Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Memberships
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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Olympia  Smith

Olympia Smith

Brandon,MS

Summary

Accomplished leader with 21 years of military service in the U.S. Army and Navy, specializing in situational awareness, decision support, and crisis management. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, implement strategic initiatives, and manage real-time data for informed decisions under pressure. Seeking Deputy National Assistant Director, Situational Awareness and Decision Support role at the American Red Cross to make an immediate impact on national operations.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Human Resources Officer (remote)

Department of Defense
Los Angeles, CA
10.2023 - Current
  • Developed and implemented effective human resources policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Created and managed annual budget for the Human Resources department.
  • Conducted research to identify trends in compensation and benefits programs.
  • Managed recruitment processes including job postings, applicant tracking, interviewing, background checks, selection of candidates, and onboarding new employees.
  • Partnered with leadership team to ensure alignment between business objectives and HR initiatives.
  • Collaborated with other departments to design training programs that meet their needs while driving organizational goals forward.
  • Organized events aimed at promoting a positive work environment such as teambuilding activities or recognition ceremonies.

Deputy Chief HR

Veterans Administration
Jackson, MS
05.2022 - 09.2023
  • Collaborated with Chief to develop and implement departmental policies and procedures.
  • Provided guidance, direction, and leadership to subordinate personnel.
  • Supervised staff in day-to-day operations of the division.
  • Developed and managed budget for the entire division.
  • Maintained a high level of communication with other divisions within the organization.
  • Investigated complaints against personnel in accordance with established protocols.

Workforce Management Specialist

ERDC
Vicksburg, MS
03.2020 - 05.2022
  • Created reports to track employee performance, attendance, and labor costs.
  • Conducted research on current industry best practices related to workforce management.
  • Analyzed data from time tracking systems to identify trends in workforce utilization.
  • Performed audits of existing payroll processes and identified areas for improvement.

Human Resources Advisor

USACE
Vicksburg, MS
07.2016 - 03.2020
  • Assisted the HR Manager with developing training programs for new and existing employees.
  • Provided advice to managers on a wide range of topics including personnel policies, procedures and labor legislation.
  • Developed job descriptions for all positions within the company.
  • Administered benefits programs such as health insurance, retirement plans and vacation and sick leave policies.
  • Maintained accurate records of employee data using HR software systems.
  • Advised senior management on best practices for managing a diverse workforce.

Various Roles in Leadership

Active Duty Military
05.2005 - 07.2016


• Senior Operations Manager & Strategic Advisor: Directed the implementation of large-scale operational strategies and crisis response initiatives, ensuring that senior leaders had accurate and timely situational awareness to make informed decisions. Managed teams in complex environments, delivering mission-critical outcomes.
• Crisis Response Leader: Spearheaded emergency response teams during high-stakes missions and humanitarian efforts. Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with broader national objectives while leading real-time decision-making processes.
• Strategic Planner: Developed and implemented operational strategies aligned with national objectives, improving readiness and operational efficiency across multiple deployments.
• Decision Support Specialist: Provided detailed situational assessments and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, using decision support systems and real-time data. Delivered high-impact analysis during high-tempo operations, reducing response times and improving mission outcomes.
• Leadership and Team Development: Built and mentored cross-functional teams, improving their operational effectiveness and professional growth. Supported team members in their development of situational awareness skills, resulting in improved response capabilities.

  • Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
  • Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.

Education

MBA - Health Administration

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
05-2008

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Jackson State University
Jackson, MS
05-2004

Skills

  • Key Skills:

    Situational Awareness & Decision-Making Expertise: Proven track record of delivering critical real-time intelligence and recommendations to senior leadership, ensuring mission success in dynamic and high-stakes environments
    Strategic Crisis Management: Directed multiple crisis response efforts, coordinating across teams to deliver actionable intelligence during natural disasters, military operations, and humanitarian missions
    Cross-functional Leadership & Team Building: Skilled in building cohesive, mission-driven teams while fostering collaboration and alignment across departments and external stakeholders
    Data-Driven Insights for Strategic Decisions: Expertise in utilizing data analysis, decision support tools, and situational reporting to guide leadership and ensure optimal outcomes
    Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management: Established strong partnerships with senior leaders, interagency teams, and external organizations to ensure mission alignment and seamless collaboration
    Change Management & Operational Improvement: Led change management initiatives that enhanced organizational readiness and supported mission-critical transitions

Memberships

  • Member, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
  • Member, Society fot Human Resources Management (SHRM)
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

Accomplishments

• Meritorious Service Medal (2) – Recognized for outstanding contributions to situational awareness and decision-making during Iraqi Enduring Freedom (2008)
• Army Commedation Medal (6) – Acknowledged for leading change management initiatives that resulted in improved team cohesion and mission success.

Technical Proficiencies:

• Situational Awareness Systems (e.g., [specific tools/software used in decision support])
• Crisis Management Platforms and Decision Support Systems
• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel, Power BI)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Communication Platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom) for Operational Coordination

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Chief Human Resources Officer (remote)

Department of Defense
10.2023 - Current

Deputy Chief HR

Veterans Administration
05.2022 - 09.2023

Workforce Management Specialist

ERDC
03.2020 - 05.2022

Human Resources Advisor

USACE
07.2016 - 03.2020

Various Roles in Leadership

Active Duty Military
05.2005 - 07.2016

MBA - Health Administration

University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Jackson State University
Olympia Smith