Mahdi A. Obeid

**** *. ********** **. *** *** Falls church VA 22044 571-***-**** mahdi.kreem@gmailcom

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Program Management Specialist/ Academic Adviser Feb 2023 – Present

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Directly managed the operations of 80+ personnel and operational unit, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity

Contributed to the development of new curriculum initiatives, resulting in increased student engagement and academic success

Coordinated student activities and events, resulting in increased participation and positive feedback

Provided effective student counseling and orientation, resulting in improved student satisfaction & results

Assisted in the administration of student affairs programs, ensuring smooth operations and timely completion of tasks

Collaborated with career development professionals to provide valuable resources and support to students, resulting in improved job placement and career readiness

Developed and maintained positive relationships with faculty, staff, and students, promoting a collaborative and supportive environment

Utilized data analysis and assessment to inform program development and improvement, resulting in more effective and efficient programs and services

Supervised and mentored student leaders and staff, providing guidance and support to promote their professional development and success

Academic Adviser & Educational Counselor May 2019 –JAN 30 2023

City Management Consultancy, Inc low City, IA

Guided 95 students per year selecting post-secondary education and monitoring progress with an 80 percent retention and graduation rate

Implemented an orientation process for international students to prepare attendance at an American university and increased graduation rate by 30 percent

Designed materials and processes for orientation course

Arranged regular meetings (via zoom) with international students to ensure well-being and progress

Furnished special assistance to students requiring additional support in a foreign country

Counseled international students during academic career and followed academic progress

Ensured students selected courses and electives required for plan of study and on-time graduation

Tutored Arabic speakers in English as a Second Language courses

Ensured proper completion of FAFSA forms and scholarship applications

Senior Training Educational Advisor May 2014 – Apr 2019

Saudi Aramco – Petro Rabigh Co (JV) – Academic Center Rabigh, Saudi Arabia

Supervised orientation and initial career planning for 500 graduate trainees per year with 98% success rate

Developed in-house career training and performance management for new hires

Selected 25 employees per year for educational grants to study at international universities for master’s degrees

Mentored 300 students and followed student progress, in cooperation with international universities under FERPA guidelines, and counseled students resulting in a 98% graduation rate

Planned development program and enhanced the company educational department’s KPIs

Identified deficiencies and implemented improvements to key areas of program

Taught classes to students moving to the United States about cross-cultural life

Prepared documents and completed process for American student visas

Coordinated and administered return to company and departments after graduation

Cultural and Academic Advisor Jan 2010 – Apr 2014

Saudi Arabian Embassy – Cultural Mission Washington, DC

Organized scholarship program for 500 Saudi students studying in America with a 90% graduation rate

Counseled and advised students on academic questions, personal issues, cultural differences and conflicts

Supervised administrative elements of programs and policies for overseas programs and related functions

Developed a list of partner universities in America satisfying Saudi government standards

Served as liaison between the US educational institutions and Saudi Arabia counterparts

Recommended improvements to Management Team, working closely with Quality Assurance Department

Designed reports for international entities and sponsoring agencies

Analyzed visa problems and worked with immigration services to receive student visas

Information Specialist Dec 2006 – Dec 2009

Arlington Office of Migration Services Arlington, VA

Helped 400 immigrants per year find jobs and integrate into American society by creating customized development plans

Evaluated management practices, training and development programs and implemented changes which increased the success rate by 15 percent

Contributed information and analytics for use by leadership, employee relations, and human resources

Coordinated hiring process: requirements definition with hiring manager; screening; and interview scheduling

Managed registration and management of over 350 new clients into Virginia Newcomer Information System (VNIS) database and MS Access database

Observed strict compliance with federal and state regulations governing the US refugee resettlement program by delivering data analysis for the Virginia State benefits and employment services

Served as liaison between case managers, schools, and government agencies on resettlement issues

Trained refugee service staff in database analysis and information management

Offered interpretation translation services from Arabic to English and English to Arabic

Reviewed progress of refugees while learning English language and job skills and suggested specific plans to achieve stated goals

Office Supervisor Sep 2000 – Dec 2006

The Parking Company Springfield MA

Office Supervisor for a team of 6 employees while attending college for a master’s degree

Administrator May 1995 – July 2000

Green Deal Group Khartoum Sudan

Entry level administrator in the management department

EDUCATION

Master’s Degree – Management Technology 2004

Cambridge College Cambridge, MA

Bachelor of Arts – Business Administration 1995

Wad Medani Alhlia University Wad Medani, Sudan

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt CLSSGB 2022

Risk Management Professional (R&B) PMI Institute 2021

Project Management Professional (PMP) PMI Institute 2021

Principles of Intervention and Management Peace Operation Training Institute 2011

Conflict Resolution & Conflict Analysis US Institute of Peace Interfaith 2010

Member of American Society of Professional Administrators (ASPA)

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