- Yoga Instructor
- Mindfulness Practices
- High-Intensity Interval Training
- Gym Workouts
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
Tamarra A. Howard
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Dynamic and result driven professional and Training Leader with 20+ years of experience in private and public sector legal environments, including the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Extensive experience in personnel policy implementation, grievance management, ADA compliance, mediation, employee relations, and training administration. Certified ADA Coordinator and Certified Mediator with a proven record of resolving workplace disputes (30+ mediations conducted), assisting executive leadership with confidential personnel matters, and ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws. Adept at managing high-stakes projects, fostering employee engagement, and representing leadership in critical communications and policy development. Passionate about service, wellness, and continuous growth and development. Recognized statewide as NDAA Special Program Employee of the Year (2024-2025).
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Program Director
8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
Taos, NM
05.2023 - Current
- Provide leadership in personnel development, compliance training, and employee engagement within a judicial district environment.
- Coordinate agency training programs, and continuing education initiatives.
- Developed and implemented the Junior District Attorney Program. Responsible for curriculum creation, execution and oversight of the training program.
- Develop and deliver annual Civil Rights and DEI training to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.
- Review and implement personnel-related processes aligned with legal and organizational standards.
- Maintain strict confidentiality when handling employee concerns and internal matters.
- Serve in a leadership advisory capacity to the District Attorney and District Office Manager on employee engagement and workplace matters.
- Collaborate with local officials and stakeholders while representing the agency in a professional capacity.
- Key HR-Related Accomplishments:
- Conducted 30 formal mediations for GSD, Risk Management involving workplace disputes and personnel matters to reduce escalation and mitigate liability exposure.
- Organized and led an annual agency-wide “All Hands” Employee Recognition and Professional Development Meeting, recognizing employee performance, reinforcing policy expectations, and promoting engagement and retention.
- Implemented morale and wellness initiatives to improve internal culture and retention.
Training & Professional Development Director
New Mexico Office of the Attorney General
Albuquerque, NM
03.2016 - 05.2023
- Directed agency-wide training operations in coordination with executive leadership and Human Resources.
- Managed onboarding and orientation in partnership with HR.
- Ensured agency compliance training regarding Civil Rights, workplace policy, and state mandates.
- Assisted leadership with strategic planning and workforce development initiatives.
- Supported exempt employee reclassification initiatives by evaluating job duties, conducting position-to-band equivalency assessments, and ensuring alignment with established compensation structures; prepared and processed PARFs and State Personnel documentation in compliance with state guidelines.
- Managed continuing legal education coordination with the NM State Bar.
- Negotiated and managed contractual service agreements and subscriptions for the agency, providing agency with significant cost saving.
- Oversaw agency Wellness Program and employee communication initiatives.
- Maintained knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in personnel development.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Deputy Attorney General
New Mexico Office of the Attorney General
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Served as senior executive support to the Chief Deputy, assisting with personnel-related matters and confidential investigations.
- Assisted the Chief Deputy with employee grievances, investigations, and disciplinary matters.
- Managed sensitive personnel documentation with strict adherence to confidentiality standards.
- Coordinated compliance training on the Open Meetings Act, Governmental Conduct Act, Ethics, and Inspection of Public Records Act.
- Drafted official correspondence and legal determinations for distribution to legislators and agencies.
- Acted as liaison between executive leadership and internal divisions.
Legal Assistant II
NM Office of the Attorney General
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Extensive experience supporting litigation, managing high-volume case loads, drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court rules and statutory requirements, and handling sensitive information.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Leverick & Musselman, LLC
01.1998 - 01.2008
- Extensive experience supporting litigation, managing high-volume case loads, drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court rules and statutory requirements, and handling sensitive information.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Psychology
University of New Mexico
Skills
- District Attorneys’ Personnel & Compensation Plan Administration
- Personnel Policy Development & Compliance
- Employee Relations & Investigations
- Grievances & Disciplinary Processes
- ADA & Reasonable Accommodation (Certified ADA Coordinator)
- Mediation & Conflict Resolution (30 Mediations)
- Confidential & Sensitive Case Management
- Personnel Document Review
- Training Coordination & Professional Development
- Executive Leadership Support
- Certified Mediator since 2016
- Professional Notary provider since 1998
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with LexisNexis and Westlaw
Certification
- Certified ADA Coordinator
- Certified Mediator
- Professional Notary (Since 1998)
- Certified Accessibility Specialist
Interests
Timeline
Special Program Director
8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
05.2023 - Current
Training & Professional Development Director
New Mexico Office of the Attorney General
03.2016 - 05.2023
Executive Assistant to the Chief Deputy Attorney General
New Mexico Office of the Attorney General
01.2009 - 01.2016
Legal Assistant II
NM Office of the Attorney General
01.2008 - 01.2009
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Leverick & Musselman, LLC
01.1998 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Psychology
University of New Mexico
DISTINGUISHED HONOR
NDAA Special Program Employee of the Year (2024–2025), Voted by all 14 New Mexico District Attorneys statewide.