Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Sherida (Shaye) Gunn

Augusta,GA

Summary

Seasoned Protocol Officer and Planner with over 15 years of experience in event planning and coordination. Recognized for exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring seamless execution of high-stakes events. A dedicated liaison professional equipped with strong interpersonal and organizational capabilities, complemented by expertise in mediation and legal support. Proven track record in preparing departments with comprehensive strategies to achieve desired outcomes while developing and analyzing internal procedures for optimal efficiency.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Deputy Congressional Affairs Liaison and Assistant to the Commander's Strategic Initiatives Group

United States Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) Fort Gordon
02.2024 - Current
  • Monitor and advise the CG, Chief of Staff and other Command Staff on activities initiated by Congressional Committees, individual members of congress, State government leaders and their staff
  • Assess congressional actions, reports conclusions, interpret legislative, policy, and regulatory guidance from Congress, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Secretary of the Army (SA) and USCYBERCOM
  • Apply congressional knowledge to advise ARCYBER leadership on specific areas and actions undertaken by Congress, state governments, OSD, USCYBERCOM, and HQDA that may impact ARCYBER's mission
  • Assist in developing strategy to improve and maintain strong relationships with Congress and appropriate State governments
  • Assist in the development and implementation of the Congressional Engagement Strategy that supports the Command's priorities and goals
  • Coordinate with the Office Chief Legislative Liaison (OCLL) on all congressional activities within ARCYBER and the Army to facilitate understanding, decision making, hearings, and visits between members of Congress, staff, and senior ARCYBER officials
  • Coordination and communication within ARCYBER and key external stakeholders; strengthen relationships with key congressional stakeholders
  • Facilitate responses to questions for record (QFR), request for information (RFI), Statements of Administration Policy (SAP) and other requests from congressional staff offices
  • Develop and maintain succinct and timely documentation reflecting all external contacts/activities for appropriate distribution to ARCYBER
  • Responsible for facilitating the response to all ETMS-2 taskings for Congressional Affairs and assisting CSIG as required on three enclaves; Assess, prioritize and effectively delegate tasks in a timely manner
  • Management of all records on three enclaves for the Command's Strategic Initiative Group (CSIG) and the Congressional Affairs Office
  • Ensure all records on three enclaves are purged or transferred yearly by records management guidelines
  • Created a congressional affairs task tracker and Power-BI tool for congressional analytics
  • Created a database of all congressional questions asked in a meeting or visit with datapoints for future leader prep sessions on specific topics of interest
  • Created CSIG task tracker for internal use by the director to task internal requirements
  • Streamlined the constituent inquiry timeline of processing from start to finish; meeting or exceeding all timelines
  • Updated format of the running engagement document for ease of use and clarity
  • Created an acronym and congressional frequently used terms library on SharePoint
  • Knowledge Management lead for CSIG and CACO; Updated the Congressional Affairs SharePoint site
  • (insert brief paragraph)
  • Analyzed feedback from team members to refine operational processes and improve collaboration.
  • Served as the primary point of contact, fostering strong relationships between internal teams and external partners.
  • Maintained a high degree of professionalism at all times, representing the organization with integrity in both internal and external interactions.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by swiftly addressing concerns and providing solutions to various issues.
  • Collaborated closely with department heads to identify opportunities for process improvement initiatives.
  • Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
  • Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
  • Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.

Chief of Protocol Officer and Action Officer, Commanders Planning Group

United States Army Cyber Center of Excellence & Fort Gordon (CCoE)
09.2017 - 02.2024
  • Chief of Protocol for the CCoE encompasses a two-star general officer-led headquarters, two general officer commandants at the one-star level, one Senior Executive Service (SES) civilian, and one Defense Intelligence Senior Level (DISL) civilian. Responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of events and surrounding post activities to appropriately conduct all military and civilian ceremonies, receptions, social events Very Important Person (VIP)/Dignitary visits, conferences, and offsites. Focus shifted from primarily protocol to action officer for the Commander's Planning Group (CPG) during a long series of reorganizations and substantial personnel loss/shortages.
  • Performed basic protocol functions as outlined in the previous job with the 7th Signal Command (Theater) at a two-star general officer level
  • Supervised one GS-9 employee and 3 military service members, conducted employee assessments
  • Advised and assisted the Commanders Planning Group (CPG) on all VIP visits to ensure the focus of the visit met the specific mission requirements of each VIP as well as the CG's intent
  • Advised and coordinated Congressional level visits; successfully coordinated over 20 visits in the past 5 years such as Cyber Staffer Day with the Senate Armed Services and House Armed Services Committees; Ensured security clearances are sent and cleared by the security team prior to executing any visit
  • Long standing professional relationship with local, state and national elected officials and their local staff, stakeholders and businesses; Established and maintains effective working relationship with higher headquarters staff (TRADOC, ARCYBER, OCLL, PCA). Assisted in arranging contact between Congress and TRADOC with support from staff as required.
  • CACO duties for the CCoE – advised leaders on apprised legislative action or congressional initiatives. Facilitated official responses to written and telephonic inquiries from Members of Congress, OCLL and their staffs.
  • Evaluated and reviewed internal and external demands on the CG's time to provide accurate summaries for recommendations or alternate courses of action
  • Created an engagement tracker to track internal and external requirements associated with the CG's schedule
  • Planned, collaborated and implemented engagements strategy based upon objectives and goals established by the CG
  • Conducted research, analysis, and prepared products for the CG and senior command staff to effectively communicate the command's position and priorities and able to effectively communicate the command's interests
  • Planned and executed General Officer visits with itineraries, transportation, escorts, maps, office calls, administrative requirements
  • Assisted with special projects where multiple staff are involved and no one element has complete responsibility such as the Post Redesignation Ceremony
  • Coordinated actions, clarifies responsibilities and timelines for completion
  • Consolidated data as necessary and reviewed to ensure accomplishment of objectives, timelines, and acceptability; provided advice and guidance for improvements and anticipated areas of concern
  • Prepared quad charts, command decision tools, biographies, scripts, and executive summaries to ensure the CG was prepared with the necessary background information to make effective and timely decisions
  • Participated in meetings, office calls: recorded decisions, task requirements and other pertinent discussion content
  • Assisted Public Affairs team with photography and data collection for speeches, social media content and talking points
  • Managed and maintained the Official Representation Funds (ORF)/.012 fund to include gift locker for the Commanding General; Facilitated three ORF funded foreign visits
  • Responsible for the invitations, seating, distinguished visitor lists for command information briefs, Pre-Command Course dinners, CG hosted socials, Post Change of Command and Change of Responsibility ceremonies to include their farewell dinners, Annual New Year's Reception, other post wide ceremonies, observances, memorials, retirements and special ceremonies
  • Responsible for the lodging requests of over 100 visitors to Fort Gordon yearly; maintains the accountability of eighteen distinguished visitor quarters daily
  • Supported, advised or augmented units or agencies on and off Fort Gordon with protocol-related advice and assistance as called upon
  • Maintained an official bank account for efficient ability to pay for events; assisted in the planning and execution of the Commanding General's Annual offsite in coordination with G3
  • Sought legal advice frequently to ensure compliance of regulatory guidelines; maintained and fostered an established working relationship with the Staff Judge Advocate
  • Managed Foreign General Officer visits, processed the foreign visit requests (FVR) in coordination with G3 and the Office of Security; Ensured customs and courtesies of foreign visitors were arranged and fit the needs of the visit; Ensured security clearances were sent and cleared by the security team prior to executing any visit
  • (minimum of 80 hours per pay period)
  • Streamlined protocol procedures for increased efficiency, leading to a more professional representation of the organization at official functions.
  • Coordinated high-level diplomatic events, ensuring compliance with protocol standards and guidelines.
  • Managed logistics for official visits, including travel arrangements, accommodations, and security protocols.
  • Facilitated training sessions for staff on protocol policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Oversaw preparation of briefing materials for executive leadership prior to key diplomatic meetings and events.
  • Served as primary liaison between government departments and foreign missions to streamline communication channels.
  • Enhanced diplomatic relations by effectively managing high-level events and visits between foreign dignitaries and U.S. officials.
  • Managed a dedicated team of protocol officers, providing guidance and mentorship to ensure their professional growth and success.
  • Established strong relationships with foreign embassies, fostering cooperation on shared objectives and initiatives.
  • Developed comprehensive briefing materials for senior leadership, promoting informed decision-making in international engagements.
  • Served as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on matters related to diplomatic protocol and etiquette.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.

Protocol Specialist

7th Signal Command (Theater)
10.2008 - 01.2017
  • Sole Protocol Officer for the 10,000 Soldiers and Civilians in the 7th Signal Command (Theater). This organization encompasses a general officer-led headquarters, three Brigades and 44 Network Enterprise Centers across CONUS.
  • Possesses expert knowledge to evaluate, plan and coordinate arrangements for visits by senior military and civilian dignitaries to the Command; in addition, the preparation of plans and itineraries compatible with the scope of the visits, to include social events, ceremonies, briefings, transportation, billeting, escort officers and budgeting
  • Possesses a keen sense of tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with high-ranking military officials and visiting dignitaries
  • Performed extensive research and analysis in the planning of formal receptions, dinners, and other social events. Executed behind-the-scenes planning to ensure impeccable administration of all events to include on the spot correction or troubleshooting as needed
  • Coordinated directly with command staff, secretary of the general staff (SGS), CG's ADC, Staff Directorates, catering staff, hotel staff, visual information staff, and Public Affairs office for events and distinguished visits to the organization
  • Synchronized with SGS and Staff Directorates, and other agencies concerned to build itineraries in minute detail that met the intent of the distinguished visitor
  • Proactively researched and provided requisite planning of social events; determined guest lists based on purpose of occasion, observed and facilitated reciprocal gestures, and ensured certain requirements met funding entitlements
  • Streamlined interactions and promoted effective working relationships with high-ranking government officials and dignitaries and consistently applied regulation-based military and protocol principles in every instance
  • Created and maintained an extensive database on a shared drive consisting of events, speeches, ceremonies, seating charts, itineraries, briefs, trip books, conference packages, biographies, menus etc. to streamline planning and execution capabilities and help other organizations
  • Subject matter expert on protocol correctness; provides guidance and assistance to subordinate units as needed
  • Advised and provided expert protocol assistance through planning services at all levels in matters pertaining to protocol, customs of the Army and other services
  • Researched and advised the command on foreign cultures, customs, courtesies, etc., to avoid any potentially offensive gestures, incidents, etc.
  • Managed scheduling and event calendars for command group personnel; arranged conference, meeting and travel reservations as needed by using Defense Travel System (DTS)
  • (80 hrs per pay period)
  • Coordinated protocol compliance and ensured adherence to military regulations across various operations.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between events by preparing detailed itineraries for visiting dignitaries and guests of honor.
  • Collaborated with team members to create comprehensive event plans aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Improved communication within the organization by creating and maintaining a centralized protocol database.
  • Prepared briefing materials for executive leadership, providing context on key attendees and event-specific protocols.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of domestic and international protocol standards, applying best practices to daily operations.
  • Provided guidance on proper etiquette during formal ceremonies facilitating respectful interactions between participants.
  • Resolved protocol issues with diplomacy, fostering positive relationships between stakeholders.
  • Developed successful strategies for high-level visits, establishing a strong foundation for international relations.
  • Managed complex guest lists and seating arrangements, prioritizing stakeholder preferences and cultural considerations.
  • Assisted in maintaining an inventory of official gifts required during diplomatic engagements.
  • Cultivated professional relationships within the protocol community through networking opportunities at conferences or workshops.
  • Streamlined administrative tasks such as drafting correspondence and maintaining files, allowing more time for strategic planning efforts.

Education

MBA - Hospitality and Tourism

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL

BS - Business Administration/Human Resources

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL

Do it Right Protocol Training -

Combined Protocol Training Course
Hawaii

Protocol School of Washington -

Protocol Officer Training
Tysons Corner, VA

Skills

  • Team collaboration
  • Cross-functional communications
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Organizational skills
  • Teamwork
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Strategic planning

Timeline

Deputy Congressional Affairs Liaison and Assistant to the Commander's Strategic Initiatives Group

United States Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) Fort Gordon
02.2024 - Current

Chief of Protocol Officer and Action Officer, Commanders Planning Group

United States Army Cyber Center of Excellence & Fort Gordon (CCoE)
09.2017 - 02.2024

Protocol Specialist

7th Signal Command (Theater)
10.2008 - 01.2017

MBA - Hospitality and Tourism

Columbia Southern University

BS - Business Administration/Human Resources

Columbia Southern University

Do it Right Protocol Training -

Combined Protocol Training Course

Protocol School of Washington -

Protocol Officer Training

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