Proven executive, serving in multiple key positions with strategic and corporate impact. Successfully lead Information Technology, Privacy, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) information and technology systems’ implementation and reengineering initiatives in organizations of up to 90,000 personnel with IT budgets of up to $3.2. Demonstrated strategic leadership experience at the Department level. Proven expertise in transforming enterprise-wide programs that affect tens of thousands of external stakeholders annually. Results-driven leader, with experience strategically matching customer needs with resource controls to create integrated, mission-focused programs. Monitor industry and government best practices to provide expert advice to senior leaders; balance short-term priorities against long-term organizational mission goals and objectives. Committed to identifying, recruiting, training, and leading the next generation of talent and supporting an engaged public sector workforce that reflects the diversity of our country. Excellent communication and program management skills. Recognized for forging effective relationships across competing constituencies. Committed to customer service and public service with a polished, professional presentation. Current member of the Senior Executive Service (SES); hold current Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
Hi, I’m
Ravoyne Payton
Arlington,USA
Summary
Overview
30
years of professional experience
Work History
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Washington, DC
Associate Chief Information Officer, Policy, eGovernment, & Fair Information Practices, SES
06.2014 - Current
Job overview
- Provide executive leadership and direction for process and information technology streamlining initiative Department-wide
- Use best practices in change leadership to identify and promote opportunities to transform service delivery mechanisms consistent with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) 220 investments and strategies as well is cross-governmental initiatives for collaborative electronic service delivery that are citizen centric
- Continually seek opportunities to integrate enterprise concepts and approaches into enterprise architecture, capital planning, telecommunications, and security, with a focus on electronic information management, infrastructure, content management, and knowledge management
- Envision, develop, and promulgate strategic, operational, and tactical plans; leverage financial and other resources effectively
- Currently leading significant Department transformation efforts with an eye toward consolidating resources, reducing duplication and redundancy, and improving service to all customers
- Led an executive visioning session to begin defining strategic goals and framework
- Strategically lead and direct 15 employees and 3 contractors; provide matrix supervision and direction to an additional 300 employee geographically dispersed subject matter experts engaged in the Department’s IT Policy, E-Government, the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, and Controlled Unclassified Information programs
- Oversee the preparation of performance expectations aligned to FEMA’s mission
- Assign and evaluate work, recruit and review applicants, evaluate qualifications, and make hiring decisions
- Use workforce-planning techniques to identify future needs in terms of the numbers and kinds of positions; develop and execute effective workforce and succession plans to justify and fill positions based on a gap analysis and projected needs assessment
- Developed and implemented the workforce strategy that resulted in 2 staff members supporting and developing the Department’s FITARA Common Baseline, the Risk Management Plan, and FITARA supporting deliverable resulting in the Department’s quarterly submission being completed ahead of schedule and closed gaps previously unaddressed
- Turned around the morale of the office; established clear expectations for performance and conduct; increased employee engagement through FEVS involvement, and effectively addressed several longstanding performance issues, making the hard decisions and following through
- Identify skills gaps and anticipate workforce requirements; used hiring flexibilities, including student and veterans’ hiring programs to recruit, hire, and on-board new staff that ensures the Division is a high-performance organization
- Provide mentoring, individual coaching, direction, and training to a staff with widely diverse skill sets; encourage employees to further their professional development needs; use Individual Development Plans (IDP) to document employees’ development goals and needs and provided rotational assignments and shadowing opportunities to broaden perspectives
- Participated in several mentoring events, including OPM’s Cybersecurity Flash event and an event for women
- Embody Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles and diversity objectives in all actions; work to increase diversity of staff and make diversity a part of everyday life rather than a special program
- Use a variety of team-building, coaching, and mediation-related techniques to engage and motivate employees, to resolve conflicts and to focus on mission requirements
- Promote accountability and delivery of outstanding customer service that consistently exceed expectation
- Continually emphasize service to the American taxpayer and delivery of high quality, timely, and cost efficient programs
- Continually assessed and evaluated processes to reduce risk and enhance efficiency
- Developed and issued 66 Department-wide policies on privacy to clarify expectations
- Directed and oversaw creation of Digital Service Center (DSC) catalog of services, in support of the USDA’s Cloud based CRM environment to include approximately 16,000 users, 11 agencies and staff offices, and 41 distinct applications
- Identified significant improvements that saved $997,968 in maintenance renewals by dropping 360 network devices from contract; avoided $250K in storage costs moving storage backup and reengineering the Enterprise Backup Network; saved a customer $200K in leveraging target storage solution, reduced expenses $1,956,246 in mainframe and VMware software costs, reduced labor, and negotiated maintenance; and reduced office space within the Kansas City facility saving nearly $1.26M over 2 years
- Delivered a Customer Portal with Service Request Management and Kinetic Enterprise Request Management System capabilities to support a self-service customer Portal for self-initiated service requests and system monitoring
- Managed substantial 35% increase in Service Request ticket volume, and the movement of workload from Tier 3 staff to less expensive Tier 1 and Tier 2 staff, leveraging Tier 0 capabilities including the release of new and enhanced Customer Portal and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) automation
- Demonstrate responsible fiscal, technological, and human resource stewardship
- Plan, justify, defend, execute, and monitor $10M budget, ensuring alignment with USDA and Chief Information Officer (CIO) goals and strategies
- Continually seek opportunities to leverage resources effectively, reducing duplication by ensuring collaboration and cross-sharing of infrastructure by providing hosting and other similar services; developed several successful business proposals vis-à-vis cloud services; saved $80k monthly through the identification and use of new bulk storage options; also implemented Enterprise Backup Network (EBN) saving an additional $250k in storage procurement
- Completed 60% High Availability Migration to the Next-Gen Network and decommissioned of legacy networks, exceeding expectations
- Recognized by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for one of the best FITARA submissions in government
- Orchestrated the retirement of approximately 1000+ Windows 2003 servers, facilitating timely retirement of Windows 2003 systems
- Successfully leading multiple projects in support of a modern workforce; these include the development and implementation of mobile applications including AgFind, the USDA Mobile Library, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and more
- Engage in extensive outreach to create, build, and maintain effective partnerships throughout government
- Use strong interpersonal and oral communication skills
- Make presentations to groups of internal and external stakeholders, including senior career officials and political appointees at various agencies government-wide, as well as state, local, tribal governments; nongovernmental organizations, faith groups, and private sector executives to provide expert advice on IT functions; to share best practices; influence decision making, and collaborate on vital projects
- Work to build consensus, collaborate on and coordinate appropriations, ensure consistency with agency priorities, and overcome resistance to new ideas; effectively changed the conversation Department-wide on the cloud-based hosting and platform solutions, engendering support for this controversial initiative, negotiating risks and promoting the necessary culture change that has enabled collaboration as well as more than $10M in cost savings to date
- Continually promote organizational excellence, leading the Department to become a true leader in reducing the government’s IT footprint through collaborative efforts
- Serve in multiple leadership positions on Departmental Committees and Councils including the USDA Privacy Council, USDA FOIA Council, the Interagency Investment Advisory Board, USDA Risk Board; also represent the Department on government-wide committees, mentoring activities, and more
- Integrate outstanding executive knowledge of the full range of IT, Privacy, and FOIA programs with leadership expertise applying best practices in government administration to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of USDA programs
- Strategically plan and lead IT functions and daily operations to include setting priorities, planning and assigning work, facilitating process improvement, and ensuring regulatory compliance
- Advise senior executives, both political and career, at all levels regarding the impact of plans, policies, and decisions on resources, personnel, and programs
- Utilize strong problem-solving skills to determine and advise proper courses of action
- Demonstrate knowledge of all IT-related laws, regulations, policies, and procedures including Clinger Cohen Act, the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), Presidential Decision Directive (PPD) 67, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-34, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as articulated in Circular A-130, and agency-specific policies
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Washington, DC
Deputy Associate Chief Information Officer, Policy & Directives, GS-2210-15
09.2012 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Led and directed daily operations in support of design, development, and implementation of streamlined IT policies and directives to effectively manage diverse US Department of Agriculture (USDA) business lines
- Envisioned and provided key contributions to multiple strategic initiatives that affected the 100,000 employees dispersed across 33 agencies and offices of USDA; these included design and development of a USDA-wide policy strategic roadmap; development of a comprehensive USDA Information Resources Management (IRM) FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, the IT Policy Roadmap and Framework initiative, Controlled Unclassified Information, and the White House Open Data Policy initiatives; and the restructuring of the Policy and Directives organization to ensure the efficient and effective support for CIO operations Department-wide
- Effectively led a diverse team of 28 subordinates, plus contractors; planned and assigned work, developed others, and monitored and appraised performance
- Achieved success in teamwork and teambuilding by applying key leadership strategies that instilled trust, resolved conflict, inculcated commitment, upheld accountability, and kept team members focused on collective results
- Demonstrated through daily activities that diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) were more than 'special' programs
- Consistently sought and encouraged the most diverse staff possible; provided training on unconscious bias and ensured that all employees received appropriate subject matter training and developmental opportunities
- Worked with Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), convened an Appreciative Inquiry Summit to engage team members and begin work on a new mission and vision; these efforts helped resolve long simmering conflicts among the team
- Focused on improving efficiency and accountability with customer-focused service
- Developed and led Department-wide implementation of the Open Data Policy Strategic Plan, providing more transparency in departmental activities
- Also created and deployed the Department’s first-ever scoreboard ratings for FOIA, an effort that enhanced accountability and information sharing
- Also improved tracking of policy development through the establishment of a dashboard that facilitated prioritization and timely completion of work
- Recognized for technical acumen as senior advisor to Departmental political and civilian executives
- Saved the Department $225K by negotiating an innovative agreement that facilitated successful management of 12 eGovernment initiatives
- Used financial savvy in planning, justifying, executing and monitoring multiple, multimillion dollar programs and contracts
- Skillfully oversaw the USDA’s $9.7M eGovernment program and the $10M policy and directives IT program; ensured all expenditures were aligned with the Department’s overarching goals and strategies were in place to minimize opportunities for waste, fraud, or abuse
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Washington, DC
Chief Privacy / Acting Freedom of Information Officer, GS-2210-15
09.2009 - 09.2012
Job overview
- Held Department-wide Privacy and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for two agencies, The Office of Technology Planning, Architecture, eGovernment and Cyber Security & Policy Oversight
- Directed these two programs for 6-person Department that received as many as 23,000 FOIA and Privacy Act inquiries and requests annually
- Strategically promoted information transparency, consistent with the intent between both Acts, developing programs and governance structures to drive compliance through the Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Maintained an eye on evolving technologies and customer expectations to improve access to government information
- Created the vision and led USDA-wide efforts to enhance understanding of the Privacy Act, FOIA, and emerging data privacy requirements through training, new policy initiatives, and proactive collaborations with USDA agencies and organizations
- Led and directed as many as 24 program and contract staff
- Established overarching goals for the unit that was responsible for implementing USDA-wide Policy Management, Freedom of Information and Privacy Act programs, e-Government, PII Incident Handling, and Data Governance Board activities
- Planned and assigned work, commensurate with Department needs and individual skills
- Developed performance standards; monitored and evaluated work
- Worked to build a high-performing team
- Demonstrated resource management skills
- Planned, justified, executed, and monitored $10M budget
- Instituted financial controls to minimize risk
- Oversaw contracts, exercising appropriate oversight to avoid scope creep
- Leveraged understanding of Information Technology (IT) in leading conceptualization, design, and deployment of the USDA’s groundbreaking and direction that resulted in the successful design and deployment of the Department’s first-ever- Freedom of Information Act FOIA-Express Cloud Based solution to ensure compliance with the Office of Management and Budget Cloud First Policy
- Provided executive leadership and direction for the USDA Privacy Council; served as Executive Chairperson, overseeing the development and implementation of charters for the Department’s first-ever Privacy and FOIA Council
- Monitored sub-agency Privacy and FOIA programs, providing oversight and feedback
- Represented the Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) on the USDA Privacy Board which included Department executives such as Deputy Secretary, General Counsel, Chief of Staff, CIO, among others
- Consistently demonstrated the highest levels of courtesy and tact, even when being pressured
Education
Troy State UniversityTroy, AL
Master of Public Administration
University Overview
George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA
Bachelor of Arts from Government and Political Science
University Overview
Northern Virginia Community CollegeAlexandria, VA
Associates Degree in Arts
University Overview
Northern Virginia Community CollegeAlexandria, VA
Associates Degree in General Studies
University Overview
Skills
- Managing large geographically dispersed teams implementing technology
- Strategic thinker well versed in government procurement, budget, policy, Freedom Of Information Act,Privacy Act,ans information technology
Executive Profile - Summary
Executive Profile - Summary
Proven executive, serving in multiple key positions with strategic and corporate impact. Successfully lead Information Technology, Privacy, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) information and technology systems’ implementation and reengineering initiatives in organizations of up to 90,000 personnel with IT budgets of up to $3.2. Demonstrated strategic leadership experience at the Department level. Proven expertise in transforming enterprise-wide programs that affect tens of thousands of external stakeholders annually. Results-driven leader, with experience strategically matching customer needs with resource controls to create integrated, mission-focused programs. Monitor industry and government best practices to provide expert advice to senior leaders; balance short-term priorities against long-term organizational mission goals and objectives. Committed to identifying, recruiting, training, and leading the next generation of talent and supporting an engaged public sector workforce that reflects the diversity of our country. Excellent communication and program management skills. Recognized for forging effective relationships across competing constituencies. Committed to customer service and public service with a polished, professional presentation. Current member of the Senior Executive Service (SES); hold current Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.Recent Experience
Recent Experience
- Associate Chief Information Officer, Policy, eGovernment, & Fair Information Practices, SES, 06/01/14, Present, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), $168,000/yr, 50, Washington, DC, Joyce Hunter, (301) 646-1652, Provide executive leadership and direction for process and information technology streamlining initiative Department-wide., Use best practices in change leadership to identify and promote opportunities to transform service delivery mechanisms consistent with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) 220 investments and strategies as well as cross-governmental initiatives for collaborative electronic service delivery that are citizen-centric., Continually seek opportunities to integrate enterprise concepts and approaches into enterprise architecture, capital planning, telecommunications, and security, with a focus on electronic information management, infrastructure, content management, and knowledge management., Envision, develop, and promulgate strategic, operational, and tactical plans; leverage financial and other resources effectively., Currently leading significant Department transformation efforts with an eye toward consolidating resources, reducing duplication and redundancy, and improving service to all customers.
- Deputy Associate Chief Information Officer, Policy & Directives, GS-2210-15, 09/01/12, 06/01/14, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), $152,000/yr, 50, Washington, DC, Richard Coffee, (240) 401-7505, Led and directed daily operations in support of design, development, and implementation of streamlined IT policies and directives to effectively manage diverse US Department of Agriculture (USDA) business lines., Envisioned and provided key contributions to multiple strategic initiatives that affected the 100,000 employees dispersed across 33 agencies and offices of USDA.
- Chief Privacy / Acting Freedom of Information Officer, GS-2210-15, 09/01/09, 09/01/12, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), $148,000/yr, 50, Washington, DC, Valerie Burks, Retired; no contact information available, Held Department-wide Privacy and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for two agencies, The Office of Technology Planning, Architecture, eGovernment and Cyber Security & Policy Oversight., Directed these two programs for 6-person Department that received as many as 23,000 FOIA and Privacy Act inquiries and requests annually.
Highest Grade
Highest Grade
SESSecurity Clearance
Security Clearance
Top SecretAwards
Awards
- Outstanding Performance Awards (15)
- USDA Secretary’s Honor’s Award
- Excellence in Government Award
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Certificate of Appreciation
- FEMA CIO Leadership Award
- ACFEA Bethesda Chapter – Government-wide Initiatives Excellence Award
- Transportation Security Administration, Aviation Operations Customer Service Award
- GSA’s Assistant Commissioner Service Award Recipient
- GSA Administrator’s Interagency Advisory Committee/Government Information Technology Services Board (IAC/GITS) Award Recipient
Professional Development
Professional Development
- Leadership in a Democracy, Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville, VA
- White Belt in Lean Six Sigma
- Project Management, George Washington University
- IT Capital Planning & Investment Control Management
- IT Project Management, Selection, Evaluation, and Control
- IT Project Systems Development Life Cycle
Personal Information
Personal Information
Citizenship: US CitizenTimeline
Associate Chief Information Officer, Policy, eGovernment, & Fair Information Practices, SES
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
06.2014 - Current
Deputy Associate Chief Information Officer, Policy & Directives, GS-2210-15
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
09.2012 - 06.2014
Chief Privacy / Acting Freedom of Information Officer, GS-2210-15
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
09.2009 - 09.2012
Troy State University
Master of Public Administration
George Mason University
Bachelor of Arts from Government and Political Science
Northern Virginia Community College
Associates Degree in Arts
Northern Virginia Community College
Associates Degree in General Studies
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