Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Sara Blaylock

Theresa,NY

Summary

Retired Air Force Veteran with a proven track record of leading and educating others in policies, procedures, and benefits. Excelled in benefits administration and client relationship development, significantly enhancing retiree transitions. Recognized for ethical leadership and government relations expertise, with a commitment to continuous learning and achievement.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Federal Retirement Consultant

Freedom Federal Educators
10.2023 - Current

As a Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC℠), specialized in navigating the complex and often confusing federal benefits system and providing tailored advice and guidance to my clients.

  • Established trust with clients by consistently demonstrating knowledge of current regulations and legislation related to retirement planning.
  • Worked closely with clients nearing retirement to review their plans progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth transition into this next life phase.
  • Continuously updated personal knowledge base by attending relevant industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions.

Veterans Benefit Specialists

United Shield
01.2021 - 12.2023

Educated Veterans and Active Duty with programs such as Veterans Disability Claims, Education benefits, Survivor Benefits Program, Veterans Group Life Insurance, and Service Members Group Life Insurance.

  • Developed customized resources and tools to help military members better understand their benefit options and make informed choices.
  • Advised employees on their eligibility for various benefit programs, assisting them in making informed decisions.
  • Analyzed and evaluated existing compensation and benefits programs and recommended improvements.
  • Researched and analyzed wage, salary and other industry trends.

Financial Planner

World Financial Group, Inc.
09.2019 - 01.2021
  • Drafted comprehensive financial plan to offer recommendations and supporting data.
  • Implemented strategic asset allocation models to optimize portfolio performance while minimizing risk exposure.
  • Analyzed clients'' financial situations to develop customized strategies for debt management and wealth accumulation.
  • Conducted thorough risk assessments, ensuring appropriate asset allocation aligned with clients' risk tolerance levels.

Cyber Systems Engineer

United States Air Force
02.2004 - 08.2019

In charge of over 200 subordinates and a $300 Million network infrastructure for the Air Force's largest intelligence center. Resulted in two Air Force level nominee leadership awards.

Training Manager for the largest covered region in Europe. Training Manager for 142 personnel that covered 140 thousand users. This led to recognition from the Chief Information Officer of the Air Force.

In charge of all communications security for a selectively manned unit, consisted of over 400 top secret items, network scans, writing network operating procedures, and only trusted agent in a 300 mile radius to give out passwords for top secret accounts.

  • Evaluated employee performance fairly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement efforts.
  • Trained team members on cybersecurity best practices, fostering a culture of security awareness within the organization.
  • Streamlined IT infrastructure by migrating legacy systems to cloud-based platforms for improved efficiency and cost savings.
  • Enhanced team efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and procedures for daily operations.
  • Boosted employee morale by developing a positive organizational culture focused on recognition and growth opportunities.
  • Developed strong relationships with external partners to ensure timely collaboration on projects.
  • Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and support for professional development.
  • Oversaw projects, equipment and manpower needs to properly allocate resources and training.
  • Conducted performance reviews to identify employee strengths and encourage professional development opportunities.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Columbia College
Columbia, MO
12-2010

Associate of Science - Information Systems Technology

Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery
07-2012

Associate of Science - Criminal Justice

Columbia College
Columbia, MO
07-2009

Skills

  • Cash flow management
  • Organized
  • Leadership qualities
  • Conflict de-escalation
  • Teamwork orientation
  • Ethical leadership
  • Client relationship development
  • Benefits administration
  • Life insurance
  • Retiree benefit coordination
  • Government relations
  • Disability benefits

Affiliations

  • Meals on Wheels
  • Life Member of Veterans Foreign Wars (VFW)
  • Rotary of Southeast Missouri
  • Disabled American Veterans Member

Timeline

Federal Retirement Consultant

Freedom Federal Educators
10.2023 - Current

Veterans Benefit Specialists

United Shield
01.2021 - 12.2023

Financial Planner

World Financial Group, Inc.
09.2019 - 01.2021

Cyber Systems Engineer

United States Air Force
02.2004 - 08.2019

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Columbia College

Associate of Science - Information Systems Technology

Community College of The Air Force

Associate of Science - Criminal Justice

Columbia College
Sara Blaylock