Perla Lacayo
Vineyard,Utah
Summary
Strategic and mission-driven public administration professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in military, federal, and state government environments. Demonstrated expertise in public budgeting, legislative analysis, regulatory compliance, program evaluation, and cross-agency collaboration within complex public service systems. Proven ability to translate policy into operational practice, supervise diverse teams, and align resources with organizational priorities. Master of Public Administration candidate (Expected April 2026) focused on strengthening fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, and evidence-based reform in public institutions.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Industry Program Specialist
Utah Department of Corrections (UDC)
01.2022 - Current
- Coordinate correctional industries programming aligned with state policy and institutional objectives, ensuring compliance with evidence-based rehabilitation standards.
- Monitor legislative developments and policy changes impacting program operations; analyze performance metrics to inform leadership decisions and long-term planning.
- Contribute to budget planning and expenditure monitoring processes, supporting fiscal accountability and alignment with legislative appropriations.
- Evaluate operational data to improve program efficiency, resource allocation, and workforce development outcomes.
- Facilitate structured training workshops focused on professional communication, workplace readiness, and conflict resolution.
- Collaborate with executive leadership, finance personnel, and external partners to ensure coordinated service delivery and policy compliance.
- Draft formal reports and provide presentations to leadership supporting transparency, audit readiness, and performance review.
Veteran Service Officer
Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Interpreted and applied federal statutes, VA regulations, and administrative guidance to develop and submit complex benefits claims.
- Served as liaison between veterans, federal agencies, and state leadership to resolve regulatory and procedural issues.
- Delivered educational workshops and outreach presentations to community organizations to promote policy awareness and program accessibility.
- Maintained confidential case documentation in accordance with federal privacy standards and audit requirements.
- Partnered with housing, mental health, and workforce agencies to support vulnerable and high-risk veteran populations.
Legal Administrative Specialist (GS-7)
Veterans Benefits Administration (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Researched and applied federal regulations and statutory frameworks to resolve complex compensation and pension cases.
- Reviewed claims for legal sufficiency, regulatory compliance, and evidentiary completeness prior to adjudication.
- Drafted formal case summaries, correspondence, and decision-support documentation for supervisory review.
- Coordinated communication among claimants, representatives, and adjudicators to streamline case resolution timelines.
Operations Supervisor / S3 NCO (Sergeant, E-5)
United States Army – Fort Bliss, Texas
Fort Bliss, Texas
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Supervised 3–10 direct reports and supported leadership training initiatives impacting 400+ personnel.
- Directed operational scheduling, resource coordination, and compliance reporting to ensure mission readiness.
- Drafted official correspondence, briefings, and reports for senior command leadership.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve accountability, efficiency, and organizational discipline.
- Managed personnel evaluations, professional development planning, and performance counseling.
Education
Master of Public Administration - undefined
Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah04-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University
01-2013
Skills
- Program Evaluation
- Legislative & Policy Analysis
- Public Budget Preparation & Fiscal Analysis
- Organizational Leadership
- Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
- Performance-Based Budgeting
- Ethical Public Service Administration
- Strategic Planning & Systems Thinking
- Capital & Debt Evaluation
Affiliations
- MPA Graduate Research in Public Sector Finance & Policy
- Training in Performance-Based Budgeting & Strategic Planning
- Leadership Development in Public Organizations
Certification
- Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)
- Understanding Terrorism: A Social Science View on Terrorism
- Self-Study Certificate | February 2026
- Estimated Completion Time: 2 hours
Timeline
Correctional Industry Program Specialist
Utah Department of Corrections (UDC)
01.2022 - Current
Veteran Service Officer
Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs
01.2020 - 01.2022
Legal Administrative Specialist (GS-7)
Veterans Benefits Administration (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
01.2014 - 01.2016
Operations Supervisor / S3 NCO (Sergeant, E-5)
United States Army – Fort Bliss, Texas
01.2007 - 01.2013
Master of Public Administration - undefined
Utah Valley University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University