Rodney Williams, Esq

**** *********** ** ****** ****** Woods, MI 48236 313-***-**** (cell) acozek@r.postjobfree.com

SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER

Innovative thinker with broad based expertise in planning, evaluation, and process improvement

Proven ability to quickly analyze key gaps to improve an agency’s overall culture

I have high integrity and perform as an energetic leader known for my ability to envision and create successful

outcomes in complex situations. Experience includes counseling, diverse military/federal sector expertise, with

a tenacious commitment to research and compliance with all federal and state laws. Areas of excellence

include:

EXECUTIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Built solid track record of success leading agencies in

Strategic Planning and Facilitation – 10 years improving VHA medical facilities patient safety programs

•

Transformational Change – Reinvigorated military Privacy Act and FOIA programs from the top down by

•

consistent reviews and training– national exposure that is now the National Guard Bureau standard

Budgets – Managed $89M budget for 2200 military, civilian, state, and contract employees

•

New Program Start Up – Created Medical Training for VHA hospitals, established innovative

•

Privacy/FOIA, EEO, and labor mediation programs that reduced inadvertent disclosures, formal/informal

complaints, and union grievances

Program Management Highly sought out by senior VHA leadership to conduct system reviews, advise on

•

policy review, Privacy Act, 38 USC 5705(protected documents), and in setting institutional priorities related to

patient safety improvement

CAREER HISTORY & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

National Center for Patient Safety

Ann Arbor, MI 4/2001 to Present (Assigned/MOB to Military 2/2006 to 10/2011)

Senior Program Analysis Officer

Supervisor: Dr. Robin Hemphill 734-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes, contact me first

Liaison between the National Center for Patient Safety and the Office of General Counsel (OGC), Office of Medical

Inspector (OIG), General Accounting Office (GAO), and Freedom of Information Office (FOIA) with respect to legal

matters involving 38 USC 5705 patient safety related activities. Continually and systematically monitor the planning,

implementation, and evaluation of the VHA Patient Safety Program for over 42 medical facilities. Lead VHA facilitator

on the application and implementation of the Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) and Root Cause

Analysis (RCA) processes providing national exposure and resolution in high vulnerable areas within the VHA. Work

with service chiefs, Network Directors, and other senior leaders to develop a culture of safety.

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Created a nationally recognized program (Medical Team Training) to address the poor communication among

•

clinicians resulting in decrease in adverse events and grievances in the VHA. The model involved breaking down

barriers and training on behavior, attitudes, and actions expected of all staff in stressful situations

Served as facilitator on three national/high profile HFMEAs chartered by the VHA Undersecretary for Health

•

2015 Lead VHA investigator/system review related to VHA Access/Scheduling in conjunction with contract with

•

Booz Allen Hamilton

MICHIGAN JOINT FORCES HEADQUARTERS

Lansing, Michigan 11/2011 to 2/2013 Colonel (Secret

Clearance) Traditional Guard

Special Assignment as Director of Education/Joint Staff (Retired 2/8/2013 as Colonel)

Supervisor: Brigadier General Michael Stone 517-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

Plan, direct, and administer the education projects in Michigan. Work with local city councils, media, school systems,

juvenile justice organizations, and business on matters pertaining programs and policies for military education and youth

programs. Appointed to the Detroit City Council Veterans Task Force to create jobs and educational opportunities for veterans.

Spearheading the creation of the Pride and Promise High School Academy in Detroit.

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Lansing, Michigan 10/2009 to 10/2011 Colonel Active Duty Guard

Director of Human Resources (Rank: Colonel/GS 14 equivalent 14 direct reports)

Supervisor: Brigadier General Michael Stone 517-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

Planned, directed, and administered the human resources program ($89M) for the 2200 full time military technicians, Active Guard

Accomplishments:

• Appointed by the Adjutant General and approve by the Governor to serve as the first African American HRO Director. Mer

• Spearheaded the development of an automated Human Resource Information System creating a cost savings of $140K

• Created a standard protocol under the Plain Writing Act encouraging all Michigan National Guard departments under the a

• Developed a Privacy and FOIA course for managers and supervisors that trained over 700 employees

• Named the HRO/J1 Regional Chair due to innovative and keen ability to solve the most complex military system processes

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MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD

127th Wing, Selfridge ANGB, MI 2/2006 to 9/2009

Lieutenant Colonel Active Duty Guard

Mission Support Group Commander (Rank: Lieutenant Colonel /GS 14 equivalent 12 direct reports)

Supervisor: Brigadier General Mike Peplinski 586-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

Led the nation’s largest Mission Support Group with over 800 full time military and civilian personnel, 44 tenants, and

over 4700 member including all the branches and US Department of Homeland Security.

Responsible for managing the entire operations at Selfridge Air National Guard to include civil engineering, personnel,

EEO, labor relations, communications, logistics, security forces, medical support, base services, aerial port, and

contracting. Managed and directed the Military Personnel Flight assuring accession, education, training, and assignments

of all military personnel. Monitored base recruitment and retention programs. Represented and spoke for the Wing

Commander with representatives of the National Guard Bureau, the Adjutant General, USPFO, MAJCOMS, other

military components, tenant units and organizations, state/local government, local media, business and other

public/private organizations.

Accomplishments:

• Architect of Group’s Principles/Goals ensuring staff recognition and career development which resulted in a

40% increase in monetary/nonmonetary awards. Increased minority/women hiring 8% in 13 months. Personally

investigated all EEO cases and grievances

• Served as Chair of Wing’s EEO and FOIA Committees

• Represented the Agency on all EEO cases and briefed congressional staff on Agency’s mission, and enable fair

and equitable competition for employees’ career enhancement

• Recognized by State for creating an atmosphere of trust and confidence in the workplace (no formal EEO

complaints or union arbitrations)

MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD

110TH Fighter Wing 4/2004 to 1/2006 Lieutenant Colonel

Staff Judge Advocate (This is a National Guard part time job)

Supervisor: Colonel Rodger Seidel 269-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

Provide legal consultation to the Wing Commander. Ensured unit procedures were in accordance with Air Force regulations. Serve

Accomplishments:

• Received nation recognition for writing Chapter 5 of the Air National Guard Commander’s Legal Desk book which dealt w

• Taught short course for new National Guard attorneys on FOIA, Privacy Act, Medical, Labor and EO/EEO laws, and medi

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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND

VETERANS AFFAIRS

127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard Selfridge ANGB,

MI 48045 US

Quality and Compliance Officer (This is a federal military job)

Supervisor: Brigadier Thomas Cutler 586-***-****) 2/1998 to 2/2001Active Duty Guard

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

Provided advice, guidance, and oversight to the commander on all faucets of the quality management and equal

employment opportunity for Title 32 employees. Provided in depth root cause analysis and expertise on quality

management as it related to the unit mission. Assisted all divisions within the organization to

include Human Resources, Safety, and Flying units in the evaluation of their programs, procedures, and directives.

Prepared information, research, position papers, briefing statements and oral reports used for

decision and actions. Briefed senior leadership and represented the agency in the resolution of discrimination and hostile

work environment issues. Trained counselors and managers on the procedures for researching, investigating, and

answering EEO requests. Performed administrative functions including but not restricted to preparing report, analyzing

program statistics, and initiating and maintaining case files.

Accomplishments:

• Formed four effective and state recognized Quality Improvement Teams. One team related to involved improving

compliance/accessibility with sensitive information and security measures.

• Developed a Breakthrough Series on reducing EEOC cases, grievances, and workplace violence attended by over

400 employees, supervisors, and senior leaders

• Authored several articles on success stories of equal employment and diversity and how it increased productivity

and cohesiveness which was presented at several national conferences

• Created the Wing’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program and trained 15 volunteer mediators

MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD

127th Wing Selfridge ANGB, MI 2/1998 to 3/2004

Deputy Staff Judge Advocate (This was a National Guard part time job)

Supervisor: Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Veara 586-***-****)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

Provided legal consultation to the Wing Commander and subordinate commanders. Ensured unit procedures were in

accordance with Air Force regulations and legal standards. Acted as legal advisor on all FOIA and privacy requests.

Handle all human resources, adverse and disciplinary actions, law of armed conflict, code of conduct, EEO investigations,

labor, and Michigan Code of Military Justice issues.

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND

VETERANS AFFAIRS

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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND

VETERANS AFFAIRS

127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard Selfridge ANGB,

MI 48045 US

MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD

127th Wing Selfridge ANGB, MI 2/1998 to 3/2004

Lansing, Michigan 4/1993 to 2/1998 Captain (Full time

military technician job)

Labor Relations Specialist (GS 11) 1/1994 to 2/1998

EEO Specialist (GS 9) 4/1993 to 12/1993

Supervisor: Colonel Mark Peters (retired)

Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes

As Labor Relations Specialist served as focal point for coordination of all programs with federal labor organizations.

Provided advice, guidance and interpretation on all contract language and impasse resolution. Made policy and strategy

recommendations to senior leaders. Negotiated and administered the two labor/management contracts with the

Association of Civilian Technicians and National Federation of Federal Employees, respectively. Administered the

agency’s disciplinary and adverse action program. Served as chair of the agency’s Performance Appraisal System and

Workers’ Compensation teams.

As EEO Specialist provide technical assistance on equal opportunity and diversity issues and policies. Represented the

agency in the resolution of discrimination and hostile work environment cases. Trained EEO counselors and managers.

Ensured agency followed statutory and regulatory EEO guidelines. Prepared all national annual and quarterly reports

while statistically analyzing vulnerabilities in the workforce. Coordinate all Special Emphasis/Diversity Day observances.

Accomplishments:

• As Labor Relations Specialist award the Vice President Al Gore “Hammer Award” for creating a State

Partnership Council that reduced grievances by 15% in the Army and 7% in the Air Force

• As the EEO Specialist reduced complaints by 21% in only 8 months through aggressive education and training to

mid level supervisors

EDUCATION

WAYNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE – dETROIT, MI

Associate Degree in General Studies, 1981

University of alabama – tuscaloosa, al

Bachelor of Science in Social Work, 1983

Family and Child Development

Black Scholar Award and Honor Society

THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL – LANSING, MI

Juris Doctorate, 1992

Frederick Douglass Moot Court competition and Family Law Award

Licensed to practice law in Michigan and District of Columbia

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, HORACE RACKHAM SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES – fLINT, MI

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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND

VETERANS AFFAIRS

127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard Selfridge ANGB,

MI 48045 US

MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD

127th Wing Selfridge ANGB, MI 2/1998 to 3/2004

Master of Public Administration, 1998

Recipient of the King/Chavez/Parks Fellowship

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL – DETROIT, MI

Master of Law in Labor Law (LLM), 2001

Emphasis on Privacy/Employment Law

HARVARD UNIVERSITY, JFK SCHOOL OF GOVERMENT, CAMBRIDGE, MA

Executive Fellow, 2007

Selected by Department of Defense/Emphasis on Military Strategy and Public Administration

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, BOSTON, MA

Certificate in Strategy and Innovation, 2008

Emphasis on process improvement and creating innovative solutions

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES, LOS ANGELES, CA

Advance Certificate in Human Resources, 2010

Emphasis on creating a culture of hiring a diverse and talented workforce

Publications:

Bagian JP, Gosbee JW, DeRosier JM, Stalhandske E, Eldridge NE, Williams R, Burkhardt ME. Developing and

deploying a patient safety program in a large health care delivery system: you can’t fix what you don’t know about.

Journal on Quality Improvement; Oct 2001; 522-532.

Neily JB, Ogrinc G, Mills PD, Williams R, Stalhandske E, Bagian JP, Weeks WB. Using aggregate root cause analysis

to improve patient safety. Joint Commission Journal on Quality & Safety 2003; 29(8):434-9, 381.

Burkhardt ME, Lee C, Taylor, L, Williams R, Bagian JP. Root Cause Analysis of Medication Errors, chapter 5, Part

II. In “Medication Errors” 2nd Edition, edited by Michael R. Cohen, Published by American Pharmacists Association,

2007, Washington, DC.

Chapter 5 of the Air National Guard Commander’s Legal Desk book which dealt with all civilian personnel matters

(included workplace disputes and searches/seizures, release of confidential information)

Short Courses:

Federal EEO Statutory Requirement

Federal Hearing Examiners

EEO Investigations

Workplace Diversity Recruiting

Juvenile Justice Planning

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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND

VETERANS AFFAIRS

127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard Selfridge ANGB,

MI 48045 US

MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD

127th Wing Selfridge ANGB, MI 2/1998 to 3/2004

Privacy Act/FOIA Attorney’s Course

Federal Emphasis Programs

Fiscal law

FOIA Exemptions Seminar

Air Force Judge Advocate Course

Strategic Planning

Facilitation

Safety and Occupational Health

Federal Labor Relations

Federal Adverse Actions

Federal Contract Negotiation

Sub-Saharan Africa Orientation Course

Federal Workplace Meditation Course (Certified in 1996)

Certified Master Project Manager (2012)

Professional/Civic Membership:

Secret Security Clearance

Michigan Bar

District of Columbia

Society of Human Resource Management

American Society of Access Professionals, Inc

American Academy of Project Management

National Youth Chair of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

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