Manager Management

Candice Ekwoge

**** ******* *****, **** ***, VA *801 • **********@*****.*** • 706-***-****

Records and Freedom of Information Act Professional-Active Secret Clearance

Articulate oral and written communication skills, including creating and writing correspondence to other departments requesting documents for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Provide articulate feedback on Records Inspection, and compose letters and emails to FOIA requesters.

Exhibit excellent attention to detail skills in the capacity of the Freedom of Information Act Officer, ensuring prompt attention to requested documents, and avoiding the release of sensitive information.

Knowledge of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) exemptions

Utilize analytical and logical problem-solving skills, and resolve pending issues promptly and accurately.

Professional Experience

Department of the Army – Wiesbaden, Germany

Management Analyst, November 2015 to July 2017

Skillfully served in the capacity of Management Analyst, and oversaw Army Records Information Management Systems (ARIMS), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), The Army Privacy Act, Publications, and Reproduction Manager for US Army Garrison (USAG), Wiesbaden.

Performed managerial oversight of the Records Management (RM) Program, including developing, analyzing, and evaluating the operation for the information mission area of records management for USAG Wiesbaden.

Provided FOIA guidance and advice to management and staff regarding the disclosure of agency records.

Received and responded to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for USAG Wiesbaden.

Analyzed and applied correct interpretation of FOIA and Privacy Act exemptions to records before releasing to requesters.

Conducted research on applicable case law, federal regulations on FOIA/PA and developed status reports on all requests to support the agency’s reporting requirements; provided specific guidance to each office for a release of requested record.

Stayed abreast of all policies and procedures affecting FOIA and PA.

Provided annual Privacy Act training to every DoD Personnel in the USAG Wiesbaden about the importance of safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and how to avoid PII breaches.

Prepared Annual FOIA reports and Quarterly PA reports.

Formulated plans, policies, and procedures to deliver a superior records management and Freedom of Information Act program that is in accordance with the Army Regulation and other federal laws and requirements.

Monitored the Records Management Program by providing training, advice/guidance, and assistance to all levels of management and administrative personnel in setting up, maintaining, controlling, and disposing of files.

Prepared announcements and flyers regarding Army Records Information Management Systems (ARIMS) training.

Conducted on-site evaluations to assess the effectiveness of administrative control systems; this included, but not limited to, managing organization Office Records Lists (ORLs), issuing data calls, and performing staff assistance visit to help organizations in properly setting up files.

Prepared written memorandum for recommendations and solutions to problems in the records management program. Carried out an eight-hour ARIMS training to all personnel who are responsible for creating, collecting, or maintaining records and publications; including training for senior officials, files personnel, and records management coordinators.

Assisted in the development of standard operating procedures for the Department of Human Resources, Administrative Services Division; suggested improvements to existing practices to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the office.

Savannah State University Office of Governmental Affairs – Savannah, GA

Graduate Student Assistant/Office Assistant (part-time), October 2012 to December 2013

Skillfully provided a full range of secretarial and administrative functions to the Program Manager.

Efficiently oversaw inbound and outbound digital communications, office voicemails, and faxes.

Managed the Program Manager’s calendar, promptly resolved conflicts, and coordinated schedules.

Accurately monitored inventory of office supplies, and maintained optimum inventory levels.

Effectively managed conference/meeting schedules, and maintained files and records for the office.

Ensured the professional preparation of presentation materials for meetings and conferences.

Proactively participated in meetings with the Program Manager, and accurately recorded minutes.

The First Tee of Savannah

Marketing Intern, January 2012 to October 2012

Successfully developed and composed a grant application, which was approved and accepted.

Effectively secured over $5K in funding, by negotiating with local businesses and providing data on the benefits of sponsorship of various events.

Assisted in negotiating to procure products and services for the organization, and in grant writing with the Program Director.

Created informational promotional brochures to increase awareness of the programs and facility offered by the First Tee of Savannah.

Researched potential funding opportunities for the organization.

Proactively placed cold calls to local businesses in the solicitation of possible funding for events.

Conducted phone calls and met with Owners or Managers of local businesses to negotiate funding for the program.

Elegance Hair Braiding Salon – Jesup, GA

Owner/Manager, November 2009 to November 2011

Managed and oversaw the operations of the facility, and ensured customers were completely satisfied.

Interacted with customers to promote products and service.

Directed, developed, and performed logistics management operations, including planning, coordinating, and evaluating the logistical actions to ensure the financial and operational success of the business.

Performed inventory management to ensure that shampoos, conditioners, hair extensions and other cosmetics are available for customer use and purchase, kept track of what hair products were popular and what products needed to be ordered more or discontinued based on sales.

Increased total clientele by over 60% within months of launching the salon by consistently conducting follow ups, providing superior customer service, and providing referral benefits such as discounts.

Received and kept track of employee annual Privacy Act training records.

Maintained the Director of Human Resources files in accordance with the Army regulation.

EchoStar – Littleton, CO

Customer Support Service, June 2008 to July 2009

Delivered employee training and coaching methods, which improved morale, increased productivity, created an inspiring team work environment, and resulted in reducing employee turnover by 15%.

Proactively provided one-on-one coaching with Customer Services Representatives, through observed call feedback, and reviewed quality assurance scores with the Agents to improve future performance.

Interacted with customers via phone to help resolve technical issues.

Handled escalated and other supervisor calls to help deescalate the situation in a positive and professional manner.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Savannah State University

Savannah, GA - December 2013

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting emphasis)

Lander University, Greenwood, SC - May 2008

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