Rachel McKenzie

Highly organized with excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Strong focus on time and project management. Extensive experience in multitasking and working both individually and in a team setting. Possesses excellent organizational skills and maintains a professional demeanor with a vigorous work ethic. Willing to work and travel as required. Knowledgeable and experienced in coordinating federal assistance during major declarations of disasters or emergencies. Served as the principal advisor to the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO), FEMA Administrator, and the Regional Administrator in Region 6, Louisiana. Assesses federal support needs and coordinates recovery activities in collaboration with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners.

• Source Selection Certificate- Advanced Level (40 hours)
• Project Management Principles- Basic Level (40 hours)
• Project Scheduling, Performance Management Associates, February 2008, 14 hours Certified
• Earned Value Management, Performance Management Associates, February 2008, 20 hours
• Contract Management for Program managers and Project Officers Certified
• Performance Based Services Acquisition Certified
• Department of Homeland Security Certified
• Level 1 Project Management Certified
• Level II Project Management Certified
• DHS Certified Acquisitions Professional
• Contracting Officer Technical Representative Certified
• OSHA Certified under DHS (40 hrs)
• Level 1 Coaching Certification
• CPR certified
• CPM - Certified Professional Manager
• CM - Certified Manager Certification

• 02/21, Present, Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist, Public Assistance Region 6 (CORE), 415 N. 15th St., Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, Jodi Hunter, 202-679-5809, As the Public Assistance Louisiana Field Team Lead, I have thorough experience with building partnerships with diverse stakeholders to develop shared goals in response to recovering from emergencies and disasters. I have the skills needed to communicate effectively and problem – solve in a dynamic and ambiguous environment. Currently serving as the Public Assistance Infrastructure Branch Director on disaster 4611, demonstrating a commitment to FEMA’s Core Values of Compassion, Fairness, Integrity, and Respect. I am responsible for assessing the needs of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, establishing goals, and coordinating diverse partners in the delivery of the Public Assistance Program Delivery Model which encompasses delivering of federal disaster assistance grant programs in coordination with the State, Territory, or Tribal, and FEMA Regional Office. Overseeing implementing of and providing guidance related to federal disaster assistance policy and programs, including grant programs, to improve and promote equitable recovery outcomes, reduce delays, and maximize the benefit of federal funds. After serving on one of the Largest disaster’s in FEMA history, I have gained the experience of managing and overseeing diverse personnel and financial resources to achieve outcomes consistent with legal, regulatory, and policy requirements. My duties require, working with officials and impacted communities to incorporate mitigation and resilience- building measures into recovery plans and implementation, managing media, community, and other external relations to communicate the availability of assistance to Congress, applicants, and the general public.
• 09/07, 03/2010, Acting, Deputy Section Chief, Program Management Office, 1250 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA, 70131, John Ward, 281-638-4917, As Acting, Deputy Section Chief, provide program management support and acquisitions responsibilities and contract oversight for four major projects. I have knowledge and experience in federal contracting and procurement policies and regulations, including performance-based acquisitions as well as knowledge of all phases of the procurement process (i.e., planning, pre-award, solicitation, post award, negotiations, pricing, administration, and termination). Also, as requested by the Contract Officer (CO), provide pre-acquisition responsibilities: Prepare contracts for finalization and signature/approval, prepare/review/edit Statement Of Work (SOW), Statement Of Objectives (SOO), and Performance Work Statement (PWS) for large contracts in accordance with the Federal Acquisitions Regulation (FAR) Prepared schedules, milestones, and strategic planning guides Prepare Justifications & Approval’s (J&A) Review/draft responses to J&A’s and ratifications.
• Track n Field Assistant Coach highlights: 3 High School State Championships- 1.Wossman High School, 2.Glen Oaks High School, 3. McDonough #35 High School. 6 National Championships South Baton Rouge Jaguars

• Eddie Williams, FEMA/ Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist, Public Assistance Region 6 Infrastructure Branch Director/ LIRO, 225-678-7800
• John Ward, DHS/FEMA, Deputy Branch Chief, 832-264-7809 or 202-212-1793
• Willie Bethune, Housing Urban Development, Contracting Officer, 757-573-7356
• Terry Boyd, South Baton Rouge Track Team, Head Coach, 225- 907-8703

• American Heart Association Volunteer
• Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
• Rebuilding Together Volunteer
• Breast Cancer Advocate and Volunteer
• Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

3x LHSAA State Team Championship

• NFL Wives Association, Board of Director's
• Delta Sigma Theta Inc., Member
• The 34 Ways Foundation, Inc. , Exec. Director
• Junior Achievement of South Florida, Program Supporter
• USATF certified official