Tamara L. Blake-Wallace
Prince Frederick,MD
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, adept in policy implementation and process improvement. Excelled in leveraging GIS Database and fostering team building, significantly enhancing project coordination. Proven track record in employee supervision and budget development, driving efficiency and innovation.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Planning Commission Administrator
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
06.2023 - Current
- Evaluated needs of departments and delegated tasks to optimize overall production.
- Analyzed operational processes and recommended improvements to enhance efficiency.
- Monitored budget expenditures and prepared financial reports for review by management.
- Handled correspondence, including drafting emails, memos, and reports for senior management.
- Created plans to propose solutions to problems related to efficiency, costs or profits.
- Worked closely with human resources to support employee management and organizational planning.
- Prepared presentations using Microsoft Office Suite applications.
- Created presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint for management team members.
- Assisted in the recruitment process, from posting job ads to organizing interviews and onboarding new hires.
- Compiled data from multiple sources into comprehensive reports for management review.
- Assisted in the development of new administrative systems, procedures and policies.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
- Served as the primary point of contact for external stakeholders, including clients and partners.
- Facilitated training sessions for new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
- Processed payroll and managed employee records, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations within the office environment.
- Facilitated communication between departments to support project completion and goal achievement.
- Assisted with budget preparation and tracking of expenses.
- Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
- Conducted performance evaluations and recommended training programs for staff development.
- Compiled statistical data from various sources for analysis.
- Responded promptly to customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Coordinated meetings, conferences, travel arrangements.
- Organized client meetings to provide project updates.
- Managed day-to-day office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to policies.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Principal Planner
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
06.2018 - Current
- Manages major updates to functional and comprehensive plans
- Liaison representative for the Board of County Commissioners for the Regional Infrastructure Advisory Committee (RIAC), Calvert-St
- Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (C-SMMPO), Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and Tri-County Council
- Serves as administrative and budget manager for the C-SMMPO, prepares scopes of work, prepares request for proposals, selection procedures and drafts contracts and coordinates consultants’ work
- Performs research and analyzes make presentations to the Board of County Commissioners, citizen groups, public hearings and conduct workshops as needed
- Meet with locate state and federal agencies in coordination matters pertaining to transportation
- Prepares and manages project budgets
- Review of development plans as needed
- Advises Board of County Commissioners, staff and other agencies on transportation issues
- Takes action to coordinate projects to prevent delays and other problems
- Set goals and objectives and innovative solutions for effective transportation planning
- Prepare citizen involvement strategies, provide technical guidance and leadership to support staff
- Directly supervises the Long Range Planner II and other staff as needed
- I am responsible for managing workloads, deadlines, personnel issues, leave and evaluations
- Work often requires to oversee the Long Range Division in absence of the Supervisor
Planner III
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
06.2014 - 06.2018
- Review of residential and commercial permits, site plan review of tower permits and major plot plans
- Conduct site visits as needed
- Initiate referrals and staff reports to Board of Appeals and Administrative Variances
- Perform research and analysis of plans, ordinances and planning projects pertaining to land use
- Review, recommend and provide comment on zoning regulations, text amendments, comprehensive plans
- Daily interpretation of zoning regulations
- As necessary attend Technical Evaluation Group and Subdivision Evaluation Group meetings
- Develop processes for permitting and zoning, make recommendations and initiate text amendments, meet with citizen groups, property owners, engineers, business owners, realtors etc
- Research and write zoning verification letters
- Perform title history research, coordinate meetings and projects with agencies
- Attend and perform public presentations to public, citizen groups etc
- Extensive knowledge of Hansen Database (Super User) and conduct interviews
- Perform complex research and analysis to ensure adherence to land use laws and regulations
- Coordinator of Citizens Academy Group for Planning Office
Planner II
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
07.2009 - 06.2014
- Review of residential and commercial permits, site plan review of tower permits and major plot plans
- Conduct site visits as needed
- Initiate referrals and staff reports to Board of Appeals and Administrative Variances
- Perform research and analysis of plans, ordinances and planning projects pertaining to land use
- Review, recommend and provide comment on zoning regulations, text amendments, comprehensive plans
- Daily interpretation of zoning regulations
- As necessary attend TEG and SEG meetings
- Develop processes for permitting and zoning, make recommendations and initiate text amendments, meet with citizen groups, property owners, engineers, business owners, realtors etc
- Research and write zoning verification letters
- Perform title history research, coordinate meetings and projects with agencies
- Attend and perform public presentations to public, citizen groups etc
- Extensive knowledge of Hansen Database (Super User) and conduct interviews
Planner I
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
11.2004 - 07.2009
- Researched information pertaining to zoning regulations and ordinance plans, residential permit review, assignment of house numbers for E911, interpretation of zoning regulations
- Coordinate meetings and projects with agencies
- Customer service pertaining to zoning regulations
Office Specialist I
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
07.2000 - 11.2004
- General office duties, customer service, payroll and assisted in various zoning projects
- Detailed to Executive Administrative Aide position with supervision of front office staff and temporary office staff
- Detailed to Drafting Supervisor position with supervision of Planning Assistant
Education
Certificate -
Leadership Southern Maryland
01.2021
Certificate - Supervisory Development Career Series
Calvert County Human Resources
01.2017
Diploma - Honors Academic studies
Calvert High School
Prince Frederick, MD01.1988
Academy of Excellence - MACO
Skills
- Word
- Excel
- Outlook
- Access
- Power Point
- Hansen
- GIS Database
- Blue Beam
- Syncro
- Zen Desk
- Neogov
- Granicus FinPlus
- Executime
- Policy writing
- Leadership
- Budget development
- Project coordination
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Team building and leadership
- Policy implementation
- Process improvement
- Employee supervision
- Multiple priorities management
- Decision-making
- Reporting and documentation
Affiliations
- American Planning Association
- Leadership Southern Maryland Alumni
Training
- 09/16, The Hiring Process Demystified
- 09/16, Managers Training
- 08/16, Fundamentals of Human Resources
- 09/17, Cultural Diversity Training
- 09/17, Substance Abuse Training
- 09/17, Procurement Collusion Strike Force Training
Timeline
Planning Commission Administrator
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
06.2023 - Current
Principal Planner
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
06.2018 - Current
Planner III
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
06.2014 - 06.2018
Planner II
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
07.2009 - 06.2014
Planner I
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
11.2004 - 07.2009
Office Specialist I
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
07.2000 - 11.2004
Certificate -
Leadership Southern Maryland
Certificate - Supervisory Development Career Series
Calvert County Human Resources
Diploma - Honors Academic studies
Calvert High School
Academy of Excellence - MACO
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