Robert Searls, Sr
MARRERO,LA
Summary
Proven IT Specialist with a track record of enhancing system efficiency and reducing expenses at the USAF National Guard (Louisiana). Expert in IT risk management and project management, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and a customer service mindset. Successfully led significant IT infrastructure upgrades and policy development, ensuring high-quality results and stakeholder satisfaction. Detail-oriented, organized, and meticulous employee. Works at fast pace to meet tight deadlines. Enthusiastic team player ready to contribute to company success.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Specialist (Plans & Policy_Project Management)
USAF National Guard (Louisiana)
06.2006 - 09.2024
- Analyzed requirements and establishes plans of action for improving IT applications. Analyzes existing and planned IT applications, both hardware and software, to determine current and future potential for enhancements.
- Developed project plans to meet those needs by identifying problem areas and considering a variety of possible solutions and alternatives.
- Analyzed existing systems to determine if enhancements are appropriate or if an entirely new system would be more cost effective.
- Analyzed plans and specifications, prepares justifications for new or enhanced information technology.
- Developed milestones and performs as point of contact throughout the various phases of projects until successfully concluded.
- Performed as plans and policy advisor to functional users of information technology.
- Assessed policy needs and reviews, revises,
and develops policies to govern IT activities and presents recommendations to higher-level management. - Ensured accuracy in financial records by reconciling accounts and preparing detailed reports.
- Reduced expenses by negotiating favorable contracts with vendors and service providers.
- Monitored and managed expenses with allotted budgets and reviewed and approved expense reports. Managed budgets in excess of $500, 000 annually.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, delivering high-quality results within tight deadlines. I've been recognized for managing over 100 various projects.
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing problems reported by end-users.
- Walked individuals through basic troubleshooting tasks.
- Enhanced system efficiency by implementing and maintaining IT infrastructure upgrades.
- Led migration projects to modernize legacy systems without disrupting daily operations or compromising security standards.
- Explained technical information in clear terms to promote better understanding for non-technical users.
- Collaborated closely with other departments to provide tailored technology solutions that addressed their specific needs or challenges.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable contracts while maintaining high-quality products and services.
- Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person.
- Helped streamline repair processes and update procedures for support action consistency.
IT Specialist (Asset Management)
USAF National Guard (Louisiana)
02.2002 - 06.2006
- Managed hardware and software inventory, ensuring timely updates and replacements as needed.
- Configured hardware, devices, and software to set up work stations for employees.
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing problems reported by end-users.
- Enhanced system efficiency by implementing and maintaining IT infrastructure upgrades.
- Led migration projects to modernize legacy systems without disrupting daily operations or compromising security standards.
- Offered assistance in implementing and developing training programs.
- Developed and implemented preventive maintenance procedures.
- Helped streamline repair processes and update procedures for support action consistency.
- Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person.
- Used ticketing systems to manage and process support actions and requests.
Vice President
Searls Enterprises, Inc
01.1997 - 07.2005
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Negotiated and completed renovation contracts.
- Managed completion of the renovation for eight (8) townhouses into single family residents.
Knowledge Operations Manager
USAF National Guard (Louisiana)
- 01.2002
- Oversaw the development of internal knowledge repositories, ensuring easy access to critical information for all employees.
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance and support in their professional development journey.
- Improved knowledge management processes by streamlining workflows and implementing new software tools.
- Established strong relationships with external partners for efficient sharing of best practices and industry insights.
- Championed change management initiatives, leading teams through successful implementation of new technologies or procedures.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning by organizing regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions for staff members.
- Created detailed reports to communicate team accomplishments and progress to senior leadership.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Journeyman Produce Clerk
Delchamps
- Promoted sustainable practices within the produce department by diligently implementing recycling programs for cardboard boxes and plastic materials.
- Excelled in multitasking abilities during peak hours when restocking multiple sections simultaneously while attending promptly towards customer queries.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized produce recommendations and answering questions about product origin, taste, and preparation methods.
- Conducted routine inspections of received shipments to identify any damaged or subpar products before placing them on sales floor displays.
- Maintained a clean and organized produce department by regularly cleaning shelves, bins, and floor areas, promoting a safe shopping environment.
- Collaborated with store management to plan effective merchandising strategies that encouraged impulse purchases of seasonal or promotional items.
- Ensured proper storage conditions for temperature-sensitive items such as berries or leafy greens in order to maximize shelf life without compromising quality.
- Assisted in training new team members on proper stocking procedures, product rotation techniques, and overall department maintenance expectations.
- Exhibited adaptability to changes in store layout or product offerings, ensuring seamless transitions without disruption to daily operations.
- Achieved high-quality product displays by carefully arranging fruits and vegetables to showcase their natural beauty and appeal to customers.
- Provided exceptional customer service through active listening skills combined with extensive knowledge about various types of fruits and vegetables.
- Supported team members during busy periods by offering assistance in other areas, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Participated in regular safety meetings to stay informed on best practices for maintaining a hazard-free workplace, including proper lifting techniques and slip prevention measures.
- Maintained safe, neat, and clean working environment and closely monitored for wet floors or other hazards.
- Kept tidy and organized area to comply with cleanliness standards.
- Pleasantly greeted customers and provided prompt and courteous service.
- Checked for outdated and overripe grocery items and removed from inventory.
- Trained new employees to provide knowledge of proper produce handling and rotation procedures.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
Administrative Specialist
USAF National Guard (Louisiana)
08.1987 - 02.1995
- Safeguarded sensitive information through the proper handling of confidential documents and secure storage methods.
- Handled mail, packages, emails, document transmissions and other types of data with both manual and automated tracking strategies.
- Improved customer satisfaction with prompt and professional responses to inquiries and concerns.
- Expedited project completion times by effectively prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and resource availability.
- Minimized errors in documentation through meticulous proofreading, editing, formatting skills.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing administrative support and coordinating daily operations.
- Handled incoming and outgoing mail.
- Resolved customer concerns efficiently to promote satisfaction and loyalty.
- Maintained supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level and ordering new supplies when inventory runs lows.
- Provided exceptional reception services such as answering phone calls professionally, directing them appropriately while maintaining visitor logs.
- Increased efficiency in data entry tasks through the implementation of advanced software tools.
- Scheduled meetings booked meeting rooms and prepared meeting agendas.
- Sorted, opened, and routed incoming correspondence and deliveries to help senior leaders respond quickly to business and customer requirements.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Assisted coworkers and staff members with special tasks on daily basis.
- Managed paper and electronic filing systems by routing various documents, taking messages and managing incoming and outgoing mail.
Education
Certificate of Training - REAL ESTATE AGENT
DONALDSON REAL ESTATE SCHOOL
Metairie, LA03.1992
Some College (No Degree) - Business
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LATheology - Theology
Sinaitic Apologetics School
Charlotte, NC01.2026
High School Diploma -
L.W. HIGGINS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Marrero, LA05.1987
Skills
IT Documentation
IT risk management
Quality Assurance
Project Management
Contract Specialist
Customer Service
Microsoft Outlook
Customer service expert
Problem-Solving
Friendly and Patient
Attention to Detail
Organizational Skills
Accomplishments
- Completed intensive training in military project management fundamentals.
- Completed Contract Officer Representative course with US Army.
- Managed the upgrade of over two thousand computers for the Windows 10 upgrade at a cost of $2.6 Million dollars.
- Managed and executed over $500,000 dollars annually.
- Negotiated and managed annual mobile device contract for the Louisiana Air National Guard.
- Served as Billing Official and Financial Resource Advisor.
Community Service
Director, Avondale Community Task Force
Member, 3rd District Civic Association
Member, Oak Cove Civic Association
Avondale Night Out Against Crime Coordinator
Participant during the New Orleans Mayor Appreciation Day
Two (2) time award recipient of the Mayor's Military Community Service Award - New Orleans LA
Presiding Officer, Pride of Waggaman Masonic Lodge #42
Volunteer, Second Harvest Food Bank
Former Board Member, Jefferson Community Health Care Center - Community Advisory Committee
Former P.A.R.D. Playground Coach and Booster Club Member
Timeline
IT Specialist (Plans & Policy_Project Management)
USAF National Guard (Louisiana)
06.2006 - 09.2024
IT Specialist (Asset Management)
USAF National Guard (Louisiana)
02.2002 - 06.2006
Vice President
Searls Enterprises, Inc
01.1997 - 07.2005
Administrative Specialist
USAF National Guard (Louisiana)
08.1987 - 02.1995
Knowledge Operations Manager
USAF National Guard (Louisiana)
- 01.2002
Journeyman Produce Clerk
Delchamps
Certificate of Training - REAL ESTATE AGENT
DONALDSON REAL ESTATE SCHOOL
Some College (No Degree) - Business
Nicholls State University
Theology - Theology
Sinaitic Apologetics School
High School Diploma -
L.W. HIGGINS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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