Mark Sward
6403 38th Ave, Kenosha,WI
Summary
Experienced with team leadership, business development, and strategic planning. Utilizes effective decision-making and strong organizational skills to drive success. Track record of fostering collaborative environments and adapting to changing demands. Collaborative leader who partners with coworkers to promote an engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships within a diverse environment in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Dedicated professional with a history of meeting organizational goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organization.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Member
Sward-Senica Enterprises, LLC
09.2023 - Current
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing high-quality products at competitive prices while maintaining positive relationships
- Optimized supply chain operations by developing strong relationships with key suppliers, reducing lead times, and minimizing inventory costs
- Implemented innovative marketing campaigns that boosted brand awareness and generated new leads for the business
- Managed financial operations, including budgeting and forecasting, ensuring company stability and growth
- Improved operational performance through continuous process improvement initiatives and best practice implementation
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams
VETERAN SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
03.2018 - 09.2023
- Made determinations as to the eligibility for the type of benefit sought to include questions relating to adequacy of military service, medical evidence, and the evaluation of evidence of income, employability, dependence, and relationship
- Increased accuracy in benefit determinations by thoroughly researching military records, medical documentation, and other relevant materials
- Requested examinations, re-examination, or opinions to evaluate disabilities resulting from diseases or injuries
- Reviewed claims cases to assure all issues have been addressed, applies, and interprets VA laws, including veterans' case law, existing statutes and procedures, precedent rulings, and state law in the adjudication process
- Conducted interviews in person or by phone with veterans, representatives, and advocates to explain the full range of VA benefits and related programs
- Prepared and released correspondence for use by other federal, state, and local agencies
- Improved communication with veterans by providing empathetic listening and clear explanations of benefits and procedures
Administrative Technician
U.S. Census Bureau
09.2017 - 03.2018
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient administrative processes and organizational systems.
- Collaborated with the HR department to maintain accurate employee records and facilitate performance evaluations
- Computed, audited, and certified employee payroll records
- Performed personnel activities such as initiating personnel actions, request certificates of eligibility from Office of Personnel Management, and conduct records and reference checks
- Served as the OSHA Recordkeeper
- Maintained strict confidentiality regarding sensitive company information safeguarding critical documents from unauthorized access
- Assisted with employee onboarding, preparing necessary paperwork and orienting new hires to company policies
- Prepared memorandums for review and distribution
- Served as a liaison between departments, promoting effective communication to resolve issues quickly
Medical Team Support Specialist
University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Child Abuse Pediatrics
11.2015 - 05.2017
- Coordinated with law enforcement, social services, medical personnel, and families to provide medical evaluations for cases of suspected child abuse
- Worked directly with families and caregivers to provide answers to questions, to walk them through the evaluation process, and to connect them with available resources
- Processed large amounts of sensitive and confidential information through a variety of organizations and worked with multiple systems and databases
- Created policies and procedures for a new satellite clinic
- Reviewed internal processes regularly, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes to optimize efficiency within the team.
- Developed and maintained detailed documentation for team processes, contributing to more efficient operations.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to facilitate smooth workflow and information sharing among departments.
VA Work Study
University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Veterans Services Office
01.2015 - 05.2015
- Assisted Veterans and family members in filling out and submitting the proper paperwork for their education benefits
- Counseled Veterans and family members on their available benefits and how to maximize the use of their benefits
- Improved departmental organization by creating a comprehensive inventory system for office supplies, equipment, and other materials needed for daily operations
- Processed education benefits paperwork to the VA and managed the database for the Veterans Services Office
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries from students, faculty, and staff promptly and professionally
Full-Time State Support Chaplain Assistant
Wisconsin Army National Guard
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Coordinated religious support, emergency care, and crisis response throughout the State to all members of the Wisconsin National Guard and their families
- Provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care to residents, family members and staff
- Worked with local community and religious leaders to implement programs to aid local homeless Veterans
- Met with individuals, discussed issues compassionately and determined appropriate type of involvement to meet spiritual needs.
- Planned and helped lead multiple marriage and family enrichment workshops for Soldiers and their families
- Created and managed the distribution of informational brochures and promotional materials.
- Managed office and maintained records and files to offload administrative duties from chaplain.
- Provided compassionate support to individuals experiencing grief or crisis by offering one-on-one spiritual guidance.
- Increased event attendance by coordinating logistics for special religious events and programs.
Brigade Chaplain Assistant (Title 10 Deployment-Kosovo)
Wisconsin Army National Guard
09.2011 - 12.2012
- Successfully planned and coordinated four International Chaplain Conferences attended by multiple NATO allies in Kosovo
- Provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care to residents, family members and staff
- Effectively served as a squad leader for ten soldiers throughout the deployment
- Selected by the commander over peers to attend the Equal Opportunity Leader’s Course and act as the unit’s Equal Opportunity representative
- Developed and presented monthly training modules for the unit’s Equal Opportunity training
- Applied knowledge regarding crisis interventions to assist in emergency situations
- Supported chaplains by organizing worship services, resulting in increased community engagement and spiritual growth
- Strengthened relationships with local religious leaders through frequent communication and collaboration on community initiatives
- Facilitated group Bible studies, fostering fellowship and encouraging deeper understanding of faith principles
Battalion Chaplain Assistant (Title 10 Deployment-Iraq)
Wisconsin Army National Guard
01.2009 - 03.2010
- Organized various events that celebrated religious diversity within the unit while fostering mutual understanding among different faith groups.
- Selected by Battalion Command Sergeant Major over peers to act as the squad leader for the Battalion Senior Staff throughout the deployment
- Developed, planned, and coordinated multiple base-wide entertainment events attended by hundreds of Soldiers
- Advised commanding officers on ethical and moral issues, contributing to informed decision-making processes
- Conducted regular visits to hospitalized service members, offering spiritual support and encouragement during recovery
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry
- Assisted in developing battalion policies on religious accommodations, ensuring equal opportunity for all soldiers regardless of faith background
- Provided confidential counseling sessions on personal issues such as grief, anxiety, or relationship challenges; thereby improving overall mental health among service members
Battalion Chaplain Assistant (Title 10 Deployment-Iraq)
Wisconsin Army National Guard
01.2009 - 03.2010
- Organized various events that celebrated religious diversity within the unit while fostering mutual understanding among different faith groups.
- Selected by Battalion Command Sergeant Major over peers to act as the squad leader for the Battalion Senior Staff throughout the deployment
- Developed, planned, and coordinated multiple base-wide entertainment events attended by hundreds of Soldiers
- Advised commanding officers on ethical and moral issues, contributing to informed decision-making processes
- Conducted regular visits to hospitalized service members, offering spiritual support and encouragement during recovery
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry
- Assisted in developing battalion policies on religious accommodations, ensuring equal opportunity for all soldiers regardless of faith background
- Provided confidential counseling sessions on personal issues such as grief, anxiety, or relationship challenges; thereby improving overall mental health among service members
Battalion Chaplain Assistant (Title 10 Deployment-Kuwait)
Wisconsin Army National Guard
08.2005 - 12.2006
- Served as the base chapel senior non-commissioned officer, coordinating and overseeing all chapel activities
- Systematically coordinated the integration of the chaplain into battalion missions on and off base to ensure pastoral support and ministry of presence to all soldiers
- Participated in staff training programs aimed at increasing cultural sensitivity within the battalion, promoting a more inclusive environment for all personnel
- Advised commanding officers on ethical and moral issues, contributing to informed decision-making processes
- Served as a reliable source of information on religious practices and customs, enhancing the cultural competence within the military community
- Developed comprehensive religious program support for the battalion, strengthening morale and unit cohesion
- Facilitated workshops on stress management and resilience-building techniques, empowering soldiers to effectively handle challenges faced during military service
- Facilitated pre-and post-deployment briefings on coping strategies for service members, reducing stress-related incidents during missions
- Selected above peers as the battalion Soldier of the Year in 2006
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Pre-Seminary/Theological Languages
Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, WI05.2011
Skills
- Ethics and Compliance
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Public Speaking
- Meetings and presentations
- Organizational Development
- Human Resources Management
- Team Leadership
- Verbal and written communication
- Staff Management
- Staff Training and Development
- Positive Attitude
Affiliations
- American Red Cross - Volunteer
- Veterans of Foreign Wars - Lifetime Member
Availability
Permanent, Temporary, Full-time
Timeline
Managing Member
Sward-Senica Enterprises, LLC
09.2023 - Current
VETERAN SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
03.2018 - 09.2023
Administrative Technician
U.S. Census Bureau
09.2017 - 03.2018
Medical Team Support Specialist
University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Child Abuse Pediatrics
11.2015 - 05.2017
VA Work Study
University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Veterans Services Office
01.2015 - 05.2015
Full-Time State Support Chaplain Assistant
Wisconsin Army National Guard
07.2013 - 07.2014
Brigade Chaplain Assistant (Title 10 Deployment-Kosovo)
Wisconsin Army National Guard
09.2011 - 12.2012
Battalion Chaplain Assistant (Title 10 Deployment-Iraq)
Wisconsin Army National Guard
01.2009 - 03.2010
Battalion Chaplain Assistant (Title 10 Deployment-Iraq)
Wisconsin Army National Guard
01.2009 - 03.2010
Battalion Chaplain Assistant (Title 10 Deployment-Kuwait)
Wisconsin Army National Guard
08.2005 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Pre-Seminary/Theological Languages
Concordia University Wisconsin