Prevolia Harper

As Deputy Executive Secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs, successfully managed correspondence and business processes for the Department. In this role, II also served as senior advisor to the Executive Secretary. During my tenure, implemented changes that led to improved efficiency in correspondence and business processes for the Department, 30 percent improvement in processing times for high level correspondence. Additional duties included:

• Managing a team of 22 direct report staff daily.
• Serving as operational manager working with senior and mid-level staff across the Department
• Leading high-level meetings with representatives from various groups across VA which improved engagement and collaboration.
• Providing crucial support and guidance to the Executive Secretary and senior leadership for congressional briefings, hearings and stakeholder engagements.
• Collaborating with IT staff weekly on improvements to the Salesforce platform for correspondence management.
• Hiring the best talent, which led to a high performing team and implemented strategies that led to improved morale and productivity.
• Establishing correspondence process guidelines and training, ensure the daily management and control of sensitive documents.
• Evaluating staff performance through regular reviews, identifying areas for improvement while recognizing achievements that contributed positively to the department's mission.
• Serving as a mentor to junior level employees.
• Collaborated with multiple departments to develop effective strategies for case management and resource allocation.

Consistent superior performance ratings.

In this role I served as Executive Assistant and advisor to the Veterans Health Administration Deputy Under Secretary for Health (Policy and Services). In this role, I managed daily operations and staff and responded to an average of 20 to 30 emails and calls each day. In addition, presented 20 folders each week for approval or signature. I provided oversight of correspondence and communications from multiple health offices/groups including the offices of mental health services, women's health, VA research. Additional duties and accomplishments include:

• Successfully managing and reducing correspondence backlogs.
• Hiring additional staff and improving internal correspondence processes and quality.
• Reviewing press releases for accuracy and content prior to submission.
• Advising and providing guidance to Policy and Services staff and senior leaders, clearing action items on behalf of the Deputy Under Secretary.
• Leading weekly staff, senior leader and bi-weekly Executive meetings with correspondence staff.
• Collaborating with senior leaders, network directors, chiefs of staff and other executives on strategies for correspondence and policy issues.
• Served as advisor to the Deputy Under Secretary (Policy and Services) and provided consultation on organizational and management matters affecting health care programs.
• Cultivating a collaborative and effective customer-focused team
• Initiating recruitment actions to meet workload requirements and staffing needs.
• Providing oversight and monitoring of General Accounting Office actions, VA Directives and policies, Congressional Reports, and Congressional Tracking Reports actions.
• Handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
• Preparing and editing presentations on behalf of executives for both internal meetings and external conferences.

Consistent superior performance ratings.

• In this role, as an Executive Reviewer for the Office of Executive Correspondence for VHA by providing high level correspondence management, review and analysis correspondence from various VHA health programs and offices. In addition, conducted analytical and administrative correspondence management, review and analysis by converting highly technical health material into a readable and more understandable language and format. Processed an average of approximately 30 folders per month for signature and or clearance. Additional duties and accomplishments included:
• Developing strong working relationships with clients, fostering open communication channels for addressing concerns or questions about reviews.
• Editing and proofread drafts of articles and other documents. Working with subject matter experts to discuss medical terminology and responses for clarity which resulted in high signature rates.
• Ensuring responses reflect established policies consistent with stated goals and objectives of VHA overall policies for health care delivery.
• Maintaining strong attention to detail while reviewing numerous documents daily, ensuring consistent quality and accuracy.
• Worked independently daily, managing assignments and following up with program offices on correspondence submitted for approval and signature.
• Implementing correspondence training sessions for VHA health offices assigned to me which led to improved quality and timeliness.
• Consulting with attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel and edited and wrote responses to congressional VA/VHA inquiries
• Writing, editing and reviewing internal VHA and external reports, issue papers, briefs, and memos.
• Engaged in working relationships with facility managers in coordination of administrative service activities.
• Conducting in-depth research to strengthen the overall quality and credibility of each review.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives by actively participating in team meetings, trainings, and workshops focused on enhancing reviewer skills and processes.

Consistent superior performance ratings.

In this role, I served as a Correspondence Analyst for the VA National Cemetery Administration providing correspondence review and management from assigned National Cemetery program areas. In this role, I was recognized for contributing to ongoing process improvements by offering valuable insights and suggestions based on extensive experience in correspondence analysis and management. Additional duties and accomplishments include:

• Maintaining a well-organized databases for easy retrieval of essential documents and correspondence records
• Managing high volumes of correspondence (including congressional inquiries), ensuring timely responses and resolution of issues
• Preparing executive-level reports, summarizing key findings from in-depth correspondence analysis.
• Conducting research to inform responses to complex inquiries, demonstrating thoroughness and attention to detail
• Acted as Correspondence Director on several occasions based on my work and experience.
• Improved customer satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and providing clear resolutions
• Assisted in the creation of templates for routine communications, streamlining response times while maintaining a personalized approach
• Provided prompt assistance to colleagues with urgent requests, exemplifying strong teamwork skills in a challenging environment
• Participated in mail call by presenting an average of thirty completed folders per month.
• Prioritizing tasks effectively under pressure, meeting strict deadlines without compromising quality or client satisfaction levels.
• Managed correspondence from assigned program areas and ensured timely approval and signature

In this role, I reviewed military historical documents and and Army personnel records to determine the validity of claims from Veterans seeking correction of an error or injustice in their military records. I also conducted research from various sources including the National Personnel Records Center to support my research and the Veterans request for relief. My cases were presented before the Board and in many cases, relief was granted based on my recommendations, documentation and research. Additional duties and accomplishments included:

• Identifying clear connections between policies and business results and individual requesting review of alleged injustices in their military records
• Conducting extensive research of issues presented including military record reviews and alternate source analysis
• Providing written analysis and compilation of facts to submit to the Board used in determining merits of each case.
• Conducting analysis of applicable regulations on a range of subjects
• Presenting, fair, balanced, and comprehensive case summaries for presentation to the Board.
• Conducting research of issues such as requests for retroactive promotions, restoration of rank, and discharge cases

Consistent superior performance ratings.

Served as a Correspondence Analyst working for the Department of the Army Liaison Office on Capitol Hill by supporting the Department of Army's liaison legislative program and assisted active-duty soldiers in overseas commands. Additional duties included:

• Working closely with Congressional staff on Army policy issues
• Collaborating with team members to achieve shared goals within tight deadlines
• Representing the Department in interacting with Members of Congress and their staff and responding to congressional inquiries and requests for information and/or assistance,
• Communicating with oversea commands to assist soldiers with requests such as compassionate reassignments and emergency leave actions and providing prompt assistance to colleagues with urgent requests.
• Coordinating interdepartmental communication, fostering collaboration and efficiency across teams and assisting with hearings involving Army personnel.