submitted on an average of 26 applications/cases per week (of a required 20).
- Contacted subjects using approved methods to gather information for background investigation forms and entered data from applications.
- Generated reports detailing status of pending and current investigations, aiding in timely decision-making for clearance processes.
- Acted as a point of contact regarding the status of pending clearances and questions about the security clearance investigation and adjudication process.
- Facilitated training sessions for new hires, enhancing onboarding experience and ensuring compliance with security protocols.
- Used a variety of complex information technology systems (e.g., ISMS, PIPS, NP2 PORTAL, DISS).
Special Investigator I
GENERAL DYNAMICS IT
Fairfax
05.2018 - 09.2019
- Conducted complex, full-field character investigations ensuring suitability, eligibility, loyalty, and security-related concerns were thoroughly addressed for government agencies.
- Researched criminal components and verified information provided during an interview.
- Conducted individual background/law enforcement records checks using law enforcement agencies and courts and confirmed education and military service information.
- Completed TDY assignments in California, New York, Wisconsin, and Minnesota to reduce backlog in high-demand areas.
- Exceeded monthly goals as the top producer of the team for the months of February, March, April, and May.
Education
Advanced Personnel Security Adjudication -
Graduate School USA
04.2023
Certification of Completion for Personnel Security Adjudication -
Graduate School USA
06.2021
Bachelor’s Degree - Psychology
University of Phoenix
01.2016
Associate of Arts Degree - Psychology
University of Phoenix
01.2014
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Teams
- Compliance assessment
- Background investigations
- Technical report writing
- E-QIP processing
- Risk evaluation
- Client communication
- Team leadership
- Critical thinking
- Training facilitation
- Interpersonal communication
- Investigative skills
References
- Karen D. Hatzimanolis, Team Lead, e-QIP Branch, Office of Professional Responsibility, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Protection, (202) 325-7918, Karen.D.Hatzimanolis@cbp.dhs.gov
- Michelle Allen, Security Specialist, e-QIP Branch, Office of Professional Responsibility, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Protection, Personnel Security Division, (202) 325-7876, Michelle.R.Allen@cbp.dhs.gov
Security Clearance
Top Secret, 03/28/18, Continuous Evaluation
Timeline
Personal Security Specialist Team Lead
ANASEC
03.2024 - Current
Personal Security Specialist
ANASEC
05.2023 - Current
1099 Background Investigator
OMNISEC INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS, INC.
12.2021 - Current
Personal Security Associate
ANASEC
02.2020 - 04.2023
Special Investigator I
GENERAL DYNAMICS IT
05.2018 - 09.2019
Advanced Personnel Security Adjudication -
Graduate School USA
Certification of Completion for Personnel Security Adjudication -
Graduate School USA
Bachelor’s Degree - Psychology
University of Phoenix
Associate of Arts Degree - Psychology
University of Phoenix