Matthew Cossman
Cumberland Center,ME
Summary
Goal-oriented with twenty years of experience in training protocol development and policy implementation. Strong financial acumen with demonstrated success in law enforcement, human resources, budget development and adherence. Accustomed to analyzing organization needs, mission requirements, and developing long-term solutions to achieve balance between personal and professional objectives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Equal Opportunity Specialist
U.S. Coast Guard
South Portland, ME
06.2017 - 07.2020
- Analyze and adjudicate complex federal sector discrimination complaint cases that allege violations of EEO laws and regulations based on race, color, sex (to include sexual orientation, pregnancy, and gender identity), national origin, religion, age, disability, or genetic information and draft merit-based FADs
- Analyze, adjudicate, and draft other EEO Final Actions to include, Final Orders, breach determinations, procedural dismissals, and decisions on attorney's fees and costs and compensatory damages
- Manage projects and workgroups to solve broad, difficult, and complex EEO problems through systematic fact-finding, analysis, and consulting efforts
- Interpret and apply Federal case law and statutes, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations, policies, and practices, and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) regulations, as they pertain to employment and working conditions in order to prepare procedural and merit-based FADs
Chief Human Resources Officer
U.S. Coast Guard
Chicago, IL
06.2010 - 06.2017
- Acted as the Unit's Human Resources Officer. Planned, developed, directed, and administered a comprehensive human resources management program for all Coast Guard employees.
- Ensure determinations and decisions concerning major policy and courses of action are consistent with laws and regulations governing administration of employees. Develop and implement policy and program guidance in the area of human resources management.
- Provide staff leadership and direction for planning, development, operation and evaluation of a comprehensive HR management program for the Coast Guard. Human resources management program responsibilities include recruitment, placement, employee and leadership training and development, position management and classification, wage administration, compensation, payroll services, employee relations, awards, performance management, Human Capital strategic planning, and a wide range of special programs such as career interns, etc. Provide leadership for the recruitment, retention, and utilization of a qualified work force in support of service missions.
- Represent the unit in planning and development of human resources management program objectives and resolution of major issues involving OMB, OPM, Congress, and other executive agencies.
- Employee Benefits Administrator for the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Program and Serviceman Group Life Insurance (SGLI).
- Developed creative solutions for improving organizational efficiency, and policy. Compiled personnel evaluations data, and prepared reports by transcribing data for conference presentation by senior members to Congress. Merged Microsoft Word and Excel to create graphics that showed quantitative analysis.
Canine Handler
U.S. Coast Guard
Los Angeles, CA
06.2003 - 07.2018
- Detected and prevented the unauthorized introduction of explosive devices or matter, examined all munitions and components within unit to determine degree of serviceability, checked for evidence of excess deterioration, damage, or other defects which render ordinance unsafe to process or handle in a normal manner.
- Investigated reports of suspicious activities to preempt violent offenses.
- Ensured that all canine training activities were conducted within legal parameters.
- Conducted regular assessments of canine behavior and performance.
- Collaborated with team members during maritime security missions.
- Trained and handled canine units for search and rescue operations.
- Developed protocols for effective communication during missions.
- Prevented illegal entry, prohibiting goods, and smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband by conducting vehicle searches during traffic stops.
Boarding Officer
U.S. Coast Guard
Pascagoula, Mississippi
09.2000 - 02.2010
- Conduct searches, arrests, seizures of property in accordance with applicable laws and agency procedure guidelines.
- Conducted safety inspections on vessels and equipment for compliance.
- Oversaw boarding operations to ensure security and safety protocols.
- Evaluated documentation to verify vessel registration and crew credentials.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies during joint operations and exercises.
- Monitored vessel activities for potential safety violations or suspicious behavior.
- Trained new officers on boarding procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Prepared, planned for and coordinated execution of support missions to aid deployed forces and individuals.
- Executed emergency response security to eliminate hazards and potential dangers.
- Monitored equipment during testing, simulations and live-fire exercises to detect operator errors or system malfunctions.
- Administered first aid and emergency medical treatment in field conditions.
Education
Civil Rights
Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute
Cocoa Beach, FLSkills
- Training development aptitude
- Communication skills
- Customer relations
- Flexible
- Talent management
- Independent self-starter
- Creative problem solver
- Organizational Development
- Training and mentoring
- Critical thinking
- Works well under pressure
- Quick learner
- Team Leader
- Complex data management
- Financial Reporting
- Effective communication
Timeline
Equal Opportunity Specialist
U.S. Coast Guard
06.2017 - 07.2020
Chief Human Resources Officer
U.S. Coast Guard
06.2010 - 06.2017
Canine Handler
U.S. Coast Guard
06.2003 - 07.2018
Boarding Officer
U.S. Coast Guard
09.2000 - 02.2010
Civil Rights
Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute