Merleen Reed
Douglasville,GA
Summary
Professional with demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and policy enforcement. Skilled in identifying and mitigating potential risks, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory standards. Strong focus on collaborative team efforts and achieving measurable results. Known for reliability, adaptability, and strategic problem-solving. Proficient in compliance audits, regulatory reporting, and developing effective compliance programs.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Fair Housing Compliance Officer
Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (Office of the Governor)
12.2024 - Current
- Manage 25–40 housing discrimination investigations annually in alignment with HUD and Fair Housing regulations
- Conduct detailed interviews, gather evidence, and analyze findings to determine regulatory violations
- Prepare comprehensive investigative reports supporting enforcement decisions and compliance outcomes
- Facilitate conciliation agreements, successfully resolving 60–70% of cases without litigation
- Maintain 100% compliance with federal timelines, documentation standards, and reporting requirements
- Collaborate with legal teams, service providers, and stakeholders to ensure equitable and enforceable resolutions
DBE Compliance Specialist I
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Reviewed 50+ certification applications in compliance with 49 CFR Part 26 and federal guidelines
- Conducted site visits, interviews, and document reviews to assess eligibility and regulatory compliance
- Evaluated financial records, ownership structures, and operational documentation
- Assigned NAICS codes and provided technical guidance to applicants and stakeholders
- Prepared compliance reports and recommendations for certification decisions
Internal Auditor / Examiner
Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Inspector General
11.2018 - 03.2020
- Conducted audits of state-funded programs and multi-million-dollar expenditures, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations
- Reviewed internal controls, financial transactions, and program documentation to identify risks and compliance gaps
- Developed audit reports and corrective action plans, reducing repeat findings by 15–20%
- Monitored implementation of corrective actions to ensure sustained compliance
- Evaluated third-party vendors and grant-funded programs for regulatory adherence
Education
Master of Business Administration - Business Administration
Strayer University
Bachelor of Science - undefined
University of West Georgia
Skills
- HUD compliance evaluation
- Environmental review assistance
- Regulatory compliance analysis
- Risk assessment expertise
- Compliance investigations
- Documentation management
- Stakeholder communication
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Training delivery
- Effective complaint resolution
Timeline
Fair Housing Compliance Officer
Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (Office of the Governor)
12.2024 - Current
DBE Compliance Specialist I
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
02.2023 - 06.2023
Internal Auditor / Examiner
Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Inspector General
11.2018 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Science - undefined
University of West Georgia
Master of Business Administration - Business Administration
Strayer University