Shannon Isaacs
Fredericksburg,VA
Summary
Reliable and flexible Homeland Security and Emergency Management professional, specializing in Continuity of Operations (COOP). Experience and expertise in supporting emergency operations, response and recovery efforts, and continuity of operations programs (COOP) in a mission- and time-critical environment. Work collaboratively with governmental and non-governmental organizations to secure the nation and ensure resilience to disasters. Broad range of communication expertise, technical proficiencies and problem-solving capabilities. Knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD) security policies and procedures, crisis response processes, and homeland security incident command measures. Strong attention to detail and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, engaging organizational leadership and leading a diverse workforce. Trustworthy, cooperative, and adaptable with strong decision-making capabilities.
Results-driven educational professional with solid foundation in instructional technology. Proven ability to enhance learning experiences through innovative technology solutions and effective curriculum design. Reliable team player focused on collaboration and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Proficient in e-learning development, instructional design, and adapting to evolving technological needs.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructional Technologist / Continuity of Operations (COOP) Training Manager
SPAARK, INC. [Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA)]
10.2022 - Current
- Responsible for three (3) functional areas within the HQDA COOP branch. Within the education realm, ensures a competent Emergency Relocation Staff (ERS). Uses a variety of venues, such as instruction to newly assigned Continuity Points of Contacts (CPOCs), conducting monthly COOP working groups, serving as the primary liaison between each CPOC and the COOP Exercise Team. The training role ranges from teaching COOP introductory briefings to new CPOCs and senior leadership, conducting aircraft safety and load coordinator training, ensuring the Army Operations Center (AOC)/Army Watch is proficient in their communication role during COOP execution for exercises and real-world events. Conducts robust training, which includes considerations for each Emergency Relocation Group (ERG) at their assigned Continuity Facility in support of the entire HQDA ERS. Responsible for writing, updating and implementing the annual COOP Test, Train, and Exercise (TT&E) and Readiness Calendar Plan(s). The role within COOP operations extends from building and coordinating staff packages, managing the Government Emergency Telephone Service (GETS) cards, maintaining the ALERT! Mass Warning Notification System, fulfilling requests for information from the COOP community within the COOP Community, to include other Service Branches. Maintains two webpages (Emergency Relocation Staff Roster (ERoSter) and General Chales L. Bolte (Bolte Portal), supporting orientations to alternate facilities and developing the agenda and supporting material for COOP working groups. Chairs the ERoSter Configuration Control Board (CCB) which serves as a collaboration mechanism for the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Space Force in the management, utilization, and adaptation of the ERoSter Webpage. Serves as an Action Officer in support of the Army Program within the HQDA Operations Directorate.
- Supervisor: Steve Fahlenkamp (703) 697-5456
- Okay to Contact: Yes
- Work Schedule: Full-Time
- Hours Per Week: 40
Senior Exercise Planner
CRDF Global (Valiant Sub-Contractor)
06.2022 - 10.2022
- Responsible for providing expertise and exercise support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) On-Site Inspection & Building Capacity Directorate to assist in the planning, preparation, design, and execution of exercises discussion-based and operations-based exercises in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) methodology.
- Leads strategic, operational, and tactical level initiatives and multiple exercise project teams, as well as select exercise program level requirements.
- Manages exercise project teams supporting tasks that include but are not limited to; all planning/preparatory aspects of the exercise design process, scheduling, planning team communications, development of documentation materials, meeting preparation, exercise conduct, and post-exercise reporting for both discussion-based and operations-based exercises in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) methodology.
- Directs facilitation of exercise meeting and events
- Researches, proposes, and editing of observations and recommendations for after-action reports and improvement plans prior to review by federal exercise leads.
- Supervisor: James Overbye, Senior Director Security, Security Assistance (703) 479-8652
- Okay to Contact: Yes
- Work Schedule: Full-Time
- Hours Per Week: 40+
Senior Associate - Continuity of Operations (COOP) Lead
Kforce (KPMG Sub-Contractor)
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Responsible for researching and writing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Continuity of Operations Base Plan in accordance with Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-40, and Federal Continuity Directives (FCD) 1 and 2.
- Development of Federal continuity (COOP) plans and procedures.
- Alignment of the Continuity Program’s preparedness activities with the updated Mission Essential Functions.
- Developing FDA’s COOP Plan and associated documentation (Devolution Plan, Test, Training and Exercise Plan, etc.).
- Providing foundational level understanding and experience in Federal Continuity of Operations (COOP), Emergency Management, and/or Business Continuity Management to FDA personnel.
- Communicating orally and in writing with senior level FDA officials on a weekly/daily basis regarding ongoing continuity base plan needs and requirements.
- Supervisor: David Chung, (301)802-1131
- Okay to Contact: Yes
- Work Schedule: Contract
- Hours Per Week: 32 -40
Continuity of Operations (COOP) Program Manager / Training Program Analyst
NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU (NGB) – Operations Division
06.2017 - 11.2021
- Coordinate daily administrative and support functions for continuity of operations (COOP) program, performing planning, coordination, assessment, and advisory services. Schedule, plan, and direct continuity exercises for readiness and recovery operations, assuring COOP readiness of government agencies. Develop, maintain, and evaluate emergency operating plans and documents. Train senior leaders and staff on exercise rules, objectives, and operations. Regulate ground and air movement of staff to continuity sites. Oversaw training for ARNG Total Army School System (TASS), piloting human capital management and training management lifecycles. Headed special projects and developed policies and procedures for ARNG implementation of TASS operations. Utilized Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to manage training requirements for military and civilian personnel, preparing and updating training surveys to identify and forecast future training needs.
- Oversee COOP program and operations, planning and executing emergency response actions for the prevention, preparedness, and response to intentional and unintentional crises, natural and man-made disasters, technological events, and acts of terrorism.
- Navigate technology and communication systems valued at over $2.5M, including installation, operation, and troubleshooting of issues.
- Assist in preparing, updating, and maintaining COOP Operations Plan (OPLAN), a detailed plan for conducting joint military operations.
- Educates Emergency Relocation Staff (ERS), Emergency Relocation Group (ERG) members, senior leaders, and newly assigned Continuity Points of Contacts (CPOCs) through multiple training platforms, COOP introductory briefs, and regulatory guidance on all aspects of COOP basic principles and requirements.
- Ensures the Army Operations Center/Army Watch is proficient in their communication role during a COOP execution.
- Conducts monthly COOP working groups and serves as the primary liaison between each CPOC and the COOP Exercise Team.
- Orchestrates training and orientation for each Emergency Relocation Group (ERG) at their assigned Continuity Facility (CF) in support of the entire HQDA ERS.
- Builds, maintains, and coordinates staff packages, managing the Government Emergency Telephone Service cards.
- Maintains a viable alert and notification system, fulfilling requests for information from the COOP community, maintaining two web pages, supporting orientations to alternate facilities and developing the agenda and supporting material for COOP working groups.
- Serves as an Action Officer in support of the Army COOP Program within the HQDA Operations Directorate.
- Design and implement policies, procedures, and outreach strategies to ensure recruitment and retention of military and civilian personnel according to national security policy.
- Command the Decision Support Center (DSC)—conference facilities for ARNG G-3/5/7 Office of Professional Readiness executives and staff—scheduling events, enforcing security measures during events, and providing customer service.
- Functioned as TASS Conference and Workshop Manager, planning, and coordinating events, devising event agendas and itineraries, selecting vendors, and supplying onsite support.
- Corresponded daily with TASS training institutions and state quota managers, resolving training issues between facilities, and serving as liaison for accreditation issues.
- Supervisor: LTC Keith Moran, (571)451-6272
- Okay to Contact: Yes
- Work Schedule: Full-Time
- Hours Per Week: 40+
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Colorado Technical University
03.2021
Skills
- Operations & Continuity Planning
- Crisis & Disaster Preparedness
- Risk Management / Hazard Control
- Emergency Preparedness
- Continuity Exercises
- Resource Management
- Strategic Thinking & Communications
- Training & Leadership Development
- Human Capital Management
- Collaborative learning
Accomplishments
- Contributed 25+ years of military service in the United States Army National Guard (ARNG) and recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
- Analyze emergency information and execute emergency operations during actual and simulated disaster response, collecting data and developing recommendations to solve emergency management and COOP problems and issues.
- Partner with Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA), the Army National Guard (ARNG), US Department of Homeland Security, state/local governments, and external agencies, delivering briefings and presentations to influence stakeholders to implement recommendations on organizational and program effectiveness.
- Leverage limited resources while serving as project and program manager, program analyst, special events planner and coordinator, personnel manager, and training expert.
Certification
- Level I: Professional Continuity Practitioner (2021)
- Level II: Master Continuity Practitioner (Remaining items: teach Two Blocks of K1301 & K1302, Complete Written Exam)
- Defense Information System for Security (DISS) Administrator (2021)
- Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Evaluator (2013)
NATIONAL, DEPARTMENT, AND AGENCY LEVEL EXERCISE PARTICIPATION
- Positive Response (2022-2025)
- Global Thunder (2019-2025)
- Eagle Horizon (2019-2025)
- Viral Supremacy (2022)
- Vigilant Guard (2019-2021)
- Vibrant Response (2010-2014)
Timeline
Instructional Technologist / Continuity of Operations (COOP) Training Manager
SPAARK, INC. [Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA)]
10.2022 - Current
Senior Exercise Planner
CRDF Global (Valiant Sub-Contractor)
06.2022 - 10.2022
Senior Associate - Continuity of Operations (COOP) Lead
Kforce (KPMG Sub-Contractor)
09.2021 - 06.2022
Continuity of Operations (COOP) Program Manager / Training Program Analyst
NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU (NGB) – Operations Division
06.2017 - 11.2021
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Colorado Technical University