MARCELA GARZÓN
Fairfax Station,VA
Summary
Senior Program Manager with 20+ years of experience leading, implementing, and evaluating complex, multi-stakeholder programs in international and U.S.-based organizational environments. Proven expertise in workforce engagement, program execution, stakeholder coordination, data-driven reporting, and continuous improvement. Recognized for building trusted relationships across teams, designing inclusive and participatory initiatives, and translating strategy into operational results. Fluent in English and Spanish.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Management Specialist
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
06.2019 - 12.2025
- Managed the end-to-end lifecycle of 20+ regional programs, from planning and design through execution, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and workforce capacities.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, consultants, and external partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, strengthening collaboration and engagement among diverse stakeholders.
- Designed and implemented program frameworks, workplans, timelines, and performance indicators, ensuring timely delivery of activities and compliance with internal guidelines.
- Led data collection, systematization, and analysis processes to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous program improvement.
- Prepared clear, structured reports and briefings for senior leadership and partners, translating complex program data into actionable insights.
- Supported capacity-building initiatives by integrating training, guidance, and knowledge-sharing components into program activities.
- Monitored budgets and deliverables, ensuring programs were executed within approved financial and operational parameters.
Program Officer
Organization of American States (OAS)
06.2005 - 01.2017
- Led and coordinated multi-country technical cooperation programs, managing workplans, deliverables, timelines, and teams of up to 12 specialists.
- Served as Deputy Chief of Mission in multiple assignments, overseeing program execution, team coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
- Developed program proposals, implementation plans, and monitoring frameworks, contributing to high donor approval and sustained funding.
- Produced final reports, lessons-learned analyses, and recommendations to improve organizational performance and workforce effectiveness.
- Designed guidelines, manuals, and quality management tools to standardize program execution and strengthen institutional processes.
- Facilitated training and knowledge-transfer activities for more than 100 professionals, enhancing organizational capacity and engagement.
Financial Specialist
Organization of American States (OAS)
10.2003 - 06.2005
- Managed program budgets, financial tracking, and compliance reporting for multiple donor-funded initiatives.
- Supported program managers with financial analysis to ensure informed decision-making and effective resource allocation.
- Prepared progress and financial reports for senior leadership and external stakeholders.
Consultant / Intern
Organization of American States & Pfizer
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Supported program design, data management, research, and coordination activities.
- Built and maintained databases and information systems to support workforce and program operations.
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Marketing
Johns Hopkins University
Washington, DCBachelor of Business Administration - undefined
Universidad de la Sabana
Bogotá, ColombiaSkills
- Program & Project Management Tools
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Data Management & Reporting (SPSS, databases)
- Process Documentation & Knowledge Management
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Program & Portfolio Management
- Workforce Engagement & Capacity Building
- Cross-functional & Stakeholder Coordination
- Program Planning, Execution & Monitoring
- Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting
- Process Improvement & Documentation
- Budget Planning & Financial Tracking
- Equity, Inclusion & Organizational Culture
LANGUAGES
English: Fluent
Spanish: Native
Timeline
Program Management Specialist
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
06.2019 - 12.2025
Program Officer
Organization of American States (OAS)
06.2005 - 01.2017
Financial Specialist
Organization of American States (OAS)
10.2003 - 06.2005
Consultant / Intern
Organization of American States & Pfizer
01.1999 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
Universidad de la Sabana
Master of Science (M.S.) - Marketing
Johns Hopkins University