Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic
Shavana Howard

Shavana Howard

Human Services
Olympia,WA

Summary

Dynamic and mission-driven public service executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience across federal and state government agencies, specializing in poverty reduction, public assistance policy, workforce development, and human services delivery. Proven track record of leading multimillion-dollar programs, managing large-scale teams, and implementing transformative strategies to increase access, efficiency, and equity in social service systems. Recognized for innovative program development, legislative expertise, and strong stakeholder engagement—including partnerships with tribal governments, community organizations, and federal agencies. Adept at navigating complex political landscapes, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and advancing equity-centered policies that impact millions of lives. Passionate about building inclusive systems that promote economic independence and social well-being for vulnerable populations.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder/CEO

SKH Consulting
03.2025 - Current


  • Develop strategic business plans to drive growth and enhance service offerings.
  • Direct organizational change management efforts to improve operational efficiency and employee engagement.
  • Cultivat relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration to drive innovation and performance.
  • Oversee financial planning and analysis, ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives.
  • Analyze industry trends to inform strategic decision-making and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
  • Establish performance metrics for accountability, driving continuous improvement across all departments.
  • Manage partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
  • Develope key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
  • Establish new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products or services.
  • Fostered strong relationships with industry partners to expand business opportunities.

Senior Advisor, Food and Nutrition Consumer Services (FNCS)

United States Department of Agriculture
01.2023 - 01.2025
  • Directed SNAP policy, strategy, and compliance, ensuring alignment with federal regulations while reducing administrative burden and modernizing service delivery.
  • Spearheaded national initiatives to expand access to nutrition assistance, strengthen fraud prevention, and improve state program operations.
  • Served as a trusted advisor to USDA leadership, providing policy guidance and technical support to drive cross-agency priorities.
  • Partnered with state agencies, advocacy groups, and community organizations to address food security challenges and promote program equity.
  • Mentored senior leaders, advancing data-driven decision-making and organizational effectiveness.

Assistant Secretary, Division of Family Support

Department of Children and Family Services
04.2020 - 01.2023
  • Executive cabinet member overseeing 1,900 staff and $500M biennial budget, delivering cash grants, food assistance, child support, disability determinations, and employment services to 1M residents statewide.
  • Led strategic and cultural transformation aligning programs to DCFS's vision: health, safety, equity, and taxpayer accountability.
  • Advanced equity, diversity, access, and inclusion initiatives across all programs, embedding these principles into operations and long-range poverty reduction strategies.
  • Strengthened legislative and stakeholder relations, ensuring policies, procedures, and practices fully complied with federal and state mandates.
  • Fostered an inclusive, customer-focused environment designed to improve service quality, accountability, and community trust.
  • Developed and executed long-range strategies that modernized public assistance delivery and advanced economic security for Louisianans.
  • Enhanced organizational talent and workforce engagement, cultivating a diverse and qualified leadership pipeline and strengthening agency-wide commitment to excellence.

Administrator, Food Programs and Policy & Basic Food Employment and Training

Department of Social and Health Services, Community Services Division, HQ
07.2016 - 04.2020
  • Oversaw and directed SNAP, FAP, SNAP E&T, SNAP Outreach, and SNAP-Ed programs with a staff of 27.
  • Secured $32M+ in federal funding and led innovative employment and training pilots to expand opportunities for low-income populations.
  • Represented Washington at the national level (APHSA, USDA partnerships, SNAP 2 Skills Academy), influencing policy and best practices.
  • Hosted annual national SNAP forums with 300+ attendees, sharing Washington's nationally recognized E&T and SNAP-Ed models.
  • Guided legislative analysis and testimony, shaping state policies affecting poverty reduction and workforce development.
  • Oversaw successful USDA management evaluations, ensuring compliance and accountability statewide.


RISE Project Manager

Department of Social and Health Services, Community Services Division, HQ
03.2015 - 06.2016
  • Ensure the appropriate use of federal dollars ($22 million) in Resources to Initiate Successful Employment (RISE) project funds to deliver employment and training services. Maintain ethical and RISE program integrity to ensure program requirements.
  • Manage pilot project development from inception to closure in accordance with program goals to move SNAP recipients to their full potential.
  • Create and maintain a detailed project plan, timeline and milestones including deliverables.
  • Create, analyze, and approve pilot provider applications to determine suitability for the RISE pilot.
  • Lead, coach, and motivate project team members and providers.
  • Develop tools and best practices for project management and execution.
  • Develop strong collaborative relationships amongst providers to ensure successful execution and delivery of services.
  • Manage, monitor, approve budget and amend contracts as needed.
  • Oversee project coordinators, Division of Child Support staff, and IT staff ensuring program compliance.
  • Evaluate provider outcomes and data to ensure appropriate program enrollment use of policies and procedures.
  • Review, analyze, and evaluate data and reports received. Submit reports and briefs as needed to leadership.
  • Work Closely with FNS and designated pilot evaluator to determine pilot effectiveness.


Yeoman (YN)

United States Navy Reserve
10.2011 - 10.2015
  • Performed clerical and personnel security and general administrative duties, including typing and filing; prepare and route correspondence and reports; maintain records, publications, and service records; counsel office personnel on administrative matters; perform administrative support for shipboard legal proceedings and maintain shipboard legal files; conduct reporting/detaching and required retention related interviews; prepare and maintain personnel security documents and perform other personnel related functions; and serve as office managers.
  • Stand watch at port to ensure security of ship/building.
  • Document and measure truck/equipment serial numbers to load on ship for transport.
  • Drive/Load equipment for transportation on and off ship.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Basic Food Employment and Training Program Manager & Program Consultant

Department of Social and Health Services, Community Services Division, HQ
02.2014 - 03.2015
  • Wrote and secured a federal grant for $22 million for the RISE pilot project to test innovative approaches in employment and training amongst SNAP work registrants.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of the annual BFET Training Forum.
  • Conduct annual contract monitoring site visits with 43+ community based organizations to ensure program compliance, complete monitoring reports and review/approve corrective action plans. Developed various monitoring tools for site visits.
  • Work with CSD training design team to provide staff training for BFET and work requirements and job quit penalties.
  • Assist in the development and timely submission of the BFET state plan securing $32+ million in funding. Assist in the facilitation of the BFET program federal management evaluation.
  • Train new BFET providers on the completion of reports, billing submission, and required program elements.
  • Review and approve monthly invoices from community partners.
  • Prepare briefings, talking points, and reports as needed.
  • Research and analyze provider performance and outcomes.
  • Conduct legislative bill analysis and testify as needed.

Disability Lifeline Social Worker

Department of Social & Health Services, Community Services Division
06.2010 - 04.2012
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify incapacitates, challenges and available resources.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service plans to address client needs and promote well-being, by providing case management with a caseload of 240 clients.
  • Conduct interviews to determine initial medical eligibility for the short-term disability program.
  • Pay medical bills using SSP system.

Work First Program Specialist

Department of Social & Health Services, Community Services Division
10.2009 - 06.2010
  • Provide case management to TANF clients in their efforts to obtain employment, their success in achieving employment, and their efforts to improve their employment status.
  • Develop, revise, monitor and update client Individual Responsibility Plans, which constitutes the basis for client's participation in WorkFirst and outlines the services and activities required for the client to move toward self-sufficiency.
  • Asses need, authorize and facilitate appropriate support services.
  • Input and receive data on multiple automated systems.
  • Process and finalize applications for cash, food, and medical programs.
  • Work with the Building Changes Program in collaboration with community partners, which include a variety of housing programs and employment and training agencies to assist clients in developing a plan that meets each programs requirement with service one plan.


Financial Service Specialist I-IV

Department of Social & Health Services, Community Services Division
04.2004 - 10.2009
  • Engaged with clients to assess needs and determine eligibility for cash, food, medical, and childcare services.
  • Coordinated service delivery across multiple programs to ensure comprehensive support.
  • Provide case management and community resources to assist clients in reaching their full potential.
  • Audit work completed by eligibility staff to ensure accuracy.
  • Perform complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
  • Conduct fair hearings with administrative law judge regarding correct closure, overpayments and denial of benefits.
  • Assist in various meeting in regards to production, analysis, standards of conduct, and implementation of office and region policy and procedures.
  • Mentored junior staff, providing guidance on complex cases and best practices in service delivery.

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Social Sciences, Major in Psychology and Minor in Business

Washington State University
Pullman, WA
03-2005

Master of Science - Leadership And Human Resource Development

Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge
05-2024

Skills

    Poverty Reduction & Social Equity Strategies

    Federal & State Policy Development

    Executive Leadership & Organizational Transformation

    Budget Oversight ($500M) & Workforce Leadership (1,900 staff)

    Legislative & Stakeholder Relations

    Program Innovation & Performance Improvement

    Compliance, Risk & Program Integrity

    Strategic Communication & Public Engagement

Affiliations

  • APHSA Board - Western Region Representative (4+ years)
  • Community of Basketball - Board Member (9 years)
  • Louisiana Children's Cabinet Advisory Board (2 years)
  • Louisiana Education Workforce Sub cabinet (2 years)
  • Workforce Investment Council (2 years)
  • Military Family Assistance Board (2 years)
  • Jobs for the Future Subcommittee (2 years)
  • LSU Policy Practice Advisory Council (1 year)
  • WA Economic Justice Alliance (1 year)


Timeline

Founder/CEO

SKH Consulting
03.2025 - Current

Senior Advisor, Food and Nutrition Consumer Services (FNCS)

United States Department of Agriculture
01.2023 - 01.2025

Assistant Secretary, Division of Family Support

Department of Children and Family Services
04.2020 - 01.2023

Administrator, Food Programs and Policy & Basic Food Employment and Training

Department of Social and Health Services, Community Services Division, HQ
07.2016 - 04.2020

RISE Project Manager

Department of Social and Health Services, Community Services Division, HQ
03.2015 - 06.2016

Basic Food Employment and Training Program Manager & Program Consultant

Department of Social and Health Services, Community Services Division, HQ
02.2014 - 03.2015

Yeoman (YN)

United States Navy Reserve
10.2011 - 10.2015

Disability Lifeline Social Worker

Department of Social & Health Services, Community Services Division
06.2010 - 04.2012

Work First Program Specialist

Department of Social & Health Services, Community Services Division
10.2009 - 06.2010

Financial Service Specialist I-IV

Department of Social & Health Services, Community Services Division
04.2004 - 10.2009

Bachelor's Degree - Social Sciences, Major in Psychology and Minor in Business

Washington State University

Master of Science - Leadership And Human Resource Development

Louisiana State University

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