MAKERITA IOSEFO-VA’A
Pago Pago,American Samoa
Summary
Results-driven Manager with a proven track record of delivering projects on schedule while upholding ethical standards. Successfully led the DPS Real ID Project, securing significant ARPA funding for the American Samoa Government Department of Public Safety. Expertise in Medicaid program operations, with a focus on financial management and stakeholder engagement, including partnerships with local and federal entities like the CMS Region 9 Office. Skilled in report writing and compliance, effectively translating strategic goals into measurable outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Grant Writer & Finance Manager
American Samoa Government – Department of Public Safety
Fagatogo, AS
05.2021 - 08.2024
- Authored comprehensive grant application aimed at purchasing & upgrading DPS Firetrucks equipment through the DOI Technical Assistance Program.
- Created a grant proposal for renovating substations at TCF and DPS.
- Composed successful application to secure ARPA funds for the DPS Public Use Building.
- Oversees ARPA projects, including Renovation projects, TCF Ventilation System project, and COVID-19 Emergency Hires project.
- Oversees financial management and reporting for grants and projects.
- Spearheaded DPS Real ID Project launch November 2022.
- Drafts and processes yearly budget proposals for Fono approval.
- Prepare various correspondences on behalf of Commissioner and Deputies.
Health Information Technology Program Manager
Medicaid State Agency
Tafuna, AS
06.2013 - 05.2021
- Authored the Implementation Advance Planning Document (IAPD) for the successful rollout of the HITECH Program.
- Oversaw financial and programmatic elements of the project.
- Managed enrollment, review, and approval of physicians for HIT Incentive Payment Program.
- Streamlined review and approval process for $1.4 million funding to deploy EHR system at LBJTMC.
- Led negotiations with major contractors and vendors for EHR system.
- Delivered comprehensive quarterly and annual reports to CMS.
- Monitored compliance through comprehensive pre and post-implementation audits at LBJTMC for the HIT Incentive Payment Program.
- Prepared annual updates for State Medicaid Health Plan seeking CMS consent.
- Deployed Quickbase data warehouse solution for the Medicaid Off-Island Referral Program
- Conducted Quickbase system trainings for Medicaid staff.
- Developed written materials and messages on behalf of the Medicaid director.
- Participated in HITECH program's annual trainings and various other Medicaid programs.
Executive Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor
American Samoa Government – Office of the Governor
Utulei, AS
06.2006 - 01.2013
- Executed comprehensive secretarial responsibilities for Honorable Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa.
- Scrutinized all relevant documentation like reports and projects before recommending them to the Lieutenant Governor for endorsement.
- Composed official correspondences for high-ranking officials.
- Delivered effective assistance and directed proper referrals to the public on diverse queries related to the American Samoa Government.
- Executed administrative tasks related to commissioning of notary publics in American Samoa.
- Offered comprehensive administrative assistance to the American Samoa Health Insurance Council.
- Facilitated orientation programs to onboard newly hired team members.
Statistical Analyst Intern
American Samoa Government – Department of Commerce
Utulei, AS
06.2005 - 06.2006
- Collect and analyze data from various ASG departments and agencies
- Research on the economic impacts of the tuna canneries’ removal from the Territory
- Draft letters and analysis for the Director’s signature
- Research and analyze data on Immigration and Customs to determine the value of export/import goods within the Territory
- Collect, record and analyze data for NIPA (National Income Product Account)
Education
Masters of Arts - Public Administration & Human Resource Management
Center for Pacific Studies Interwork Institute, San Diego State University
San Diego, CA07.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Public Affairs & Public Policy
College of Arts and Science, Seattle University
Seattle, WA06.2005
High School Diploma -
Fa’asao-Marist High School
Lepuapua, AS06.2001
Junior Statesmen of America Honor Diploma -
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL08.1999
Skills
- Grant Funding Proposal Management
- Strong leadership skills
- Report writing skills
- Results-oriented
- Ethical standards
- Analytical thinking
- Policy implementation
Qualifications Summary
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong analytical and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment
- Extensive knowledge of government policies and procedures
- Effective and efficient decision-making, planning and implementation skills
- Creative problem-solver with great critical thinking skills
- Fluent in Samoan and English language
References
- Lefiti Pese, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety, (684) 633-1111
- Faoa A. Sunia, former Lieutenant Governor of AS, (684) 272-7035
- Kueni A. Hisatake, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, (684) 254-0196
Timeline
Grant Writer & Finance Manager
American Samoa Government – Department of Public Safety
05.2021 - 08.2024
Health Information Technology Program Manager
Medicaid State Agency
06.2013 - 05.2021
Executive Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor
American Samoa Government – Office of the Governor
06.2006 - 01.2013
Statistical Analyst Intern
American Samoa Government – Department of Commerce
06.2005 - 06.2006
Masters of Arts - Public Administration & Human Resource Management
Center for Pacific Studies Interwork Institute, San Diego State University
Bachelor of Arts - Public Affairs & Public Policy
College of Arts and Science, Seattle University
High School Diploma -
Fa’asao-Marist High School
Junior Statesmen of America Honor Diploma -
Northwestern University
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