Ricky M. Gale
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Professional program analyst who excels in delivering actionable insights and driving process improvements. Known for implementing strong leadership, collaborative teamwork and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Expertise in data analysis, problem-solving, and program evaluation.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Analyst and Energy Liaison Officer with USAID’s Power Africa
Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs (EB), State Department
10.2024 - Current
- Conductes in-depth analysis of U.S. and China’s investment in Sub-Saharan Africa’s power sector, briefing Power Africa’s senior leadership on key findings.
- Maintains an inventory of Power Africa’s interagency engagement in the critical minerals sector, presenting insights to senior leadership.
- Manages key relationships with interagency partners, international financial institutions, and development organizations.
- Coordinates Power Africa Interagency (IA) stakeholder efforts, including drafting agendas for high-level meetings and strategy sessions.
- Provides strategic and programmatic support to Power Africa’s technical teams, USAID Missions, and U.S. embassies.
- Leads data collection and verification efforts to maintain IA information and reporting tools.
- Facilitates policy alignment among IA partners in priority countries with ongoing or planned activities.
- Identifies opportunities to enhance IA partnerships and maximize Power Africa’s value to stakeholders.
- Coordinates development efforts for State Department budget, policy, and acquisition programs, aligning with USG personnel and Washington counterparts.
- Assists in developing and implementing leadership training programs like the Garber Economic Leaders Fellowship.
- Supports program development and implementation of information systems to advance Bureau policy directives.
Human Resources Manager
Virginia Army National Guard
12.2018 - Current
- Presents regional expertise on the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa to senior military commanders in the Virginia Army National Guard, U.S. Army, and AFRICOM.
- Maintains detailed records of job positions (filled, vacant, and new) to optimize workforce capacity.
- Develops and implements foreign military training policies to enhance security cooperation between the U.S. Military and Kenyan Army Rangers.
- Maintains liaison relationships between the U.S. Military, Department of Defense policymakers, and foreign military/government officials in North Africa, focusing on foreign aid, training, counter-drug, and counterterrorism operations.
- Develops and implements workforce planning strategies aligned with Army goals, anticipating future hiring needs and skill requirements.
- Directs the clearance of analytical products and policy research on economic, legal, and multilateral aid programs in Sub-Saharan Africa and Afghanistan.
- Assesses North Africa’s political climate and economic conditions through on-site interviews, advising military leaders on achieving strategic objectives.
- Leads Army Human Resources administrative support for senior military commanders in the Virginia Army National Guard.
- Manages personnel and financial records using Army software.
- Oversees administrative operations, event scheduling, and high-priority task tracking for the Department of Defense and Army components.
- Coordinates key administrative events and unit cohesion functions.
- Identifies operational weaknesses, trained staff on conflict resolution, and improved administrative efficiency.
- Analyzes reports and developed policy papers on HR training, unit readiness, and finance/personnel updates, delivering findings via verbal briefings
Foreign Affairs Officer
Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR), State Department
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Formulated, developed, and implemented U.S. policy directives on energy diplomacy, security, and access in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Maintained knowledge of relevant programs and policies, and prepares analysis, briefing papers, and information memorandums for ENR engagement strategies.
- Served as a liaison with USAID’s Power Africa and collaborates with various stakeholders to advance energy policy and clean energy initiatives in Africa.
- Coordinated with African Posts and energy officers to track policy topics and ensures leadership is informed on energy access and security issues.
Contact Center Agent
Office of Military Affairs, Liberty University
08.2020 - 08.2023
- Utilized strong customer service skills to help veterans and military members access military education benefits at Liberty University.
- Provided scheduling assistance, maintains records, and supports administrative transactions through online platforms like Blackboard and Canvas.
- Employed strong communication skills to proofread military correspondence and inform students about the status of their education benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Foreign Language Program Manager
United States Army, 7TH Special Forces Group (A)
03.2013 - 08.2018
- Developed and implemented Army workforce planning strategies aligned with organizational goals, anticipating future hiring needs and skill requirements.
- Led a team of eight contracted teachers and three military personnel in managing language and culture training for over 5,000 soldiers, achieving a 90% improvement in foreign language exam results.
- Maintained detailed records of job positions to effectively manage workforce capacity and resource allocation.
- Communicated mission directives and secured resources to guide team members in policy research and implementation with foreign military partners.
- Established liaison relationships with U.S. Army Special Operations Command and foreign military leaders in Colombia, Brazil, and Panama, focusing on regional knowledge and training workshops.
- Conducted analysis and developed policy proposals to enhance international security, military interoperability, and counter-terrorism efforts in Central and South America and the Middle East.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Policy
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - International Affairs
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL05.2011
Skills
- Excellent oral, written, and general communication skills; adept at reading and interpreting business and technical materials
- Strong relationship-building abilities with US interagency, foreign affairs officials, and public/private sector developers
- Experienced in preparing briefings, reports, and technical documents for senior leadership and diverse audiences
- Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments, both in-office and remote
- Expertise in managing complex mission directives involving US government and foreign professionals in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East
- Experienced providing professional support and leadership in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East
- Effective servant-leader; skilled in directing teams, securing resources, and ensuring mission success
- Proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and enterprise systems applications
Military Status
U.S. Army National Guard member (5% Disability Preference)
Security Clearance
Secret
Personal Information
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
Professional development
Team leadership
International development
International energy diplomacy
International travel
Timeline
Program Analyst and Energy Liaison Officer with USAID’s Power Africa
Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs (EB), State Department
10.2024 - Current
Foreign Affairs Officer
Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR), State Department
10.2023 - 09.2024
Contact Center Agent
Office of Military Affairs, Liberty University
08.2020 - 08.2023
Human Resources Manager
Virginia Army National Guard
12.2018 - Current
Foreign Language Program Manager
United States Army, 7TH Special Forces Group (A)
03.2013 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Arts - International Affairs
Florida State University
Master of Arts - Public Policy
Liberty University
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