Lola Flores
Olympia,WA
Summary
Collaborative leader who partners with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of partners in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Water Resource Policy Support Manager
WA Department of Ecology
Lacey, WA
12.2023 - Current
- Provide leadership and mentoring to a team working on diverse water policy areas- legislative support, policy development and updates, stakeholder outreach and collaboration, agency rules, court decisions and environmental justice
- Facilitate discussions with program leadership to identify pressing policy issues, and find solutions to disputes and new challenges
- Engage with Tribes, Governor’s Office, Agencies and stakeholders to identify issues and concerns, obtain feedback, and seek solutions to policy issues and concerns
- Analyze proposed legislation to identify potential impacts to water resource management
- Engage with the public during rulemaking processes to present information and receive feedback on proposals
Senior Policy Advisor- Civil Rights and Racial Justice
Governor Jay Inslee Policy Office
Olympia, WA
05.2024 - 01.2025
- Advise the Governor and Policy Staff on issues pertaining to civil rights and racial justice, as well as Agencies, Offices and Commissions
- Provide strategic opinions or establish approaches, which could impact legislative and policy action
- Set standards and provide direction and leadership to agency leadership or executive staff
- Inform, collaborate and meet with state legislators and legislative staff on issues related to the area of expertise
- Coordinate and communicate with stakeholders, businesses and organizations as needed, community members, and provide advice when adequate
- Primary point of contact on community requests pertaining to civil rights and racial justice
Supervisor Reducing Toxic Threats Unit
WA Department of Ecology
Lacey, WA
05.2020 - 11.2023
- Set up regular meetings to support camaraderie and working relationships (more so in remote environments)
- Develop workplans and monthly priorities for staff to track work and availability for new assignments to ensure an adequate workload
- Revise Professional Development Plans annually or as needed to ensure professional growth and interests of individuals are being met or integrated into their job description, including conference participation and trainings
- Develop Position Descriptions for new hire recruitment
- Collaborate with other units, sections and programs to enhance and communicate accomplishments
- Contribute to environmental projects by allocating adequate resources (both monetary and staffing)
- Participate in proposals for additional funding for pollution prevention projects
- Work on annual legislative reports, as well as decision packages and request legislation, as needed
Acting Special Assistant
WA Department of Ecology
Lacey, WA
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Work closely with the Agency Director, ELT, Program/Office staff on issues and events with Federal nexus.
- Lead review for Federal comment letters, briefings or requests for information between the Agency, Governor’s office staff and any other interested parties. Route for Director’s signature if needed
- Prepare talking points and other supporting documents for the Director briefings or presentations
- Join Director in meetings and briefings with Members of Congress, congressional staff and staff from Federal Agencies, as required
- Attend Executive Leadership Team Meetings on a weekly basis and participate in group discussions
NEP Environmental Planner
WA Department of Ecology
Lacey, WA
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Strategic Planning
- Lead the Toxics in Fish (TIF) Implementation Strategy and manage the Core and Interdisciplinary Teams
- Set up and facilitate meetings and workgroups to advance the strategy to completion
- Coordinate the finalization of the TIF results chains and strategy narrative
- Develop work plans and milestones, assign target completion dates and establish clear goals and expectations
- Present at PSEMP Toxics Workgroup to provide updates on the TIF strategy development
- Understand and adjust to diverse team communication styles to create a better work environment for all
Education
Master of Science - Ecology, Policy, Economics, Natural Resource Mgmt
The Evergreen State College
Olympia06-2012
Skills
- Technical support expertise
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Technical support
- Staff management
- Regulatory compliance
- Training and mentoring
- Project management
- Team development
- Leading team meetings
- Conflict management
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Policy Advisor- Civil Rights and Racial Justice
Governor Jay Inslee Policy Office
05.2024 - 01.2025
Water Resource Policy Support Manager
WA Department of Ecology
12.2023 - Current
Acting Special Assistant
WA Department of Ecology
01.2023 - 04.2023
Supervisor Reducing Toxic Threats Unit
WA Department of Ecology
05.2020 - 11.2023
NEP Environmental Planner
WA Department of Ecology
09.2019 - 05.2020
Master of Science - Ecology, Policy, Economics, Natural Resource Mgmt
The Evergreen State College