MONICA T MELENDEZ
Shreveport,LA
Summary
Experienced leader with a strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for a collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings a positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Currently seeking a full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MAJCOM FUNCTIONAL MNGR
AF GLOBAL STRIKE
06.2024 - Current
- Handled administrative requirements, maintained records and submitted operational reports.
- Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Demonstrated knowledge of company mission and goals and mentored employees in reaching objectives aligned with company core values.
- Built strong relationships with customers through positive attitude and attentive response.
- Maintained team flexibility and embraced change to adapt within dynamic markets.
- Reviewed employee concerns and new opportunities to drive business strategies.
- Identified trends and assessed opportunities to improve processes and execution.
- Located bottlenecks to streamline existing processes.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
PARALEGAL MANAGER
8th Air Force
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Directed tactical operations in complex and challenging environments.
- Coordinated activities of subordinate personnel to support mission success.
- Monitored and assessed mission progress and provided updates to command.
- Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Established successful procedures for day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
- Monitored job progress and performance of employees or contractors to complete projects prior to deadlines.
- Created and implemented plans to maximize efficiency of workers.
- Provided feedback to workers on job performance and safety procedures.
- Directed projects according to schedule and quality demands.
- Trained attorneys and lawyers in use of legal information management systems and document organization.
- Coordinated office events, seminars and meetings for staff and clients.
- Built and managed processes for tracking and monitoring department performance.
- Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
- Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
- Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and business initiatives.
- Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
- Developed job-specific competencies and performance standards.
- Identified workers with specific skill sets to recommend for promotions and to fill special duty positions.
- Used Microsoft TEAMS to design training for Law Office Superintendents and Operational Law Paralegals, and increase productivity rates by 85%.
- Developed and executed performance management programs to increase employee engagement and productivity.
- Created and oversaw four training programs for operations.
- Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
LAW OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT
PACIFIC AIR FORCES
12.2019 - 01.2022
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
- Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Interceded between employees during arguments and diffused tense situations.
- Coordinated individual duties after careful evaluation of each employee's skill level and knowledge.
- Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
- Used knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcome of cases.
- Evaluated findings and developed strategies and arguments in preparation for case presentations.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Created and enforced detailed organization processes to increase quality and service standards.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
LAW OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
05.2015 - 12.2019
- Reviewed and approved equipment resources and requirements worth $487,000.
- Managed $192,000 operation and maintenance funds and $295,000 equipment budget.
- Planned, organized, directed personnel in six legal
domains; established standard evaluation criteria for accuracy and compliance with regulations. - Controlled 491 training and job qualification tasks ensuring legal office personnel meet 302 deployment and upgrade training standards and requirements. Enlisted advisor to the Staff Judge Advocate, 9 attorneys and supervised 11 enlisted paralegals & 3 civilian legal technicians.
- With extensive experience and leadership acumen, critical mission capability gaps were identified and springboard actions that would stabilize operational requirements were implemented.
- Justified for the addition of a civilian attorney position and four enlisted billets while arranging for a reserve backfill to cover for the deployments of the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate and four paralegals. Crafted two civilian clerk skill reclassifications enabling expanded task coverage and increased pay grades.
- Sourced $127,000 for office renovations and new flooring as well as equipping the courtroom with a
$20,000 litigation presentation system using squadron innovation funds. - Coordinated with unit leadership and direct superiors for taskings and managed subordinates to execute.
- Maintained awareness of subordinates' personal problems and shortcomings, supporting personal and professional growth.
- Trained in conflict resolution among subordinates, equals and superiors.
- Upheld Air Force dress and appearance regulations for professional appearance.
- Rated job performance for twelve subordinates providing timely and effective feedback.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
- Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Organized and edited training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials.
- Trained new hires to perform cross-training exercises with experienced workers.
- Conducted orientation sessions and organized on-the-job training for new hires.
- Collaborated with other departments to align training programs with organizational goals and objectives.
- Monitored and evaluated training performance to determine quality and cohesiveness.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training program to increase employee productivity and morale.
- Selected and assigned instructors to conduct specific training programs.
- Trained staff during demonstrations, meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Conducted training courses and prepared videos for long-term use.
- Tested students to assess progress and adapted learning plans in alignment with performance.
- Optimized learning plans based on student performance and feedback.
- Studied and highlighted key information from current cases as well as landmark cases to teach students aspects such as interpretation of laws and precedents.
- Presented lectures on Article 137 and Progressive Discipline at seminars and professional events.
- Taught students role of government related to changes in legislation.
NCOIC, MILITARY JUSTICE
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
05.2013 - 05.2015
- Monitored court proceedings for adherence to legal procedures and rules by attorneys and litigants.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Substantiated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved data integrity for court hearings.
- Oversaw criminal cases, coordinated investigations, and prepared evidence and investigators for court cases.
- Marked off crime scenes and controlled access to protect evidence from tampering or loss.
- Trained team members on agency processes, court procedures and investigation strategies.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
NCOIC, General Law
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
- Analyzed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support litigation strategy.
- Prepared and drafted wills, deeds and patent applications.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Researched and analyzed legal issues and cases to provide accurate advice to clients.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
NCOIC, LEGAL OFFICE
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
06.2009 - 08.2010
- Organized office operations, leading daily activities and controlling correspondence.
- Scheduled and led regular meetings with staff to review progress and acknowledge achievements.
- Assessed special reports, summarizing information and identifying trends to guide decision making.
- Organized company functions and events to improve employee morale.
- Supervised processing of orders, order tracking and delivery of goods
- Performed database management and analysis of business functions and processes.
- Designed and implemented office policies and enforced standards.
- Supervised clerical staff to guide overall strategic direction.
- Hired, trained and on-boarded new team members and conducted evaluations to boost performance.
- Maintained awareness of subordinates' personal problems and shortcomings, supporting personal and professional growth.
- Designated mandatory reporter for sexual assault and responder for suicide prevention situations.
- Surveyed company overall health and preparedness.
- Developed job-specific competencies and performance standards.
- Identified workers with specific skill sets to recommend for promotions or special duty positions.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
NCOIC, GENERAL LAW & Acquisition Law
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
09.2008 - 06.2009
- Oversaw contractor performance to encourage compliance with contractual standards.
- Led operations to comply with environmental, operating, regulatory, and safety standards and ethics.
- Observed organization standards of ethics, eliminating personal conflicts of interest to serve as uninterested representative of company.
- Upheld code of ethics and safeguarded confidential information.
- Completed financial disclosure review and resolved ethics issues.
- Developed and maintained up-to-date tracking spreadsheets for each case.
- Completed research by using public information sources, law libraries and legal databases.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings, zoning commission meetings, and legal resolutions.
- Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
NCOIC, MILITARY JUSTICE
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
09.2007 - 09.2008
- Monitored court proceedings for adherence to legal procedures and rules by attorneys and litigants.
- Substantiated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved data integrity for court hearings.
- Oversaw criminal cases, coordinated investigations, and prepared evidence and investigators for court cases.
- Trained team members on agency processes, court procedures and investigation strategies.
- Collected information pertaining to criminal proceedings and performed investigations to resolve cases.
- Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
- Collected and preserved physical evidence, photographs and laboratory submissions.
- Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Supported victims, family members and witnesses through law enforcement, healthcare and social services.
- Attended interagency meetings and networked to create community partnerships.
- Accompanied clients to court to clarify processes and procedures.
- Constructed referral list of agencies and community resources for victims' to provide aftercare services.
- Collected statistical data and updated documentation to maintain client records.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
ADVERSE ACTIONS PARALEGAL
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
02.2007 - 09.2007
- Communicated and exchanged information with peers and senior personnel.
- Coordinated with key stakeholders on action details.
- Maintained information in Automated Military Justice database.
- Applied understanding of military discharge, nonjudicial punishment, and administrative policies to support mission requirements.
- Distributed action items to appropriate personnel.
- Took notes on interviews and other workplace investigations, compiled records and organized documentation for cases.
- Interviewed persons involved in equal opportunity complaints to verify case information.
- Determined proper sentencing, monetary fees and damages to be paid on basis of case facts and established guidelines.
NCOIC, Sacile Satellite Medical Laboratory
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
06.2003 - 12.2006
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry, and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
- Trained and supervised new laboratory staff to improve skills in laboratory procedures.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain safe and secure laboratory environment.
- Utilized various medical laboratory equipment to conduct tests and analyses.
- Performed routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment to produce accurate results.
- Participated in laboratory audits and assessments to maintain compliance and improve results.
- Prepared reagents and solutions, making readily available during testing for convenience.
- Prepared laboratory samples for analysis and performed data entry for accurate reporting.
- Documented and reported equipment malfunctions to supervisor for fast resolution and maintenance.
- Performed comprehensive analysis of patient samples and generated detailed reports to inform medical staff of results.
- Recorded and maintained accurate data to facilitate tracking of results.
- Operated wide range of laboratory equipment and instruments to complete analysis.
- Documented and verified patient information using laboratory information system.
- Kept supplies organized and well-stocked, requesting more supplies and avoiding unnecessary testing delays.
- Troubleshot problems with equipment and recalibrated devices or brought serious concerns to supervisor for handling.
- Specialized in conducting blood typing and antigen tests with accuracy and precision.
- Upheld laboratory protocols dictated by facility, governing agencies, or special project requirements.
- Helped management optimize laboratory processes for maximum efficiency and performance.
- Identified and traced quality control issues impacting laboratory results.
- Used correct formulas and procedures to prepare solutions and reagents for testing needs.
- Assessed new protocols and equipment for relevance and helped implement chosen updates.
- Collect blood and tissue samples with focus on accuracy and adherence to aseptic techniques.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
Medical Laboratory Technician
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
10.2002 - 06.2003
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry, and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
- Performed routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment to produce accurate results.
- Recorded and maintained accurate data to facilitate tracking of results.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain safe and secure laboratory environment.
- Utilized various medical laboratory equipment to conduct tests and analyses.
- Trained and supervised new laboratory staff to improve skills in laboratory procedures.
- Participated in laboratory audits and assessments to maintain compliance and improve results.
- Prepared reagents and solutions, making readily available during testing for convenience.
- Prepared laboratory samples for analysis and performed data entry for accurate reporting.
- Documented and reported equipment malfunctions to supervisor for fast resolution and maintenance.
- Kept supplies organized and well-stocked, requesting more supplies and avoiding unnecessary testing delays.
- Used correct formulas and procedures to prepare solutions and reagents for testing needs.
- Documented and verified patient information using laboratory information system.
- Operated wide range of laboratory equipment and instruments to complete analysis.
- Upheld laboratory protocols dictated by facility, governing agencies, or special project requirements.
- Helped management optimize laboratory processes for maximum efficiency and performance.
- Collect blood and tissue samples with focus on accuracy and adherence to aseptic techniques.
- Troubleshot problems with equipment and recalibrated devices or brought serious concerns to supervisor for handling.
- Conducted wide range of laboratory tests and recorded results.
- Collected and processed specimens for clinical protocols.
Medical Laboratory Technician Trainee
PACIFIC AIR FORCES
09.2000 - 09.2002
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
- Performed routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment to produce accurate results.
- Recorded and maintained accurate data to facilitate tracking of results.
- Participated in laboratory audits and assessments to maintain compliance and improve results.
- Documented and reported equipment malfunctions to supervisor for fast resolution and maintenance.
- Performed comprehensive analysis of patient samples and generated detailed reports to inform medical staff of results.
- Utilized various medical laboratory equipment to conduct tests and analyses.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain safe and secure laboratory environment.
- Followed safety protocols and precautions for safe and hazard-free work environment.
- Maintained laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring proper functioning and compliance with laboratory standards.
- Completed comprehensive diagnostic testing of blood, urine and other body fluids.
Medical Laboratory Intern
Air Education and Training Command
10.1999 - 07.2000
- Prepared reagents and solutions, calibrating pipettes and related activities to support experiments.
- Followed method or standard instructions and adhered to internal SOPs to eliminate repeat testing, deviations and investigations.
- Conferred with management and other laboratory staff to develop understanding of product specifications.
- Fulfilled lab assistant or specimen processor duties to support work of technicians, technologists and scientists.
- Recorded test results on standardized forms to enter into database and communicate to appropriate personnel.
- Leveraged personal protective equipment to maintain safety in lab.
- Kept supplies organized and well-stocked, requesting more supplies and avoiding unnecessary testing delays.
- Operated wide range of laboratory equipment and instruments to complete analysis.
- Maintained safe work environment free of unnecessary hazards to protect staff and testing results.
- Set up, maintained and verified sterility of lab equipment and tools.
- Collect blood and tissue samples with focus on accuracy and adherence to aseptic techniques.
- Documented and verified patient information using laboratory information system.
- Used correct formulas and procedures to prepare solutions and reagents for testing needs.
- Conducted wide range of laboratory tests and recorded results.
- Cooperated with other technicians to develop and test new protocols.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
LAW OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT
PACIFIC AIR FORCES
12.2018 - Current
LAW OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
05.2015 - Current
NCOIC, LEGAL OFFICE
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
11.2009 - Current
NCOIC, ACQUISITION LAW
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
09.2008 - Current
MEDICAL LAB JOURNEYMAN
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
10.2002 - Current
MEDICAL LABORATORY APPRENTICE
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
10.2002 - Current
Student
USAF
06.1999 - 09.1999
NAF PARALEGAL MANAGER
8 Air Force
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Supervised team of [Number] attorneys, paralegals and other legal personnel in conduct of corporate legal and administrative business.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Troy University
Troy, AL05.2014
Technical Or Occupational Certificate - Paralegal Certification
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA10.2014
Technical Or Occupational Certificate - Professional Manager Certification
Air University
Maxwell AFB, AL06.2015
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Air University
Maxwell AFB, AL07.2009
No Degree - Professional Development
Job Related Training
Skills
- Community engagement
- Networking strategies
- Relationship building
- Project management
- Time management
- Expectation setting
- Staff training and development
- Verbal and written communication
- Training and coaching
- Positive role model and mentor
- Effective listening
- Critical thinking
- Interactive teaching and learning
- Student motivation
- Learning style assessment
- Motivating students
Accomplishments
- Guided wg offices through 24 trials, 184 adverse actions & O-6 CC misconduct investigation, ridding units of failed leadership, sexual harassment.
- Filled vacant Chief MAJCOM Functional Manager position, driving strategic enlisted manpower restructuring, posturing future legal billets to support $160 billion Sentinel and $2 billion B-21 bed-downs, bolstering strategic nuclear deterrence.
- Led Headquarters's Judge Advocate Advanced Leadership Course as a senior mentor twice mentoring 70 junior leaders.
- Chaired Air Force Global Strike's Community Outreach event exhibiting 8th Air Force's war fighting platforms to 135 local high school students enrolled in JROTC and STEM.
- Designed "Airman Time" chats with Global Strike legal enlisted leaders focusing on profession of arms development.
- Innovated Global Strike's legal office's Paralegal Operations Law Course, the first of its kind ever. This innovation will steer future attorney and paralegal teams embedment into the Operational Support Squadron for immediate and direct operational planning and advice in contested environments, inoculating the agile combat employment concept into the legal domain.
- As a recognized paralegal subject matter expert across all legal domains, selected to augment the Headquarters Judge Advocate inspection team, completing five unit compliance inspections of legal offices across the Air Force, ensuring continued statutory compliance and morale.
- Aced the Texas Notary Certification course and subsequently innovated a remote online notary idea, submitting to the Air Force Idea Program and sparking a proposal to Congress for a Title 10 amendment to the legal assistance statute, revolutionizing future DoD capabilities.
- Molded future Airmen and expanded Judge Advocate's operational effectiveness by upgrading wing security clearances, leading Eighth Air Force's Military Justice Conference, accelerating the trial skills of six wing legal office justice teams by harnessing seven litigation experts, providing 40 hours of training, resulting in the reduction of 140 cases to 31, delivering 22,000 disciplined troops to top General.
- Surveyed 6 command wings, mentored offices on team development, promoting a culture of inclusion and resiliency.
- Surveyed six command wings, mentoring office personnel on team development and promoting a culture of resiliency.
- Garnered reserve support by acquiring 560 AFRC manpower authorization days to fill critical leadership manning shortfalls, extending reserve orders for two senior leader billets and guaranteeing mission capable offices while supporting overseas combat operations.
- Minted two civilian hires, writing both personnel documents that were classified and enabling advertisement of both jobs within one month of the incumbents resigning.
- Accelerated trial skills across six legal offices by harnessing seven litigation subject matter experts and delivering 40 hours of training, effectively reducing 140 cases to 31 and delivering 22,000 disciplined troops to the top General.
- Global Strike's Judge Advocate representative for 28 Bomb Wing Unit Compliance Inspection, identifying thirteen deficiencies, three strengths and corrected six potential noncompliant items, validating the office as Commendable and recognizing three Outstanding Performers.
- Innovated Paralegal Manager and Law Office Superintendent collaboration platform, advancing communication reach and support network all while melding five senior enlisted leaders into one lock-step team.
- Flight Superintendent for 5th Air Force, 337th Air Support Flight and Additional Duty First Sergeant. Managed sole legal office in support of Department of Defense in Australia, US Embassy, Defense Attache Office and Department of State.
- Provided legal assistance to 700 permanent Department of Defense members and 9,000 multi-service members supporting annual bilateral exercises. Interprets, briefs and administers US and Australian Status of Forces Agreement.
- Interfaced with Australian Government and US officials on military legal & policy issues, executing Foreign Criminal Jurisdiction program, customs and immigrations and interprets Australian laws as applied to US.
- Operational focus and status of forces agreement expertise resolved a $270,000 tax indemnity dispute, prevented illicit taxation on mission imports, and enabled two thousand mission visa grants.
- Served as the 337th Air Support Flight Superintendent, leading the unit to success despite pandemic challenges and delivering country-wide installation support to seven hundred multi-service residents and fifty thousand visiting personnel in support of bilateral exercises.
- Aided in crafting the flight's first mission and vision statements, identifying commander priorities, and creating a professional development team.
- Fostered joint service team work by training USMC and US Army attorneys on the international claims process, guaranteeing Marine Forces-Darwin and Exercise TALISMAN SABRE lifeline and mission accomplishment despite being geographically separated from the Embassy legal office.
- Senior Defense Officer-selected to lead security invest into US Naval Officer misconduct, advising on corrective actions and reinforcing Embassy security posture for 280 personnel.
- Fostered a culture of professional development through the establishment of squadron's first-ever training program, syncing five different Air Force Specialty Codes into one lock-step team and preparing Airmen for future dynamic mission sets.
- Executed joint ceremonial support, rallying flight members to participate in the dignified transfer of fallen SNCO in service of assisting in the Australian bushfires, ensuring a superior send-off for fellow Air Force leader.
- Owned Additional Duty First Sergeant role securing resiliency funds and actioning three morale off-sites and advised Senior Commanding Officer on US Navy Driving Under the Influence incident and ensuring good order and discipline in the host country.
- - Launched first-ever virtual SNCO professional development course, developed two-day curriculum and itinerary and taught "Board Ready” course, amplifying the writing skills of twelve senior leaders.
- Selected as a paralegal Training Committee team member and built Jurisdiction and Discovery Rule of Law trainings and training materials that further expanded analytical acumen of 1,000 paralegals worldwide across the Air Force.
- Developed Aviano's first Contract and Ethics training, handling logistics for 40 attendees and ensuring contracting officers and attorneys were ready for FY17 $3 Million close-out.
- Developed 185 upper-echelon Ieaders teaching six Professional Enhancement Seminars "discipline through mentorship", ultimately effecting a drop in adverse actions by 20%.
- Created NCOIC Training and Inspection position, authoring key duties and responsibilities, implementing a 90-day action plan, resulting in the training of 270 tasks and qualifying four for skill upgrades.
- Teamed with the Law Day committee for the prosecution of Goldilocks trial, performing a mock court-martial for120 middle school students and instilling understanding of the judicial process.
- Certified Air University Profession of Arms Institute of Excellence instructor; mentoring core values, character and ethics to junior leaders in an effort to learn to hone their decision-making skills and preparing joint fighters to lead tomorrow’s Department of Defense mission.
- Led Squadron Innovation Funds project submitting evidence display system research and proposal to the wing commander, ultimately receiving $20,000 for courtroom technology upgrade.
- Increased self-inspection oversight and battle rhythm, enabling involvement at every echelon from the youngest Airmen to the highest ranking officer with inspection team finding programs humming, earning the Wing an "Effective" rating 2018 UEI, and the Judge Advocate’s Office an “Excellent” rating.
Certification
- Notary Public – State Government or designated state authority.
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies – ABA-approved programs or recognized institutions.
- CPM - Certified Professional Manager
Awards
- 8 AF Team of the Year Award 2022, 2023, and 2024
- United States Ambassador’s Group Meritorious Honor Award
- Department of State’s Team Meritorious and Superior Honor Awards in 2021, 337th ASUF, US Embassy Canberra
- 2020 PACAF "Gears of Government" Team Award Nominee, 337th ASUF, US Embassy Canberra
- United States Air Forces in Australia 2020 Team of the Year, 337th ASUF, US Embassy Canberra
- Department of Defense in Australia 2019 Team of the Year, 337th ASUF, US Embassy Canberra
- Pacific Air Forces’ 2020 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Paralegal of the Year
- Distinguished graduate for Airman Leadership School 2003
- Distinguished graduate for Noncommissioned Officer Academy 2010
- Distinguished graduate Senior Noncommissioned Academy 2018
- The Judge Advocate General’s 2017 "Outstanding Legal Office of the Year" Award, 31 FW/JA, Aviano AB, Italy
- 2012 Doctor Richard S. Schubert Award for the top international law program, 31 FW/JA, Aviano AB, Italy
- 31st Fighter Wing’s nominee for the 2015 National Latina Symposium Award
- 2003 NCO of the Year, 31 MDSS, Aviano AB, Italy
- 2012 Distinguished Service Award from the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Legal Assistance to Military Personnel, 31 FW/JA, Aviano AB, Italy
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
MAJCOM FUNCTIONAL MNGR
AF GLOBAL STRIKE
06.2024 - Current
NAF PARALEGAL MANAGER
8 Air Force
01.2022 - 06.2024
PARALEGAL MANAGER
8th Air Force
01.2022 - 06.2024
LAW OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT
PACIFIC AIR FORCES
12.2019 - 01.2022
LAW OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT
PACIFIC AIR FORCES
12.2018 - Current
LAW OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
05.2015 - 12.2019
LAW OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
05.2015 - Current
NCOIC, MILITARY JUSTICE
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
05.2013 - 05.2015
NCOIC, General Law
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
08.2011 - 05.2013
NCOIC, LEGAL OFFICE
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
11.2009 - Current
NCOIC, LEGAL OFFICE
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
06.2009 - 08.2010
NCOIC, ACQUISITION LAW
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
09.2008 - Current
NCOIC, GENERAL LAW & Acquisition Law
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
09.2008 - 06.2009
NCOIC, MILITARY JUSTICE
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
09.2007 - 09.2008
ADVERSE ACTIONS PARALEGAL
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
02.2007 - 09.2007
NCOIC, Sacile Satellite Medical Laboratory
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
06.2003 - 12.2006
MEDICAL LAB JOURNEYMAN
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
10.2002 - Current
MEDICAL LABORATORY APPRENTICE
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
10.2002 - Current
Medical Laboratory Technician
US AIR FORCES, EUROPE
10.2002 - 06.2003
Medical Laboratory Technician Trainee
PACIFIC AIR FORCES
09.2000 - 09.2002
Medical Laboratory Intern
Air Education and Training Command
10.1999 - 07.2000
Student
USAF
06.1999 - 09.1999
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Troy University
Technical Or Occupational Certificate - Paralegal Certification
George Mason University
Technical Or Occupational Certificate - Professional Manager Certification
Air University
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Air University
No Degree - Professional Development
Job Related Training
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