Karen Jones Thompson

*** ******* ***** *********, ** 40601 502-***-**** ad1hkz@r.postjobfree.com

Grant Management/Project Manager/Technical Writer/Business Analyst

Experienced Initiative-taking Proven Leader

Proven knowledge that translates strategies/requirements into policy, procedures, and request for proposals (RFPs) with the best interest of leadership, team, and customers. An expert in enhancing systemic processes and changes; developing and implementing strategic planning initiatives; and implementation of state-wide policy and systemic changes. Proven knowledge of policy, procedures and regulations processes and proven record of accomplishment of implementing the necessary controls to ensure compliance. Dedicated to maintaining a reputation built on quality, service, and uncompromising ethics. Accomplishes project objectives by planning and evaluating project activities. (Proficient in Microsoft Office)

Areas of Expertise

Proposal Management (Federal/State)

Project Manager

Quality Manager

Scope Management

Time Management

Resource Management

Policy Planning/

Management

Professional Development/Training

Operations Management

Budgetary Analysis Financial Structuring

Senior Consultant Strategic / Tactical Planning

Grant Management/Budget/ Finance

Annual Budget Planning /Finance/Contracts/MOA

Analytical, Team Building & Leadership

Customer Service, Interpersonal, Communication

Monitor/Evaluation

Regulatory Compliance

Professional Experience

Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services July 2017 - September 2023

Technical Writer/Business Analyst (State Contractor)

Member of the APD Team. Collaborated with IT project managers and stakeholders to create budgets, financial and quarterly reporting, and overviews of projects to CMS to retain federal funding.

Collaborated with Advance Planning Document (APD) financial teams to ensure concise state and federal language, compliance in meeting KPIs, and financial information is correct to fund a new project.

Project Manager for Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) to modernize the state’s Medicaid enterprise with real-time transactions, automation, and standards.

Developed the EVV RFP to implement and secure a vendor for the project.

Collaborated with Division Executive Team, Subject Matter Experts (SME) and Project Managers to create RFPs.

Collaborated with State Finance Cabinet to negotiate and finalize vendor and contract.

Responsible for planning and facilitating weekly status meetings with Leadership and vendors regarding projects.

Developed and maintained federal proposals, financial reports, and planning documents within required timelines.

Conducted research to support the delivery of relevant artifacts including business process diagrams, reports, and presentations.

Performed gap analysis and recommended solutions on audits.

Reviewed and edited Project Management Office Plans and Deliverable documents.

Improved reliability of new product development processes.

Co-Development of the Division of Medicaid Systems quality management plan.

Collaborated with subject matter experts, architects, and designers to develop content for business requirements for proposals.

Consulted with executive and business partners on ideas for advancing strategic objectives, improving organizational performance, and meeting the customer needs.

Involved in activities related to realizing the business benefits of the project.

Collaborated with team on tracking deliverables and other project related artifacts for R1, R2, and R3 CMS Certifications for the new systems.

Creating, maintaining, and adhering to communications plans and project schedules including strategic planning.

Created and followed risks and issues plans, action items, scope, budget, and quality plans.

Continuously prioritizing work by reviewing and adjusting, as necessary.

Proven ability and able to sift through massive amounts of information to obtain the most critical valuable information.

Observed and collected necessary data about projects and landscapes for the Medicaid Enterprise Management Solutions (MEMS).

Worked closely with agency management and project teams to gain an understanding of the different modules, related technical, and business requirements to develop appropriate proposal document content.

Created, analyze, and review policies.

Organized material and completed writing assignments according to agency standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.

Managed and edited, developed, maintained schedule, and work plans for the EVV Project.

Technical Writer to create, update, review, and edit solution documents.

Used and posted documents on SharePoint and on CMS site to share with other states.

Member of the Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA) and Medicaid Enterprise Certification Toolkit (MECT) Certification System team, to ensure compliance for federal certification of IT Systems.

Prepared reports, articles, charts, graphs, and other graphic and narrative material.

Co-monitored the Federal Qualified Health Centers emails and sent them to correct staff. Also, took minutes and sent out meeting invites for the quarterly meetings.

Co-Editor for the Department for Medicaid Services monthly newsletter.

Responsible for vendor performance report cards, setting up the review meetings, notes and finalizing the official letter to vendors if they meet their contract requirements.

Reviewed contracts for executive leadership.

Maintained an ITMP tracking sheet for employees to place weekly update information on projects on which they are working.

SLA Consulting (Self-Employed)

Consultant/Trainer/Facilitator/Grant Management Specialist May 1999 – present (contracts)

A consultant that provides professional development, training and facilitating services to organizations, non-profits, federal, state, and local agencies, and others. Twenty years of experience in state and national legislative and regulatory processes. Also facilitated senior management discussion which involved vision and strategy, enterprise-level decisions, standardization of best practices, and project governance oversight. Contracted with Federal and State agencies in grant reviewer/writer of white papers/researched based/ compliance and monitoring. Also includes program evaluations, strategic planning and implementation, financial and budget compliance, and administrative leadership evaluations for different organizations.

Awarded Contracts from Federal Agencies

Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) - Developed training and materials for reviewers to understand the criterion for the Request for Proposals (RFP). Audits of reviewers work to ensure they completely understand the criterion.

Department of Education - Conducted training with financial staff to be able to understand the financial and federal quarterly reporting.

US Finance Department – Created and developed small business loans for states. This includes directions on a proposed budget, accounting processes, financial reporting, and compliance requirements to report.

Maintain records of all payments and receivables and prepare monthly records for all grant-related activities.

Provide training on grants management and reporting requirements.

20 years’ experience in state and national legislative and regulatory processes.

Conducted Federal/State Grant training to staff of the Fayette County Public Health Department Staff.

Other Work includes:

Designed and taught “Workforce Essentials” classes and maintained records of classes and materials from class at the Somerset Community College.

Served on Scholastic Audit Team (Kentucky Department of Education) to evaluate low performing schools in Kentucky.

Designed and conducted strategic planning and professional development for Modern Red

Schoolhouse (Comprehensive School Reform Design).

Created and printed professional development program “Engaging Parents/Community” for alternative schools.

Conducted seminars detailing Kentucky’s Education Reform Act throughout Kentucky with emphasis on assessment and accountability including other customized seminars for nonprofits, educators, school districts, and parent groups.

Appointed to the Kentucky Department of Education 2000 State Assessment Benchmarking Team and worked with KDE to develop and implement “Kentucky Core Content and Standards.”

Consultant to the Commonwealth Sentinel Cyber Security Office on grant writing proposals.

Facilitated senior management discussion, which involved vision and strategy, enterprise-level decisions, standardization of best practices, and project governance oversight.

Contracted with Federal and State agencies as a Grant Management Specialist in reviewer/writer of white papers/researched based/compliance and monitoring.

Provided contract services for program evaluations, strategic planning and implementation, financial and budget compliance, and administrative leadership evaluations for different organizations.

Technical Consultant to Primary Health Cares and Rural Health Cares.

Supervisor of grant staff (coordinators, writers, and administrators) to ensure the compliance of job responsibilities.

Overseen invoicing, accounting, reporting, and other administrative functions to ensure successful execution of grant process.

Prepare financial or budget plans and allocation along with the planning and finance department in accordance with each requirement.

Analyze the budget trends and make recommendations for cost control and reduction for various grants.

Identify potential grant support from government agencies, foundations, and corporations to meet the financial and operational needs of the organization.

Provide detailed reports to the funders and the board of directors with respect to the organization's progress.

Monitor paperwork and other related documents connected with grant-funded programs.

Maintain records of all payments and receivables and prepare monthly records for all grant-related activities.

Provide training on grants management and reporting requirements.

20 years’ experience in state and national legislative and regulatory processes.

Conducted Federal/State Grant training to staff of the Fayette County Public Health Department Staff.

Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet/Department of Housing, Building and Construction

Executive Staff Advisor July 2013- February 2016

Performs comprehensive and specialized research and analysis of public policy issues for the Commissioner’s Office, using a variety of standard and statistical research techniques; and performs other duties as assigned.

Provided grant expertise, research, financial reporting, review of policy, federal regulations, and writing budget justifications.

Provide an ongoing analysis of receipts and expenditures to ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines and strategic planning, including ongoing updates on strategic planning performance results.

Assists in the formulation of department policies.

Performs comprehensive reviews of agency’s programs and policies including other issues that cross-organizational lines and make recommendations to management.

Provides oversight of the third-party contract of the Jurisdiction Online System.

Supervision of Information Technology staff and liaison with the Commonwealth of Technology Staff.

Supervision of Administrative Services staff and liaison with Cabinet’s Administrative Services staff.

Conducted and facilitated the development and implementation of all Divisions and the Department’s Strategic Plan (five-year plan).

Liaison with COT, their monthly bill and responsible for all technology changes for staff, including installation of a new phone system.

Provided facilitation and training for boards and working groups.

Conducted needs assessments and analysis on specialized issues.

Commissioner Liaison to the department’s division boards quarterly meetings.

Prepares drafts reports, articles, charts, graphs, and other graphic and narrative material for use in presentations to interested persons and groups.

Represents the department on task forces and special assignments as assigned by the Commissioner.

Department’s Records Officer, responsible for Open Record Requests/Kentucky Library of Archives Record Officer Retention Schedules.

Responsible for monitoring Division’s strategic plan to measure improvement and complete quarterly reports to the Commissioner.

Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet/Office of Employment and Training

Resource Management Analyst II September 2009 – June 2013

Provided monitoring, evaluation, and compliance, including written recommendations, according to programs awarded to grantees.

Provided direction in planning, organizing, and managing Federal Grants awarded to the Department of Workforce Development, but not limited grant support to local workforce development areas.

Prepared monthly reports, including review of finances, budget, and contracts of grantee awards.

Provided oversite for implementation of policy, contracts, and budget/financial.

Provided liaison services to other governmental authorities on grant and financial issues.

Prepared information for presentation to agency executives.

Provide leadership to ensure client is compliant with statewide strategic directions and the agency's approved plan.

Managed and supported the grants requirement and implementation for the organization.

Identify and develop strategies to optimize the grants administration process.

Research for effective and authentic funding opportunities having a lawful registration and proven record.

Oversee grants implementation according to the operational and financial needs of the organization.

Liaison between partners/programmatic functions of the agency and perform other duties as required.

Provided oversight and responsible for staff, Administrative Specialist II.

Reviewed legislative and regulatory changes, both state and federal, for impact on agency programs.

Participated and supported as member of the validation team.

Served on Monitoring & Validation Team, which provided support in grant expertise and budget.

Project Manager of three grants and provided oversight of monthly reports, including financial and outcomes.

Organized, implemented, and overseen the Kentucky Microsoft Elevate America Project, which provided free computer training to 10,660 individuals and students in Kentucky.

Member of the Subject Matter Experts Team to train Employment Counselors and other staff regarding client’s individual employment plan under the Workforce Investment Act.

Performed as project manager for the State Energy Sector Partnership & Training.

Program Manager for the State Energy Sector Partnerships & Training (Western Kentucky WIA and Cumberland WIA) with $48 million dollars of Federal Funds: The grant awarded provided training in the field of Green Jobs The jobs included energy efficiency and renewable energy for energy auditors, raters, smart grid technology installation and maintenance professionals, chemical process operators and plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Participants received a Green System Awareness Certification. Provided oversight of budget and finances, monthly and quarterly reporting to State and Federal; Finance Reporting of ARRA 1512 and 9130 Federal Reports; and monitoring of programs onsite and desk reviews

Kentucky Primary Care Association Clinical Quality Coordinator October 2007 – September 2008

Provided support to Kentucky Community Health Centers (CHC) regarding quality and assurance to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, address patient safety and medical errors, and broaden access to essential services. Provided technical assistance (TA) to CHC clinical teams enrolled in one or more Health Disparities Collaborative (HDC). Provided technical assistance to CHC involved with the Patient Safety and Clinical Pharmacy Collaborative.

Supported legislative and advocacy activities as they relate to clinical practice, quality improvement, or reducing disparities in health.

Participated in statewide partnership activities related to quality and health care improvement.

Participated in state, regional and national HDC staff conference calls, meetings, and trainings as appropriate.

Assisted CHCs in performing system wide evidence-based guidelines to improve performance, quality and outcomes and included a core set of measures Also included identified clinical training needs.

Developed and implemented a database of staff and member clinics, licensed members, state, and national partners briefed on major trends, key findings, and new developments relevant to clinical activities.

Collected and analyzed quality data from clinics (Rural and Federally Qualified Health Centers) to identify opportunities for improvement of quality healthcare.

Provided clinical program development assistance to health centers including a standardized QI program and standardized clinical policies and procedures.

Assisted CHC’s 330 applicants in developing Health Care Plans and Business Plans.

Conducted training regarding clinical guidelines for staff.

Lexington Fayette County Health Department Primary Care Center

Grant Manager October 2005 – September 2007

Reported to the Commissioner and Board of Directors.

Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Unit/Clinic/Program. Provided leadership and direction to organizational work teams regarding daily operations. Provided supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Agency’s policies and applicable state and federal law and regulation. Active liaison with local, state, and federal partners and appropriate elected officials and appropriate legislative bodies/committees.

Responsible for the $15m budget that included providing monthly financial reports for Board of Directors meeting and federal reports.

Created proposed budget including a justification narrative.

Developed and implemented the agency and program annual budgets, which included development and compliance of contracts for receipt and provision of services.

Developed applications for grants, research activities, and other funding sources.

Developed comprehensive knowledge of applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.

Performed all activities to prepare and manage the grant proposal for various internal and external Partnerships.

Coordinate with program staff, perform research on all programs, and evaluate all budgets for grant proposals.

Administer all programs, prepare schedule for site visits with help of various members, and submit to management for approval.

Prepare and maintain records of database and prepare files to complete required reports to maintain track of all grant activities.

Maintain project records and prepare all modifications to resolve various application issues for grant funds.

Prepare appropriate reports for all funders, ensure work within deadlines, and ensure compliance with all contracts.

Coordinate with program directors and managers to prepare appropriate reports.

Collaborate with accounting departments, prepare financial budget, and ensure adherence to all federal and state rules.

Perform all federal and state audits on all grant-related information and prepare all reports for all expenses.

Monitor and track databases, ensure work within deadlines, and manage work according to requirements.

Liaison with local, state, and federal partners, appropriate elected officials, and appropriate legislative bodies/committees

Team Leader for the Health Disparities Collaborative Initiative

Program and professional credentialing and licensure as applicable

Participated and attended Division, Agency, Board of Health, and Governing Council meetings.

Maintained close communication with supervisors on status of management issues.

Responsible for the fiscal performance of work unit and for fiscal performance

Developed and maintained an effective staffing pattern, within the available budget.

Maintained membership and participation in appropriate professional organizations.

Managed and supervised employees in Health Records, Homeless Grant and School Based

Health Centers.

Developed and implemented professional development plans for clinic and administrative staff.

Office of Drug Control Policy/Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (KY-ASAP) (Governor’s Office)

Executive Staff Advisor March 2001 –September 2005

Responsible for the administration and efficient daily operation of the KY-ASAP program located within the Governor’s office Responsible for all aspects of implementation of the Statue, which included development of policy and procedures as approved by the General Assembly in 2000. Provided oversight of communication and functions of the appointed State Board of Directors.

Responsible for KY-ASAP Local Board Grants, compliance issues and budgets that covered 120 counties. This also included the developed and engaged partnerships with communities across the state.

Manager/Supervisor of seven Field Staff located in the Area Development Districts throughout Kentucky Also supervised Program staff.

Responsible for the Agency Budget/Finance and annual budget planning

Editor and responsible for publication and distribution of the semi-annual report to the Governor and General Assembly

Responsible for providing written and oral testimony, before the General Assembly and elected local officials.

Reviewed and provided assessment of proposed legislation and administrative regulations.

Developed and prepared interagency contracts, memorandums, and biennial budget

Provided oversight and managed the approved annual budget and financial.

Managed staff and resource structure necessary to support the work of the Agency.

Synthesized data from all organizational units as well as from statutes and federal regulations to develop and recommend establishment or modification of policies and procedures to assist the State Board in consistent updating its needs and resource scan.

Training Coordinator for state and local staff, local and state board members

Developed and communicated Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) to local board.

Reviewed grants based on community needs assessments with communities.

Lexington Community College (Adjunct) August 2002 – December 2007

Taught three (3) evening classes in English Writing Development Class each semester.

Developed lesson plans.

Recorded all grades.

Provided support to students.

Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service

Public Relations and Outreach Officer September 1996 – May 1999

Coordinated media contacts and efforts for all programs and the Commission.

Coordinated state-wide recruitment and training for AmeriCorps Members.

Developed/implemented strategic plan for communication and networking.

Editor of KCCVS Newsletter including created 3,000 data bases.

Forward in the Fifth

Program Associate October 1995 - August 1996

Implemented the $2 million National Library Program Grant.

Recommended appropriate legislative/regulatory remedies for programs not in compliance with grant conditions. Developed and monitored projects and budgets for each program.

Developed a strategic plan to implement the Library Power Program Grant.

Implemented the program in school library media centers, as the focus of curriculum alignment and teacher collaboration.

Supervised thirteen library program sites in Kentucky schools.

Created and directed professional development programs for teachers and library media specialists.

Developed and presented programs at state and national conferences.

Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence

Regional Coordinator September 1991 – October 1995

The Prichard Committee hired five regional coordinators to travel across the state and work with communities, citizens, schools, parents, and teachers to provide support and technical assistance in 1990 Kentucky’s Education Reform Act.

Served as a registered Legislative Agent for monitoring state education bills, regulations, and policy changes.

Trained and assisted community leaders in support for the education reform implementation.

Provided written information for publications.

Participated in education reform and organizational information development.

Created networks and designed professional training for educators and parents about Kentucky Reform.

Developed and implemented assessment and accountability sessions for stakeholders across the state.

Closely monitored State Educational budgets including School funding.

Provided assistance to decision makers regarding planning and tracking school budgets.

Monitored General Assembly/Kentucky School Board regarding new regulations and policy affecting Kentucky Schools.

Provided curriculum development and mapping to educators.

Collaborated closely with school district officials and partners to ensure ambitious standards for students.

Education

Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY 1995 – 1996

(Education/Library Media Specialist) Bachelor of General Studies-May 96

University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 1992 – 1994

64 Hours completed- transferred to WKU.

Somerset Community College Somerset, KY 1989 – 1992

(Core Requirements with Emphasis in Education) associate degree -December 92

references

Stacy Fish

Past Director, Division of Medicaid Systems

859-***-****

ad1hkz@r.postjobfree.com

Karl Pitzer

Assistant Director, Division of Medicaid Systems

502-***-****

ad1hkz@r.postjobfree.com

Jack Coleman

Past Deputy Commissioner, Dept of Housing, Building and Construction

859-***-****

ad1hkz@r.postjobfree.com

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