Paula LaFond
Rutland,VT
Summary
Experienced Program Manager skilled in managing functional operations and projects. Advanced understanding of organizational strategies, financial management, and government systems. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact mission goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
02.2017 - Current
- Comprehensive program management of USCIS training at FLETC including planning, setting objectives, and implementing initiatives
- Liaison between USCIS and FLETC management and various stakeholders through coordination and communication of policy and procedures
- Manage cross-functional teams for successful creation and oversight of lifecycles of IAA, IRWA agreements, IPAC payments and the registration process
- Generate 7600A/B forms (GT&cs and Orders) in G-INV and delegate to various program officials for review and signature, and follow agreements through various USCIS specific programs
- Manage current IAA/IRWA agreements once executed for billing and contract compliance and close out once obligations are fulfilled
- Champion best practices in project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement through analysis and evaluation of program efficiency
- Program level budget oversight and forecasting and out-year planning utilizing FFMS, G-INV, WebView and IPAC processing according to policy and financial rules and regulations
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
- Cultivate positive environment to encourage inclusivity, sharing and integrity among team members by leading by example and promoting creativity and trust
Supervisory Financial Program Specialist
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
05.2015 - 02.2017
- Supervisor of the Immigration Bonds section within the Financial Operations Center
- Achieved successful outcomes for multiple projects through effective project management and collaboration with stakeholders.
- Developed extensive program documentation, ensuring clear understanding of goals, objectives, and requirements among all team members.
- Designed and implemented monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress towards desired outcomes.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff on new tools or methodologies, promoting a culture of skill development within the organization.
- Financial guidance and recommendations including monitoring and interfacing of various financial systems
- Improved overall program effectiveness through comprehensive data analysis and evaluation of key performance indicators.
- Managed a diverse team of specialists, fostering collaboration and teamwork to achieve program goals.
Financial Specialist
United States Bankruptcy Court, District Of Vermont
09.2014 - 05.2015
- Administration of court budget
- Processing of financial transactions
- Implementation of online payment processing system
- Coordination of internal audit procedure.
- Reduced operational costs through effective budget management and identification of cost-saving opportunities.
Information Technology Support Specialist
United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Vermont
08.2012 - 09.2014
- Customer service and technical support
- Configuration and testing of database changes
- Development and implementation of local policies
- Courtroom technology support
- Desktop application support.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Leadership
College of Saint Joseph
Rutland05.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Accounting
Community College of VT
Rutland, VTHigh School Diploma -
Rutland High School
Rutland, VT06.1995
Skills
- Quality Assurance
- Enterprise Resource Planning
- Regulatory Compliance
- Partnership Development
- Life Cycle Management
- Operations Management
- Customer Service
- Stakeholder Communications
Training
- Effective Communication Skills for Conflict Resolution, May 2021
- Clifton Strengths Workshop, January 2021
- Meeting Management Techniques, April 2019
- Reasonable Accommodation Processing, March 2019
- Six Sigma Green Belt, December 2018
- Immigration Overview for Non-Adjudicators, November 2018
- Business Writing, February 2016
- Microsoft Excel Level IV, April 2016
- DHS/ICE Supervisory Leadership Academy, July 2015
- Emotional Intelligence, October 2015
- Appropriations Law, August 2015
Timeline
Program Manager
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
02.2017 - Current
Supervisory Financial Program Specialist
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
05.2015 - 02.2017
Financial Specialist
United States Bankruptcy Court, District Of Vermont
09.2014 - 05.2015
Information Technology Support Specialist
United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Vermont
08.2012 - 09.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Leadership
College of Saint Joseph
Some College (No Degree) - Accounting
Community College of VT
High School Diploma -
Rutland High School
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