Nina Hillary-Bush

ada6q7@r.postjobfree.com

Employment History

Appteon Inc.

Business Analyst for the Department of Labor

Washington, DC October 2019 - Present

Provide change management/workflow reengineering support to result in a successful transition from the current DOL and its 26 freestanding agency components established workflow protocols and parent-child relationships built into the Departments’ existing FOIA tracking system SIMS-FOIA, to FOIAXpress. (e.g., receipt, intake, assignment, processing, responding and other similar steps) to the new FOIA system).

Provide all necessary qualified personnel, supervision, management, training and related support resources to accomplish the tasks specified.

Provide technical direction and support for evaluating the parent-child relationships in the Department’s existing legacy system, and DOL’s processes for intake and processing of FOIA requests, and recommend a data configuration that can be modeled, as closely as possible, in the newly acquired software.

Develop, where there are system limitations in the FOIAXpress system, options for process improvement, document those options and discuss them with appropriate contacts within DOL.

Meet with subject matter experts in each of the Department’s components to discuss the proposed system developments and how the system logic will impact existing workflows, develop system specific protocols, define or identify any problems, and develop system requirements and program specifications to correct those issues.

Develop, in conjunction with designated staff from the components, user roles, permissions and rules of behavior.

Provide sufficient staff to review the modified workflows and assist in making refinements, reducing operating time and improving current techniques.

Review and make recommendations for the improvement of the software configuration where it is determined that efficiencies can be found or where management designations or programs have been restructured or reorganized based on newly defined roles within the system.

Create and maintain all test plans and test results.

Establish a training program to include a training plan and execution.

After DOL completes the initial installation and configuration of FOIAXpress, assume administrative maintenance responsibility (e.g., adding users, configuring roles/permissions, creating/editing custom fields or forms, adding/modifying workflows, or any other administrative changes which can be made through the Admin section of the application.

Airforce FOIA Information Public Liaison

Secretariat of the Air Force Cyber Information Access Policy

and Compliance Office (SAF/CIO/A6X)

Pentagon

Arlington, VA May 2018 – October 2019

Field calls from the Air Force Liaison Hotline, address status updates, and FOIA request submittal inquiries.

Field FOIA requests from the SAF Org box to the appropriate FOIA Processing Office for processing.

Assist in eFOIA administration by creating new eFOIA profiles (adding new users), deactivating old users, reactivating users, updating program office email addresses, etc. in eFOIA (FOIAXpress).

Follow up with MAJCOMs and coordinated with various requestors regarding case statuses/updates/coordination

Submit the Public Affairs Office (PAO) Weekly News Media report to SAF/PA, SAF/LL, and DAF/JA.

Participate in the weekly PMO eFOIA teleconference with the eFOIA Helpdesk.

Participate in the monthly A6XA Roundtable Meeting.

Coordinate with the HAF FOIA, AF-JA, AFLO/JAJM office, SAF-PA, FBI, and OSD DOD on the coordination of several SIG FOIA requests filed.

Farm out multiple requests received from the public to the AF FOIA Org box out to various FOIA offices during the eFOIA and PAL server migration issues.

Send senior leadership daily backlog SITREPs.

Train various MAJCOM and Air Force Bases on how to process FOIA request.

Create and submit the Bi-weekly Agenda.

Participate in the bi-weekly eFOIA teleconference with the MAJOM/Bases.

Submit Significant (SIG) FOIAs to the DOD for review/coordination.

Submit Significant (SIG) FOIAs to Secretariat of the Air Force Public Affairs Office (SAF/PA) for review/coordination.

Submit SIG FOIAs from the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) to DOD and SAF/PA for review/coordination.

Work on the monthly IAP metrics.

Review and provide quality control (QCs) for FOIA cases and Contracts submitted for publishing to the SAF/CIO/A6X website.

Review and provide quality control (QCs) for the FOIA Logs.

FOIA Analyst/Administrative

Department of Defense (DOD-WHS-ESD)

Wagner Resource, Inc.

Gaithersburg, MD September 2017 – April 2018

Supporting the Department of Defense Office of General Counsel and the department of Justice Office of Federal Programs on Freedom of Information Act Litigations.

Processing litigation casework by conducting coordination, research, and information release recommendations and assist in reconciling differences identified.

Meet continually increasing demand of FOIA litigations by assisting other DOD components with litigation support.

Identification of non-OSD/Joint Staff Component equities and identification of information exempted from release.

Provide technical and implementation to FOID-Ligation Support offices in its processing of documents.

Responsible for compiling litigation administrative case file. Including Matrix, Synopsis, and the remaining litigation review portal.

Coordinate with Team Leads, Action Officers and Attorneys for both Initials and Appeals Sections to compile a detailed Executive Summary outlining the chronological order for the case.

Review and analyzes supporting documents for litigation cases. Compiles a complete litigation administrative case file with Executive Summary, responsive records, e-mails, and timeline for the Department of Defense General Counsel (OGC).

Provide assistance with daily operations to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program. Prepare memorandums for tasking, task out documents to different agencies for review.

Review redactions in FOIAXpress and RedactionXpress; utilizes and interprets current FOIA policy and guidance to include requirements of the Privacy Policy for safeguarding the collection, access, use, dissemination, and storage of personally identifiable information (PII).

Apply laws, regulations, policies, and guidance to provide access to Federal agency records and information. Develop and implement DoD FOIA policies and procedures concerning the administration of programs required by the FOIA for public access to DoD information.

Exemptions that are utilize for redactions are: (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3),(b)(4),(b)(5), (b)(6), and (b)(7).

Utilized E-FOIA (FOIAXpress 10) to research and gathered statistics to create reports and quarterly metrics.

Criminal Investigator Specialist (Night Shift)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Apex Solutions

Falls Church, VA August 2017 – September 2017

Provide analysis and research for industry, infrastructure, technology, country, geographic area, biographic and targeted vulnerability.

Prepare assessments of current events based on the sophisticated collection, research and analysis of classified and open source information.

Develop and maintains analytical procedures to meet changing requirements and ensure maximum operations.

Collect data using a combination of standard intelligence methods and business processes.

Senior Paralegal

Department of State

Nisga’a Data System

Herndon, VA June 2016 – May 2017

In the context of civil litigation filed pursuant to the FOIA at the Department of State. Coordinate the processing of FOIA requests for information and provide advice and guidance to management and staff regarding disclosure of Departmental records under the FOIA.

Work with IPS reviewers to ensure that responsive documents are properly reviewed for release. Research, Analyze and review FOIA/PA requests, clarity, reasonableness, and to determine if additional information or action is needed.

Respond effectively to questions relation to complex FOIA requests involving multiple programs and offices. Review incoming requests for clarity and reasonableness, and work with L to obtain clarification of request.

Review litigation documents and manages overall case progress. Perform complex research in the State Archiving System and the Central Foreign Policy Files and tasks other Department searches conducted to ensure that they were adequate and conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures.

Research and review FOIA requests, clarify issues in requests and evaluate need for further information.

Prepare detail Litigation Reports for use by L and DOJ Attorneys representing the Department of State in FOIA/PA lawsuits.

Draft, edit and/or review a variety of legal documentation.

Manage, coordinates the processing of FOIA and Privacy Act (PA) requests that are the subject of litigation involving the Department of State.

Receive, the Department of State litigation referrals and consultations via creating new case history in Freedoms, update, research and respond to the different government agencies or requesters directly.

While working as a Senior Paralegal, I utilized (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), and (b)(7) exemptions.

Records Management Analyst

Department of State

Prime Resources Technologies

Washington, DC March 2016 – June 2016

Archiving and Access System Program for the Department of State FOIA/PA records.

Enter lists of FOIA document citations and place corresponding review results next to appropriate document (up to 1,000,000 documents per year).

Record FOIA search review and concurrence taskings and their comebacks (9,000 per year).

Open new FOIA cases (up to 10,000 per year).

Register classification upgrades or downgrades, as appropriate, on documents.

Prepare FOIA documents for scanning (checking classification levels, removing staples, inserting separator sheets).

Scan documents into the Freedoms system database and route documents to relevant team(s).

Execute simple searches of the Freedoms database and generate standard reviewers’ worksheets/reports (up to 10,000 per year).

Oversee and/or perform the SAS-Freedoms quality control interface “cleanup” regarding SMART messages.

Index responsive records for the Litigation, Priority and Routine cases.

Document Review Analyst

Robert Half Legal

Washington, DC June 2015 – July 2015

Utilize Pacer to download documents related to files to be reviewed.

Reviewed and redacted documents within Adobe Acrobat Pro 11, and perform testing of these documents according to a rubric established by the client.

Reviewed and processed Financial Personal Identified Information (PII), via working with the Relativity 6, Summation, Case Fleet, and CasePoint discovery tools.

FOIA Analyst/Paralegal, Contractor,

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Ardelle and Associates

Washington, DC November 2014 – June 2015

Maintain accurately updated case notes and database files to reflect current status and activities.

Process requests and prepare responses to assigned Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act requests and appeals received by the Agency by analyzing and interpreting requests, requesting or conducting record searches, reviewing and redacting responsive records, providing appropriate responses.

Assist in developing and maintaining a system for ensuring that the Agency meets FOIA/PA requirements in responding to requests from the public for information and documents by playing a key role in program and process improvement, suggesting adjustments to reduce backlog.

Provide technical expertise in FOIA functions to Agency offices and callers requesting information.

Demonstrate a command of FOIA exemptions by correctly applying them to responses to FOIA requests.

Contribute to the maintenance and development of the Agency’s communication infrastructure.

When necessary, participate in briefings, presentations, and discussions of issues that are important and relevant to FSIS/OPACE public health goals.

Keep the FOIA supervisor, staff and colleagues informed of the status of key projects and FOIA backlog.

Maintain communication with internal and external organizations as needed to accomplish the Agency’s mission and to promote acceptance and credibility in work.

Transmit and receive information, messages, and materials via telephone, fax, or electronic mail.

Process subpoena FOIA Request.

Create and complete Vaughn indices for litigation FOIA request.

Convert responsive records from word document, emails, transcripts, and spreadsheets into pdf’s.

Maintain accurately updated case notes and database files to reflect current status and activities.

Complete Determination letters.

Complete Clearance letters.

Process submitter notice(s).

Create Interims.

Submit responsive records to requester(s) electronically.

Burn CD’s when responsive records are voluminous.

Closed out FOIA cases after Final Reponses has been completed.

Participate in team meetings.

While working as a contractor, I utilized the (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), and (b)(7) exemptions.

Sr. FOIA Analyst, Contractor,

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

FCI Federal Inc.

Rockville, MD March 2014– June 2014

Able to distinguish FOIA requests from Privacy Act Requests and once assigned, was able to oversee its routing to program offices within NRC.

Coordinate with the appropriate NRC program office FOIA Coordinators and provide them with guidance on providing estimates, gathering the required records, and any other issues that would arise.

Review record for responsiveness.

Process Allegation and Investigation records/files.

Ensure case files are organized in the standard format, and all electronic data is recorded, accurate and up-to-date, to ensure compliance with the data integrity provisions of the Office’s Standard Operating Procedures.

Review and apply redactions to responsive records using Redact Xpress (part of FOIA Xpress)

Perform FOIA administrative functions such as scanning documents; transporting paper files within the building for review, and uploading files to the existing databases (FOIA Xpress).

Prepare final response packages. Generate acknowledgement letters to requesters detailing NRC’s FOIA review and release determination.

Closed out FOIA cases after Final Reponses has been completed.

Draft and analyze information for the following NRC weekly reports –Report of FOIA/Privacy Act open/closed cases; which is posted to the NRC external website; and internal reports include a weekly report for the Office of Information Support (OIS).

While working as a Contractor, I utilized the (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), and (b)(7) exemptions.

FOIA Analyst, Contractor

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), (FEMA)

Aspen of DC

Arlington, Virginia January 2013 – September 2013

Review records for responsiveness.

Perform case quality assurance reviews, creating Vaughn Indices.

Coordinate the processes with other stakeholders and Programs.

Prepare final response packages.

Establish special processing teams, as necessary.

Provide solutions to generating required FOIA operation reports.

Successfully migrated data associated with government-owned databases and system.

Provide training and guidance to FEMA Program Offices on correct FOIA processing and compliance with statutory regulations.

Respond and adhered to changes in Disclosure Branch processing requirements by implementing timely and constructive changes to SOP’s.

Support miscellaneous unplanned RMD tasks received from other FEMA offices and DHS components. These tasks were completed each quarter and affected about 20% of the average RMD workload.

While working as a Contractor, I utilized the (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), and (b)(7) exemptions.

FOIA Analyst, Contractor

Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

Employ-R

Washington, DC September 2012 – December 2012

Perform initial analysis to determine validity of FOIA requests, evaluating for reasonableness and regulatory compliance, scope; fee issues, expedition, and negotiated amicable resolution of disputed matters. Acknowledge the incoming FOIA requests ensuring all pertinent issues have been accurately addressed.

Ensure that case files were organized in the standard format and all electronic data is recorded, accurate and up-to-date, to ensure compliance with the data integrity provisions of the Office’s Standard Operating Procedures.

Perform analysis of requests and appeals of requests for expedition and fee waivers.

Generated acknowledgement letters to requesters detailing OFAC’s FOIA review and release determination.

Maintain complete and detailed cases notes on all assigned cases.

Review responsive records and apply appropriate FOIA exemptions on records.

Perform FOIA administrative functions such as scanning documents; transporting paper files within the building for review, and uploading files to the existing databases; and ensured that closed cases were annotated properly after final responses were completed.

Review objections, prepare correspondence and submit for review.

Support OFAC litigation efforts, in coordination with the Assistant Director of Disclosure Services, OFAC, by creating Vaughn indices, declarations, affidavits, answers to complaints, and supplemental releases.

Review existing database entries, manipulate (move) the data, add data, delete in such a way as to enhance database reporting and increase the accuracy of the report functions.

Complete and distributed various reports which included the Director’s weekly report, Outstanding Search Request weekly report, and the Sensitive weekly report.

While working as a Contractor, I utilized the (b)(1), (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), (b)(7) exemptions.

Paralegal, Contractor

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs

Symtech (formerly Pro-Telligent, LLC)

Washington DC July 2007 – September 2011

Receive, analyze, investigate, and recommend actions on potential revocation of passport and consular reports of birth abroad cases.

Extensively research laws, rules, regulations, and written guidelines preparing advisory opinions for loss of citizenship cases.

Conduct thorough legal research into legislative history, precedent cases, decisions, and opinions for victim assistance cases and treaty inquires.

Serve as a member of the Passport Task Force ensuring activities are in compliance with immigration rules, regulations, and U.S. citizenship laws.

Prepare responses for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by analyzing, organizing, examining, and investigating factual information and compile results into written responses and recommendations.

Routinely research the judicial system of 59 countries in the Western Hemisphere to determine their ability to become signatory partners of the Hague Convention.

As a TF2 Coordinator, I provided support for the emergency response team for several disasters/emergencies including the Lebanon evacuation, Passport Surge, and the earthquake in Haiti.

Paralegal

NRI Legal Staffing

Washington, DC November 2005 – July 2009

Research laws, investigated facts, and prepared documents to assists attorneys in the planning and preparation of defense cases using Lexis Nexus, Westlaw, and Concordance.

Research and analyzed law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions, and legal coders to assist in the preparation of legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, and contracts.

Review and negotiated contract settlements.

Perform data analysis.

Proofread and maintain quality control of documents.

Electronically maintain a time and attendance system.

Contract Officer Administrator

Alutiiq

Chesapeake, VA January 2006 – May 2007

Coordinate activities involved with awarding grants.

Participate in round table discussions, reviewed and quality-controlled NIH medical grants for the printing department.

EDUCATION

Database Administration Certification – Northern VA Community College – Annandale Campus

Real Estate – Moseley Real Estate School completed 2013.

B.S. in Criminal Justice – Penn Foster, completed 20 credits.

Property Management – Southeastern University, completed 2010

B.S. in Theology - H.E. Wood Bible Institute, 2005

A.S. in Paralegal – Paralegal Institute, 1993

AWARDS

2011: Pro-telligent International Certification of Appreciation.

2010: International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children recognition letter for the International Judicial Conference on Cross-Border Family Relocation; AND The United States Department of State Executive Secretariat Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of the Haiti Earth Quake Task Force.

2008: Oversees Citizen Service Leadership Award

2007: United States Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Certificate of Appreciate, AND Passport Surge Certificate of Appreciation.

TRAINING

United States Department of State, Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Early Morning Spanish class, 2010, The Department of Justice FOIA for Attorneys and Access Professionals Training, Clearwell eDiscovery, Concordance, FOIA Online, FOIAXpress, 2011, United States Department of Justice, Executive Office for United States Attorneys, Experience Paralegal Seminar training, 2011. Obtained my certification as a 911 Dispatcher and On-Duty Officer, for the Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services from the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, 1999. A+ PC Technical training, 1988. Cyber Security 6800, 2007-current. I worked on the legal tool called Pacer. Intern Law Clerk, for the late Mrs. Mabel D. Hadeen, Esquire, 1994. Law Clerk Intern for the District of Columbia, Superior Court, the Honorable Senior Judge, Arthur Burnette, Sr., 1993.

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