Michele Kupchella Adams
Classic Elements, Inc.
Johnstown,USA
30
years of professional experience
Results-oriented, dedicated contracting professional with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance. Leads teams through audits, new contracting efforts, and cradle-to-grave administration.
Work History
Consultant, Advisory Services
4 Months- Draft, review and revise contracts for accuracy and completeness.
- Assess risks inherent in contract changes and potential impacts, informing management in detail of concerns to avoid liabilities.
- Draft clear, concise, and legally compliant contracts tailored to specific business needs and objectives.
Owner
7 Years 6 Months- Created a thriving destination on Main Street in downtown Johnstown as part of a renaissance happening in our small city.
- Initiated sale process for business, ensuring smooth transition and continuity for customers and community.
- Oversee financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and expense control.
- Directed operations to enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Winner of multiple awards including Entrepreneurial Excellence.
Managing Director, Business Operations
6 Years 8 Months- Led cradle-to-grave administration of U.S. Government contracts for several Government agencies.
- Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
- Managed risk effectively by instituting comprehensive mitigation strategies across the organization's operations.
- Championed process improvement initiatives to streamline paperwork, workflows, and enhance productivity.
- Negotiated with Government contracting agencies or prime contractors to develop mutually agreeable documents that protected the interests of EVC.
- Reviewed proposals to respond to Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for Government and commercial contracts, thoroughly reviewing the solicitations to ensure that EVC’s proposals met or exceeded requirements.
- Served as an ITAR Empowered Official.
- Analyzed FARs, DFARS, and specific agency clauses to identify risks, facilitating discussions with key stakeholders for informed decision-making.
- Traveled to meet clients to discuss project requirements and for kick-off meetings.
- Coordinated with outside attorneys when legal questions arose.
Contract Administrator
3 Years 9 Months- Led cradle-to-Grave administration of U.S. Government contracts for various agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of the Interior, and General Services Administration.
- Reviewed contractual agreements for adherence to organizational policies and regulations.
- Prepared proposals for Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for government and commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with solicitation requirements to enhance competitiveness.
- Prepared proposals to respond to Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for Government and commercial contracts, thoroughly reviewing the solicitations to ensure that CTC’s proposals met or exceeded requirements.
- Negotiated contracts with government agencies and prime contractors, ensuring terms that safeguarded CTC's interests and aligned with project objectives.
- Assisted CTC’s for-profit affiliate, Enterprise Ventures Corporation (EVC), with setting up processes and procedures for commercial and government contracting.
Manager of Contract Administration
3 Years 4 Months- Coordinated drafting, negotiation, and management of commercial and U.S. Government contracts, covering all aspects of prime contracts and associated subcontracts.
- Analyzed FARs, DFARS and specific agency clauses included in contracts and subsequently determined which clauses were applicable to MTT and which were also applicable and should be flowed down to subcontractors.
- Facilitated discussions on intellectual property (IP) and legal issues with MTT’s attorneys, presenting determinations to leadership for strategic decision-making.
- Managed responses to Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for government and commercial contracts, issuing RFPs or Requests for Quotes (RFQs) for related subcontracts and procurements.
- Discussed legal issues – Intellectual Property (IP) and general topics with MTT’s attorneys and took determinations to leadership for discussion.
- Interpreted intellectual property issues of products and processes MTT created to determine what steps were necessary to protect such intellectual property.
- Participated in Operations and Supervisor meetings, providing updates to the Leadership and others on Contracts Department projects and the status of contracts.
Sr. Contracts Specialist
1 Year 1 Month- Drafted and negotiated advertising contracts for Shop@ channel, ensuring alignment with business goals and compliance with legal standards.
Contracts Administrator/Legal Assistant
6 Months- Developed the Contracts Department (nonexistent prior to my arrival). Reviewed all contracts in place, drafted new contracts and templates, created policies and procedures.
- NOTE: EYECAST was a startup company that went out of business in April 2001. I was laid off in February 2001.
Contracts Analyst/Sr. Legal Assistant
4 Years 3 Months- Generated and implemented large volumes of service contracts, including new product offerings, and uniformity of those contracts, in some instances worldwide. Volume of contracts increased by over 500% during tenure.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
B.A. - English
Skills
Deltek Costpoint
Proposal writing
Project leadership
Strategic planning
Operational efficiency
Workflow management
Excel
FAR/DFARs
FFP
T&M
CPFF
CR
IDIQ
Problem-solving
Team leadership
Attention to detail
Proposal writing
Affiliations
- Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership Board Member since 2021
- Former President of the Johnstown State Theater Foundation
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- May 2005 – March 2019 - National Contract Management Association – Greater Johnstown Chapter; Former Chairman of Education and Certification Committee
- Member of the Downtown Johnstown Business Owners – a group that gets together with City Council, the Mayor, Police professionals and other City Officials on a monthly basis to discuss upcoming or ongoing issues for local businesses.
Timeline
Consultant, Advisory Services
Self-Employed
03.2026 - CurrentRead More
Owner
Classic Elements, Inc.
01.2019 - CurrentRead More
Managing Director, Business Operations
CTC Enterprise Ventures Corporation (EVC)
07.2012 - 03.2019Read More
Contract Administrator
Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC)
09.2008 - 06.2012Read More
Manager of Contract Administration
MountainTop Technologies, Inc. (MTT)
05.2005 - 09.2008Read More
Sr. Contracts Specialist
AMERICA ONLINE, INC.
04.2001 - 05.2002Read More
Contracts Administrator/Legal Assistant
EYECAST CORPORATION
08.2000 - 02.2001Read More
Contracts Analyst/Sr. Legal Assistant
UUNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
05.1996 - 08.2000Read More
George Mason University
B.A. from English
Read More
St. Francis University
MBA from Business Administration And Management
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