Lisa Surette
Stafford,VA
Summary
Analytical Policy professional familiar with reviewing regulations, legislation and policies. Excellent writing, presentation and public speaking skills. Crafts well-reasoned and detailed opinions and galvanizes key stakeholder support for positions. Talented Policy Analyst with background completing in-depth reviews under tight timelines to evaluate current, pending and proposed changes. Well-versed in authoring reports and developing recommendations to benefit Sexual Assault Prevention and Response. Over 17 years of experience in SAPR management and 11 years in Headquarters level Policy.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Policy Branch Chief, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Department Of The Air Force, Integrated Resilience
01.2023 - Current
- Supervise a team of five that works to implement policy and provide guidance on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response for the Department of the Air Force
- Drafted and implemented two Policy Guidance memorandums, facilitating expanded reporting options and advocacy for military sexual harassment victims, while ensuring compliance with IRC directives for victim advocates and co-location of support services across the DAF
- Spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of DAF instruction, integrating updates from DoD policies and statutory requirements, and incorporating added content from Policy Guidance memorandums, resulting in enhanced alignment with evolving standards and increased effectiveness in SAPR initiatives
- Successfully facilitated the implementation of 14 Secretary of Defense directed Independent Review Commission recommendations supporting SAPR or Training, effectively closing out 4 initiatives
- Collaborated with AF Audit Agency and GAO on multiple reports, ensuring training compliance and addressing gaps in content related to sexual harassment prevention and response for both military and civilian employees
- Developed and delivered communication products for congressional members, senior leaders, and external agencies, ensuring transparent and informed dialogue on IRC and SAPR matters, ultimately positioning the DAF as a proactive leader in SAPR initiatives
- Updated MICT checklists and SAPR By-Law requirements to ensure accuracy and compliance across the DAF, enhancing the effectiveness of SAPR programs and initiatives
- Drafted and briefed DOD on DAF's implementation of the SAPR Workforce, receiving praises for the plan, including VVA sunset, SAPR workforce enhancements, and CoC SARC changes, demonstrating strategic foresight and leadership
- Collaborated with BAH on SAPR Strategy and objectives to ensure alignment with year-end outcomes, contributing significantly to the overall A1Z Strategy and professionalizing the SAPR workforce
- Demonstrated exceptional project management skills by completing over 263 team tasks with a 95% on-time rate and effectively managing short-notice taskers for various DOD stakeholders
- Provided expert policy guidance to DPFZ on over 150 field questions and training equities, ensuring clarity and consistency in SAPR implementation across the DAF.
- Developed a high-performing team through effective recruitment, training, and mentoring strategies.
Senior Policy Analyst, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training
10.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded the development and execution of AF training programs for Wing, Group, and Squadron Commanders, ensuring comprehensive understanding and adherence to SAPR policies and procedures
- Designed and implemented the AF SARC and SAPR VA courses at Air University, as well as refresher courses covering crucial topics such as Case Management Group and SAPR/FAP Collaboration, earning high praise for presentation excellence
- Served as a critical AF Action Officer for the Secretary of the Air Force initiative, facilitating National and Regional Discussions on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment, fostering dialogue and awareness within college, university, and military service academy settings
- Managed evidence-based tablet training modules at AF Basic Military Training in collaboration with Research Triangle Institute, focusing on victimization, revictimization, and prevention strategies, enhancing training effectiveness for recruits
- Advocated for increased budget allocation for SARC and SAPR VA courses at Air University, resulting in a 30% budget enhancement, ensuring continued quality education and training for SAPR personnel
- Acted as the key briefer and AF Functional Manager for the AF SARC course at Maxwell AFB, spearheading curriculum enhancements to elevate the knowledge and skills of full-time SARCs and SAPR VAs
- Designed a critical matrix to streamline SAPR service eligibility and reporting requirements, improving efficiency and accuracy in identifying and providing support to eligible victims
- Played a pivotal role in the development of AF SAPR Annual Reports, providing valuable input on the compliance of SAPR training and education initiatives across the organization
- Implemented transformative enhancements to the SARC course curriculum, transitioning from a focus solely on response and training to include Program Manager duties, ensuring comprehensive skill development for course participants
- Fostered cross-functional collaboration between EO and SAPR branches, harmonizing efforts to address contributory behaviors and unit climate issues, promoting a culture of respect and accountability within the organization.
Chief, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office
99 Air Base Wing, Nellis AFB NV
04.2024 - 11.2024
- Directed sexual assault prevention and response efforts encompassing Nellis, Creech, and the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), overseeing 6 wings and 52 associate units, ensuring comprehensive support to over 13,000 personnel annually
- Managed a diverse team comprising full-time staff, volunteer victim advocates, RAD Women’s Self-Defense Instructors, and Bystander Intervention Trainers, fostering a culture of empowerment and readiness to address sexual assault incidents effectively
- Spearheaded the implementation of innovative initiatives such as the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database (DSAID) intake form, standardizing victim intake procedures and enhancing data management capabilities across the Air Combat Command (ACC), facilitating streamlined reporting and analysis
- Led the coordination of impactful awareness events during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, including engaging presentations and community activities, resulting in heightened SAPR awareness among over 15,000 young airmen and establishment of best practices for program visibility and engagement
- Actively engaged with base helping agencies to establish a one-day Key Personnel Briefing to all new Commanders, Chiefs and First Sergeants providing necessary program information and trends to leadership within 30 days of arrival to Nellis/Creech/NTTR
- By name request from PACAF MAJCOM SARC to provide Bystander Intervention Training throughout PACAF
- One of ten AF SARCs selected to instruct at the AF SARC Course and the Air Force Bystander Intervention Training and AF SARC Summit to AF Commanders.
Assault Prevention and Response Policy Analyst
11.2013 - 10.2024
- Spearheaded the comprehensive overhaul of the SARC course curriculum, ensuring alignment with DoD standards and AF policies, while enhancing training effectiveness for SARCs and SAPR VAs
- Led a pivotal policy initiative mandated by the Secretary of Defense to standardize screening, selection, and training criteria for SARCs and SAPR VAs, ensuring adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements
- Served as a key subject matter expert and primary briefer on AF SAPR policies at the prestigious AF SARC course at Maxwell AFB, delivering crucial training sessions and updating materials to reflect evolving policy directives
- Developed the SAPR Management Internal Control Toolset (MICT), a pivotal resource facilitating self-evaluation and remediation of assessment program deficiencies within SAPR offices, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance
- Played a critical role in the revision of AFI 90-6001, incorporating comprehensive changes mandated by DoD policy and NDAA provisions, and authored multiple chapters, delineating SAPR training protocols and delineating SARC and SAPR VA responsibilities
- Represented HAF in coordinating SAPR policy concerns with AF Personnel Center, advocating for streamlined pre-deployment training protocols, resulting in reduced training hours without compromising mission requirements
- Orchestrated the AF Rapid Improvement Event on Expedited Transfers, identifying and rectifying system and process inefficiencies, and bridging service gaps with Family Advocacy victims, enhancing support services and operational efficacy
- Provided critical feedback on various DoD and AF policies and forms, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational alignment across the organization
- Authored three AF Policy Guidance Memorandums, delivering HAF-level directives on Case Management Group, Expedited Transfers, and Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database processes, ensuring consistent implementation of DoD policy throughout the AF
- Testified at the Response Systems Panel on Victimization, leveraging installation SARC insights to address victim support challenges and inform SAPR policy improvements, contributing to a more responsive and supportive environment for victims.
Transition Assistance Manager, Family Support Center Consultant
Family Support Center, Langley AFB VA
05.2024 - 07.2024
- Implemented and monitored program compliance for the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), ensuring alignment with public law, Department of Defense, and Air Force directives, thereby facilitating successful transition for military personnel into civilian life
- Designed and executed a highly acclaimed 5-day monthly TAP Seminar based on customer feedback, featuring comprehensive training sessions and expert speakers, resulting in exceptional participant satisfaction and enhanced readiness for post-military careers
- Led the facilitation of a two-day Mobile TAP Workshop for the Virginia Air National Guard, delivering essential career transition resources and guidance to military personnel in Richmond, Virginia, fostering successful reintegration into civilian employment
- Established strategic partnerships with the Peninsula Workforce Development Center to administer grant funds in Virginia, facilitating training opportunities for military spouses, involuntary separates, and reservists, and enhancing their ability to transition effectively into the civilian workforce, demonstrating commitment to supporting service members and their families.
Personal Financial Program Manager
Family Support Center, Langley AFB VA and RAF Mildenhall, UK
- 05.2024
- Coordinated with ACC for the first “Choose to Save” Town Meeting for 700 participants, sponsored by ASEC and Securities and Exchange Commission (Norfolk VA, Jun 01)
- Featured as a financial counselor expert in “Choose to Save” Public Service Announcement Video aired across the country on PBS stations
- Rejuvenated a struggling Personal Financial Management Program at Langley AFB
- Renewed the community’s interest in personal finance after program remaining dormant for almost a year through new classes, innovative marketing plan, and state-of-the-art training platforms
- Designed, implemented, and maintained a personal finance program that provided education, information, and counseling for base population
- Developed and conducted numerous briefings, workshops, and seminars on every aspect of personal finance, from checkbook balancing to planning for retirement
- Hailed as a leader in field; briefed peers on ‘Financially Planning for the Future” at the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education Conference.
Program Analyst - 96 Mission Support Group
Eglin AFB FL
07.2024 - 04.2024
- Directed a team of personnel liaisons within the 96 Mission Support Group, providing essential support to six squadrons totaling over 1500 personnel, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient resource allocation to meet operational objectives
- Orchestrated Wingman support activities at Eglin AFB, fostering the institutionalization of Air Force core values and promoting a culture of respect and integrity across all human relations activities, resulting in enhanced unit cohesion and mission readiness
- Spearheaded the restructuring of the Integrated Delivery System (IDS) and helping agencies at Eglin AFB, securing inaugural funding of over $18k in the first year and $22k in the second year, facilitating streamlined processes and improved service delivery to meet the base's evolving needs
- Pioneered a civilian forum to gather feedback on quality of life issues, complementing an Air Force-wide needs assessment, and played a pivotal role in implementing initiatives such as alternative work schedules and civilian physical fitness programs, aligning with the base's strategic goals and enhancing employee satisfaction and well-being.
Education
Master's Degree - Human Relations
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK08.1998
Bachelor's Degree - Psychology
Loyola College
Baltimore, MD06.1990
Skills
- Public Administration
- Economic Modeling
- Policy Advocacy
- Quantitative Research
- Policy analysis expertise
Personal Email
lisa_surette@yahoo.com
Work Email
lisa.m.surette.civ@mail.mil
References
Col Kristina Driggers at (571) 643-3311
Dr. Julie LaRow at (617) 877-6672
Ms. Andrea Bryant at (703) 786-1023
Timeline
Senior Policy Analyst, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training
10.2024 - Current
Program Analyst - 96 Mission Support Group
Eglin AFB FL
07.2024 - 04.2024
Transition Assistance Manager, Family Support Center Consultant
Family Support Center, Langley AFB VA
05.2024 - 07.2024
Chief, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office
99 Air Base Wing, Nellis AFB NV
04.2024 - 11.2024
Policy Branch Chief, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Department Of The Air Force, Integrated Resilience
01.2023 - Current
Assault Prevention and Response Policy Analyst
11.2013 - 10.2024
Personal Financial Program Manager
Family Support Center, Langley AFB VA and RAF Mildenhall, UK
- 05.2024
Master's Degree - Human Relations
University of Oklahoma
Bachelor's Degree - Psychology
Loyola College
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