Michael Simon
Lexington,SC
Summary
Proven leader and experienced national security and emergency management professional, with a focus on planning and scheduling; consistently rated as “Exceeds Expectations” or higher; dedicated to constant improvement. Successfully implemented projects and programs in the public and private sector geared toward reducing, mitigating, and managing risk through partnering with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial (FSLTT) stakeholders. Expertise in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) preparedness, emergency management planning, disaster response, budgeting, financial management, federal grants, policy development, and regulatory compliance. Excels in fast paced-high stress environments, leading teams in mission planning and execution, ready to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the organization.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Senior National Security Exercise Program Manager
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CWMD Office
12.2020 - Current
- Leads a team in developing national security exercises (seminars, workshops, tabletops, drills, and full-scale), testing plans and procedures of federal, state, and local jurisdictions to detect, prevent, and mitigate the risk of terrorist acts involving the full spectrum of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives enhancing national security programs.
- Developed comprehensive project plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance regulations.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Serves as lead planner for training and exercise planning process, providing input and collaborating with federal interagency members, resulting in improved interagency coordination.
- Led the planning and execution of multiple exercises for the National Security Council, testing and refining protocols through the Corrective Action Planning process.
- Supported FEMA National Exercise Division in planning and executing multiple Senior Leader exercises with various CBRN scenarios, ensuring proper response protocols are used.
- Spearheaded special projects using complex problem-solving techniques that addressed challenges head-on, resulting in effective resolution measures.
Deputy Program Manager
Department of Homeland Security, CWMD Office
09.2019 - 12.2020
- Led the effort to plan, coordinate, and execute the entire application and award process of the Securing the Cities Program, a federal assistance program providing funding of $59 Million to 13 high-risk urban areas across the country.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagements, ensuring alignment with project goals and expectations.
- Developed a communication plan and wrote the official Notice of Funding Opportunity documents.
- Wrote the standard operating procedure (SOP), for the processing of federal awards, for future staff to follow, which reduced the learning curve and saved time, effort, and money to the taxpayer.
- Collaborated with federal assistance stakeholders for program and administrative requirements.
- Cultivated a positive work environment, fostering strong team dynamics and high levels of employee satisfaction.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring prompt resolution of issues and maintaining a high level of service delivery.
Federal Grants Program Manager
Department of Homeland Security, FEMA
01.2007 - 08.2019
- Led a team of professionals in implementing the Homeland Security Grant Program to 28 states, territories, and 16 high-risk urban areas, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of federal assistance awards, and resulting in enhanced preparedness capabilities to over half the U.S.
- Oversaw annual federal funding of over $4 billion to recipients in 28 states and territories, improving the preparedness of First Responders, Public Health, and Emergency Management agencies.
- Collaborated with Customs and Border Protection to achieve organizational goals and reduce overall risk by funding projects focused on securing the border through FSLTT operational partnerships.
- Provided written responses to Congressional, Government Accountability Office (GAO), and DHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) inquiries and audits.
- Analyzed program performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement and cost reduction.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by closely monitoring adherence to award requirements and federal guidelines throughout the program lifecycle.
- Championed best practices in project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Leveraged technology tools for enhanced project tracking, reporting, and information sharing among team members.
Project Manager
CRA, Inc.
09.2003 - 12.2006
- Facilitated the development and management of budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
- Developed project budgets and managed the burn rate, contributing to the successful funding and execution of key projects.
- Planned and executed the first radiation dispersal device exercise in Delaware and the first end to end verification of the strategic national stockpile distribution plan in Hawaii.
- Planned and conducted numerous mass casualty exercises with local jurisdictions and medical facilities, validating plans and communication protocols with local fire, police, and EMS.
- Responded to hurricanes Irma and Maria, serving as an operational planner at the Florida Emergency Operation Center and Joint Field Office.
- Developed potential courses of action for the Federal Coordinating Officer to present to the Governor and State Emergency Management Agency leadership.
NCO and Officer
U.S. Army
08.1985 - 10.1998
- Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative team environment.
- Learned the foundations of leadership and the military planning and decision making process.
- Led organizations in setting several performance records at the 101st Airborne Division during annual performance testing and at the Joint Readiness Training Center.
- Recognized by the Commanding Generals for the 101st Airborne Division and 2nd Infantry Division for outstanding performance and leadership.
- Served in senior positions as a junior officer in multiple organizations, as a 1st LT/O-2 served in a CPT/O-3 billet as the S-4, as a CPT/O-3 served as the Brigade Operations Officer (Assistant S-3) a Maj/O-4 billet and on multiple occasions and extended periods as the S-3 (an LTC/O-5 billet).
Education
Master of Science - Executive Leadership
Champlain College
05.2017
Bachelor of Business Administration - Engineering/Industrial Management
Southern Arkansas University
08.1991
Skills
- Analytical
- Budgeting
- Business Operations
- Communication
- Contract Management
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Customer Service
- Emergency Management
- Leadership
- Logistics Management
- Military Operations
- National Security
- Problem Solving
- Project Management
- Requirements Management
- Risk Management
- Strategic Planning
Accomplishments
Silo Busting Team Award - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Aug 2024
Recognizes the efforts to break down "Silos" by sharing and coordinating information.
Certification
- Grants Management Specialist (GMS) - U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Contracting Officer’s Representative, Level II (FAC-COR II) - U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Senior National Security Exercise Program Manager
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CWMD Office
12.2020 - Current
Deputy Program Manager
Department of Homeland Security, CWMD Office
09.2019 - 12.2020
Federal Grants Program Manager
Department of Homeland Security, FEMA
01.2007 - 08.2019
Project Manager
CRA, Inc.
09.2003 - 12.2006
NCO and Officer
U.S. Army
08.1985 - 10.1998
Bachelor of Business Administration - Engineering/Industrial Management
Southern Arkansas University
Master of Science - Executive Leadership
Champlain College
Awards
Silo Busting Team Award - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Secretary's Award Aug 2024
Recognizes the efforts to break down "Silos" by sharing and coordinating information.
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