Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Sara Elizabeth Strizzi

Senior Federal Government Manager
Manhattan Beach,CA

Summary

Dynamic Management Professional with 20+ years in the Federal government and private sector working in progressive management and leadership roles at the forefront of delivering highly successful projects and managing successful teams. Experience managing teams and providing guidance to senior leadership. Skilled alliance builder who cultivates lasting relationships with employees, management, and senior executives by consistently delivering what is promised. Proven track record of conceptualizing, developing, and leading programs that deliver significant benefits and outcomes. Skilled analytical, collaborative, and decisive leader. Strong public speaker and skilled facilitator.

Overview

9
9
Certifications
3
3
years of post-secondary education
18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Analytics Process Area Manager

USCIS FOD Program Management Office
Los Angeles, CA
07.2018 - Current
  • GS-14, STEP 6, SERIES: 0343,SALARY: $143,000, 40 HRS PER WEEK, REFERENCE: MARA WINN, Serve as process area manager for all analytics related to FOD Blueprint projects.
  • Lead all Test and Evaluation Teams assigned to various PMO projects.
  • Recruit and organize FOD subject matter experts to support various analytic tasks.
  • Established a new analytics organization and expanded those capabilities within the PMO.
  • Develop and implement measurements for success and provide strategic recommendations to Field Office Directorate (FOD) senior leadership.
  • Assist in meeting key organizational goals related to improving operational efficiency and resource allocation across FOD.
  • Support PMO leadership on various projects to include developing a content management system and establishing an enterprise-wide knowledge management repository.
  • Develop and conduct training to field leadership on key Headquarters initiatives, analytics, and project management.
  • Provide oversight for project transition to operations and maintenance phases.
  • Establish and maintain integrated master project schedule for the PMO.
  • Write Executive Summary and Recommendations Papers for senior FOD leadership.
  • Deliver briefings on current business innovation endeavors.
  • Develop project management tools for use across FOD.
  • Work with various headquarters division leaders in developing enterprise-wide initiatives.
  • Assist in development of strategic goals and tracking success toward completion.
  • Develop data management plans.
  • Serve as the ECN site Facilitator.
  • Lead project teams and provide guidance and oversight in performing assigned duties.
  • Specific accomplishments include:.
  • Oversaw implementation of the Blueprint Fellows, Remote Notice to Appear, Eligibility Pre-Screening Indicator Check, and Model Office projects.
  • Completion of the Supervisory Support Training project to include successful transition to operations and maintenance.
  • Assist in identification and development of communities of practice for FOD leadership.
  • Close out of the Information Modernization and Supervisory Support projects.
  • Project start-up and subject matter expert for the Blueprint Fellows Project.
  • Testing and Evaluation Lead for the PMO.
  • Leading a team of analytic SMEs.
  • Lead team determining the future of field office facilities layout for FOD.
  • Responded to data inquiries from Congress and stakeholders.
  • Developed standard documentation requirements for data collection efforts.
  • Prepared budget cost saving models.
  • Created custom dashboards and interfaces designed specifically to suit customer needs and priorities for optimal performance.
  • Derived forward-looking insights from ongoing analytics projects to offer predictive intelligence for ongoing business decision-making.
  • Integrated third-party analytics solutions into ongoing projects, including Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics.
  • Organized [Number] simultaneous ongoing projects, delegating personnel and resources to optimally meet overarching business goals and minimize redundancies.
  • Translated complex business objectives into actionable data management plans for individual clients and customer classes.
  • Evaluated reliability of source information by weighing raw data to make data easier to interpret.
  • Conducted quality checks on data sources to check for inconsistencies and perform data cleaning activities.
  • Developed data tables and databases to create relation between tables to allow efficient data retrieval.
  • Performed data cleaning and data preparation to support high-quality data and catch errors before processing.
  • Applied statistical methods to solve specific problems in [Industry] and managed assigned deliverables related to study.

Special Assistant to the District Director

USCIS FOD District 43
Los Angeles, CA
10.2016 - 07.2018
  • GS-14, STEP 4, SERIES: 0301, SALARY: $132,000, 40 HRS PER WEEK, REFERENCE: DONNA CAMPAGNOLO, DISTRICT DIRECTOR, (213) 830-5400 Serve as liaison between the SES District Director and subordinate Field Office Directors and Section Chiefs.
  • Provide expert advice, guidance, and recommendations on special projects and programs related to data analysis functions, immigration policy, and other significant issues.
  • Conduct data analyses on various program operations such as customer service efficiency and employee surveys.
  • Oversee annual District-wide INSITE reviews.
  • Manage organizational strategic short and long-term planning efforts and monitor progress toward successful goal completion.
  • Develop program evaluation metrics and review statistical data to assess impact and effectiveness on the District’s operations.
  • Lead several team-oriented efforts needed to fulfill the organization’s mission.
  • Provide guidance and recommendations to the District analytic team to improve products and deliverables for the District Director.
  • Review quality and accuracy of quality assurance staff work products and statistical reports.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Management Specialist in setting annual goals and projects.
  • Assist the District Director in matters related to labor and employee relations and other personnel issues.
  • Implement quality work environment initiatives, including reward and recognition programs, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
  • Create career development workshops designed to expand and develop employee skill sets.
  • Assist in development and delivery of annual training programs for district supervisory staff on various management and technical topics.
  • Coordinate monthly naturalization ceremonies for the US District Court and District 23.
  • Participate in monthly community engagement meetings.
  • Assist in implementation and application of new policies and procedures.
  • Oversee multiple high-profile team-based projects on behalf of the District Director.
  • Prepare technical briefing materials for the District Director.
  • Deliver presentations to employees on a wide variety of topics ranging from technical and analytic issues to soft skills.
  • Provide recommendations to Field Office Directors on monthly production planning and resource allocations.
  • Draft reports and other correspondence on behalf of the District Director.
  • Facilitate working groups and information gathering sessions.
  • Provide support to special emphasis programs that honor the diversity of the organization’s employees and customers.
  • Other accomplishments include:.
  • Co-managed the District 23 Telework Policy working group resulting in a comprehensive procedure and telework enrollment guide.
  • Coordinated national implementation of the Historical Fingerprint Enrollment project.
  • Developed a 15 week training program, The Freshman 15, for new district supervisors to improve and develop their skills as first-line supervisors.
  • Program was nominated for a FY17 Director’s Award.
  • Coordinated the District’s first Certificate of Citizenship ceremony on the Battleship Iowa.
  • Served on the District’ Equal Employment Opportunity Action Committee.
  • Participated on various hiring panels.
  • Served as Communications Coordinator as part of the District’s emergency operations team.
  • Oversaw the development of long-term organizational goals through resource planning, monitoring, and implementation.
  • Developed long-term strategic goals.
  • Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.

Section Chief

USCIS Los Angeles County Field Office
Los Angeles, CA
06.2015 - 10.2016
  • GS-14, STEP 4, SERIES: 1801, SALARY: $122,000, 40 HRS PER WEEK, REFERENCE: NANCY J.
  • ALBY, FIELD OFFICE DIRECTOR, (213) 830-3830 Served as Section Chief assigned to the Los Angeles County Field Office Information and Customer Service Unit.
  • Served as both a first- and second-line supervisor managing a staff of 27-30 Immigration Services Officers assigned to adjudicate various USCIS form types and managed the Customer Service Unit.
  • Directed activities of subordinate managers and provided guidance on staff assignments, organization priorities, and other key administrative matters.
  • Reviewed work products and provided ongoing feedback to improve operations.
  • Advised the Field Office Director (FOD) on production goals based upon detailed data analysis.
  • Monitored production data and provided recommendations to the FOD.
  • Participated in interviewing and evaluating potential applicants for employment.
  • Responded to unforeseen challenges and obstacles on a daily basis, ranging from outstanding criminal warrants to allegations of immigration fraud.
  • Oversaw and managed various matters related to labor and employee relations and EEO issues.
  • Reviewed work products related to adjudications of Adjustment of Status, Naturalization, Military Parole-in-Place, Immigration Judge, and Advance Parole applications.
  • Identified and set short- and long-term priorities for the field office, my team, and individual staff.
  • Prepared schedules for performance of adjudications work and customer service appointments.
  • Evaluated work and performance of subordinates and made recommendations for outstanding performance recognition and/or disciplinary action.
  • Implemented a variety of reward and recognition programs designed to motivate and encourage exemplary performance and customer service.
  • Initiated ways to improve production, work processes, and the quality of the work products.
  • Identified developmental and training needs of employees and assisted in the development of Individual Development Plans.
  • Provided exemplary leadership and fostered a collaborative and motivated workforce.
  • Presented and participated in various community engagement forums.
  • Contributed to identifying monthly production goals and participated in monthly production planning meetings.
  • Reviewed work deliverables and provided feedback to employees.
  • Implemented quality workplace initiatives, including reward and recognition programs, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
  • Coordinated monthly Naturalization ceremonies for District 23.
  • Completed annual mid-term and annual performance appraisals.
  • Nominated for FY16 Manager of the Year.
  • Compiled data highlighting key metrics to report information, determine trends and identify methods for improving store results.
  • Onboarded new employees, including training, mentoring and new hire documentation.
  • Applied customer feedback to develop process improvements and support long-term business needs.
  • Established and updated work schedules to account for changing staff levels and expected workloads.
  • Prepared and recommended long-range plans for development of [Type] department.
  • Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions and forecast needs.
  • Adjusted job assignments and schedules to keep pace with dynamic business needs, factoring in processes, employee knowledge and customer demands.
  • Evaluated employees' strengths and assigned tasks based upon experience and training.
  • Delivered feedback to decision-makers regarding employee performance and training needs.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Maximized productivity by keeping detailed records of daily progress and identifying and rectifying areas for improvement.
  • Evaluated report data to proactively adjust and enhance [Type] operations.
  • Reviewed performance data to monitor and measure productivity, goal progress and activity levels.
  • Directed staff of [Number] personnel and managed budget totaling $[Amount] annually.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team of [Number] associates.

Quality Management Specialist

USCIS, District 43, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
06.2013 - 06.2015
  • GS-13, STEP 6, SERIES 0301, SALARY: $107,394, 40 HRS PER WEEK, REFERENCE: ANNA CHAU, DEPUTY DISTRICT DIRECTOR, (213) 830-5400 Served as senior analyst assigned to assist the District Director, Deputy District Director, and Chief of Staff on myriad of special projects.
  • Specific examples included:.
  • Reviewed current work processes and identified areas for improved efficiency and work performance.
  • Used process improvement methodology to improve office productivity and efficiency.
  • Developed local standard operating procedures for adjudication of immigration benefits.
  • Implemented consistent strategies district-wide for administering immigration benefits.
  • Trained Supervisory Immigration Services Officers (SISOs) on quality workplace issues and various technical issues.
  • Completed review of immigration decisions and advise on potential training needs of their employees.
  • Tracked various staffing issues, outcomes, and resolutions.
  • Developed and monitor performance measurements related to production.
  • Mentored district QA team and provided feedback on projects and other work products.
  • Provided recommendations on District-level problem solving, project status, and milestones.
  • Developed and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders.
  • Oversaw the planning and implementation of naturalization ceremonies averaging a total of 8,000 new citizens per ceremony day.
  • Provided training on District 23 policies and procedures.
  • Implemented Quality Workplace Initiatives (QWI).
  • Assisted in various adjudication-related tasks such as review of customer Service Request Responses and reverification of N-400 applications.
  • Coordinated with District 23 training officers to develop training plans.
  • Conducted employee focus groups related to QWI and process improvement.
  • Administered SharePoint web sites Also served to improve efficiency and effectiveness across various immigration-related processes employed by District 23, Los Angeles, CA.
  • Served as process improvement subject matter expert ensuring timely dissemination and implementation of strategic initiatives.
  • Performed quality assurance on immigration applications (I-485 and N-400).
  • Advised Supervisory Immigration Services Officers (ISOs) on training needed for ISOs based upon review of errors in granting immigration benefits.
  • Lead the District 23 local quality committee.
  • Developed and lead various process improvement projects designed to improve efficiency in operations and reduction of waste.
  • Wrote and delivered briefings for senior leadership on district performance and progress toward meeting established goals.
  • Established short and long-range strategic goals for immigration quality and process improvement within District 23.
  • Lead cross-functional teams in various process improvement projects.
  • Mentored employees on implementation of process improvements.
  • Developed reports designed to track 10,000+ file holdings in the district.
  • Conducted Lean Six Sigma analyses on existing procedures to identify waste and process defects in the granting of immigration benefits.
  • Briefed senior staff on analytic findings and recommendations.
  • Developed and delivered training programs across a wide range of users on process improvement methodologies and other immigration-related topics.
  • Coordinated special events such as Town Hall Meetings, special emphasis programs, and other district level information sessions.
  • Specific accomplishments include a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt study of the district’s customer service procedures resulting in shortened wait times for District 23 customers; development of customized customer service responses for ISOs; and development and delivery of a national pilot training for ISOs.
  • Determined root cause of deviations and non-conforming results and implemented appropriate corrective and preventive actions throughout product development process.
  • Developed and audited practices, programs and reporting system metrics for optimal efficiency.
  • Interpreted test results by comparing to established specifications and control limits, making recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
  • Drafted technical documents such as deviation reports, testing protocol and trend analyses.
  • Conducted data review and followed standard practices to find solutions.
  • Completed supporting documentation for testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks and inventory forms.
  • Recorded and organized test data for report generation and analysis.

Immigration Services Analyst

USCIS, District 43, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
09.2012 - 06.2013
  • GS-12, Step 10, Series 0301, 40 HRS PER WEEK) Lead analytic efforts aimed at tracking efficiency across USCIS District Office 23.
  • Analyzed complex immigration data provided from five different field offices across the District.
  • Identified and assessed areas of process and quality improvement that resulted in improved efficiencies.
  • Communicated and made recommendations to District leadership on how to implement process improvement projects.
  • Conducted and oversaw focus groups with stakeholders to identify areas where efficiency and productivity could be improved.
  • Prepared training materials and conducted staff training on new initiatives and reporting formats.
  • Authored production reports documenting trends and quality.
  • Audited immigration files for compliance with established adjudication procedures for both Naturalization (N-400) and Adjustment of Status (I-485).
  • Prepared weekly and monthly analytic reports for District leadership on progress toward meeting established immigration-related production targets.
  • Identified trends and production patterns for FODs and District leadership.
  • Provided evaluation and consultation to help supervisors and field offices meet established production goals.
  • Completed special projects upon request by the District Director and Deputy District Director, such as custom reports on specific goals or initiatives.
  • Analytical based research and consulting firm helping government and private sector clients improve their communications.
  • Managed quality assurance program, including on-site evaluations, internal audits and customer surveys.
  • Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
  • Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results.
  • Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.

Program Manager

PhaseOne Communications
Los Angeles, CA
08.2011 - 09.2012
  • Served as the Program Manager for two classified US government contracts related to analysis of strategic communications.
  • Monitored resource utilization, project risk, costs, and adherence to planned level of effort and budget.
  • Orchestrated completion of two communication contracts totaling $7M, by implementing contract management processes.
  • Developed metrics for monitoring project budgets and adherence to government-negotiated terms.
  • Monitored compliance with approved statement of work and stated contract regulations and procedures and proactively developed mitigation plans to resolve budget issues.
  • Authored project proposals and developed project budgets for consideration by government clients.
  • Managed and approved project and/or scope changes.

Management and Program Analyst

US Department Of Education
Washington, DC
09.2003 - 08.2011
  • GS-13, Step 6, Series 0343, 40 HRS PER WEEK) Managed all facets of three discretionary grant programs, totaling $35 million in annual awards, including planning and scheduling, development and publication of grant priorities and notices, and management and oversight of the peer review process, which included approximately 120 contracted reviewers.
  • Reviewed and approved grant application budget requests.
  • Conducted public outreach events to potential grant applicants.
  • Provided technical assistance and problem solving assistance to grantees regarding program management and Federal OMB requirements.
  • Monitored over 100 grantees to ensure adequate progress and adherence to planned budget and scope of project.
  • Developed performance measures and evaluation requirements for Federal grantees.
  • Reviewed and commented on various education policy documents.
  • Assisted in the development of organizational assessment measures, the collection of data toward these measures, and reporting.
  • Delivered training presentations, training workshops, and keynote addresses regarding Department initiatives at various national education forums and conferences.
  • Supported the Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary on special projects and initiatives related to school-based emergency management, safety, and homeland security.
  • Served as the Contracting Officer’s Representative for a large technical assistance contract, managing all aspect of contract implementation.
  • Wrote contract and inter-agency agreement specifications and manage contract procurement and implementation.
  • Facilitated working groups, focus groups, and workshops.
  • Other specific accomplishments include:.
  • Certified Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) (certification updated 12/2010).
  • Author and program manager of the Department’s Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools, Project SERV, and Educational Facilities Clearinghouse grant programs.
  • Program Manager for A Guide to School Vulnerability Assessments (http://rems.ed.gov/docs/VA_Report_2008.pdf).
  • Presenter with the US Secret Service, Safe School Initiative training.
  • Represented the agency at numerous public forums including symposiums, conferences, and community meetings and participated in various local radio interviews.
  • Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Created plans and communicated deadlines to ensure projects were completed on time.
  • Served customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service.
  • Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results.
  • Compiled costs of goods and services for projects to present decision-makers with accurate estimates and enhance budget planning.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - United States Government And Politics

University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD
01.1990 - 05.1993

Skills

Technical Writing

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Certification

Data Analysis

Additional Information

USCIS Training Completed:

Crucial Conversations

Leading Your Team Through Change

Mid-Level Manager Training

Basic Immigration Services Officer Training

Foundations of Supervision

Sharepoint

Tableau

Timeline

Analytics Process Area Manager

USCIS FOD Program Management Office
07.2018 - Current

Special Assistant to the District Director

USCIS FOD District 43
10.2016 - 07.2018

Section Chief

USCIS Los Angeles County Field Office
06.2015 - 10.2016

Quality Management Specialist

USCIS, District 43, Los Angeles
06.2013 - 06.2015

Immigration Services Analyst

USCIS, District 43, Los Angeles
09.2012 - 06.2013

Program Manager

PhaseOne Communications
08.2011 - 09.2012

Management and Program Analyst

US Department Of Education
09.2003 - 08.2011

Bachelor of Arts - United States Government And Politics

University of Maryland - College Park
01.1990 - 05.1993

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Sara Elizabeth StrizziSenior Federal Government Manager