Emergency Management Program Specialist

TARSHA L. MONK

**** ********* *****

Douglasville, GA 30135

H: 334-***-****

W: 770-***-****

C: 404-***-****

E-mail: **********@*****.***

Citizen: Yes

Federal Employee: Yes

Highest Series & Grade: GS-14 Step 5

Veterans: Yes (DD-214’s Attached)

PROFILE

Dedicated, energetic, and highly effective supervisor with impressive skill in project management, supervision, and administrative management. Documented ability to remain calm and provide leadership during stressful situations. Knowledgeable in disaster assistance operations, Individual Assistance programs, and Federal response and recovery to Presidentially declared major disasters and emergencies. Willing to assume responsibility for difficult and demanding areas coupled with the demonstrated ability to resolve problems quickly and effectively. Recognized ability to provide outstanding training and instruction. Effective communicator and customer service-oriented leader. Committed to applying quality workmanship, performance excellence, and teamwork in each career challenge undertaken. Demonstrate outstanding interpersonal relations abilities in working successfully in a joint environment.

WORK EXPERIENCE

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) 09/25/2005 TO PRESENT The primary mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the Nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, by leading and supporting the Nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation. Individual Assistance Branch Chief 12/2017 to present Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hours/week: 40+ 3003 Chamblee Tucker Road Salary: $130, 011 USD per year Atlanta, GA 30341

Responsible for managing the Sheltering and Housing Task force comprise of over 100 members. The primary goal is to establish a cross-functional, regional, Shelter and Direct Housing Task Force to develop operational plans, identify best practices and resources, establish key roles, develop appropriate messaging, coordinate with regional partners and deploy to disasters which may result in TSA and/or direct housing activation. This team will speed the process of program delivery and mitigate against future losses through task force activity.

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Responsible for managing and administering the FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, Voluntary Agency Liaison, Mass Care, Direct Housing and Disaster Survivor Assistance Programs for the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

These programs ensure that disaster survivors have prompt access to a full range of programs and services to speed and simplify their recovery through a coordination of assistance and partnerships among Federal, State, Tribal, local governments, voluntary agencies, and the private sector. Elements of these programs may be employed fully in Stafford Act events, and partially in non-Stafford Act events. Serves as the primary program officer for coordination and implementation of all Individual Assistance

(IA) programs authorized to alleviate hardship and suffering of communities and families caused by major disasters and emergencies. The programs that Individual Assistance encompasses are Program Management, Direct Housing, Voluntary Agencies (VAL), Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) and Mass Care.

Supported and/or deployed to over 100 Presidentially Declared Individual Assistance Disasters.

Responsible for staffing the IA’s cadre's force structure model within Region IV that consisted of IA, DSA, VAL and Mass Care in support of multiple disasters assigned to Region IV states. This model was utilized in supporting over 20 disasters over the course of 3 years.

Managing media, community, and other external relations to communicate the availability of assistance with the Regions External Affairs office to ensure that the most accurate information is provided to the public.

Supported the equipping of individual members of the cadre with mission appropriate equipment during the Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSOI) at the region in support of disasters.

Oversee individual training requirements with all assigned personnel (14). This consists of identifying their specific training needs and coordinating Disater Field Training Operations (DFTO) staff in bringing specific classes to the disaster. Responsible for the overall safety of all personnel assigned to the IA branch and accountability for all property assigned to the IA Branch.

Served as a coach evaluator, qualifying reservists in their specific FQS job title during multiple disasters to include Mission Readiness Training and Cascadia Rising exercises.

Provided disaster performance evaluations over multiple disasters for countless personnel to include exit interviews.

Supervision and management of temporary housing assistance, initiating all appropriate and necessary response readiness activities intended to improve effectiveness and efficiency of assistance to the private sector, local and state government declared incidents.

Provides technical advice and assistance on all aspects of program areas which include operations, training, contracts, logistics, administration, and other management issues to not only personnel assigned to the Individual Assistance branch but also to the Division Recovery Director as well as other senior leadership within the Region and HQ, ensuring the mission is always accomplished in a timely and effective manner.

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Manages and ensures routine operation and proper execution of responsibilities required to carry out the mission of the Region IV Recovery Division. This includes Maintaining financial oversight to ensure the operations of the IA Branch is efficient and effective.

Provides the Region IV Administrator and the Recovery Division Director with information, alternatives, and recommendations in response to Individual Assistance programs during Presidential declared disasters.

Identifies appropriate courses of action and strategic plans to promote efficiencies to achieve long-range objectives in transforming the Individual Assistance Branch to support multiple disasters at any given time. Continuously ensures organizational program goals are achieved and consistent with fiscal year funding requirements.

Plans, directs, and evaluates work in compliance with all targets, objectives, policies, and regulations set forth by senior leadership, ensuring that they are informed, by providing quarterly updates.

Responsible for the planning, development, implementation, management, and coordination of the Regional Disaster Recovery Assistance Programs as authorized under the disaster Relief Act, and those of other Federal, state, local and voluntary agencies.

Determines priorities for and provides technical assistance for pre-declaration activities related to Individuals and Households to include Temporary Housing, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Legal Services, and other forms of individual assistance such as disaster loans and grant assistance from the voluntary agencies. This includes training for the establishment and management of all individual assistance programs.

Served as the Regional expert and principal staff person responsible for interpretation and application of program regulations, policy memorandums, handbooks, manuals, and legislation (including State and local requirements) pertaining to the provisions of assistance to communities and families and grants to public entities for all open disaster contracts in the Region. This includes instructions and manuals related to establishment and operation of DRCs.

Oversees the recruitment, selection, and training of disaster reservists and locally hired employees necessary to manage and coordinate all activities needed in support of open disaster activities.

Through the Regional Director and Division Director, initiate and recommend changes in FEMA rules, regulations, procedures, or operating methods to achieve improved programs effectiveness and efficiency. Supervises directs, and manages the Regional staff review and analysis of all assistance to Individuals and Households materials developed by the Agency, the States, other Federal agencies, and the voluntary agencies, and provides to the Region for comment prior to finalization and issuance.

Develops and conducts training programs in Community Service Programs and Individual Assistance activities for Federal, State, local, and voluntary agency officials and stakeholders.

Supervises on-site pre-disaster monitoring and damage assessment activities. Develop Regional estimates and recommendations, which serves as the basis for National Office consideration of Governor’s request for major disasters and emergency assistance. Advise the governor, state emergency officials, and other federal agency officials on the requirements for and options available with respect to the Individuals and Households programs.

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Directs the development and review of response plans and procedures related to disaster recovery but not limited to, temporary housing (including State administered programs), and Disaster Recovery Centers.

Supervises, and coordinates the conduct of program reviews related to all Assistance to Individuals and Households and Public Assistance Programs. Supervises the development and implementation of program improvements and corrective actions to be applied in the context of all open contracts in the Region and for application in future response operations. For example, this includes segmented reviews of FEMA Recovery Grant Programs to ensure that eligible needs are being met in a timely fashion and that the regulations are being followed.

Analyzes program related financial and eligibility information to ensure that final payment of individual and Individual Assistance Program costs is accurate, timely, and adequately supported. Recommends selection of programs or projects for Federal audit. Supervises responses to audit findings. Ensures that proper guidance is provided to the Governor’s Authorized Representatives, the State Coordinating Officer, other State, local and Federal officials regarding the basis and procedures for receiving Federal financial assistance.

Manages mission assignments for Direct Federal Assistance when disaster assistance requirements are beyond State and local government capabilities or involves direct Federal responsibilities such as temporary housing (e.g., development of mobile home group sites) or emergency assistance (e.g., shelter, feeding, and essential home repairs). Reviews mission assignments for statutory, regulatory and eligibility criteria. This includes ensuring that an appropriate scope of work, appropriate management, reporting, and fiscal controls are established, and overseeing and evaluating the work performed.

Supervises implementation of the system established to expedite delivery of assistance and prevent duplication of benefits.

Oversees, monitors, and coordinates long-range recovery activities within the context of the over-all- disaster response operation.

Acting Individual Assistance Branch Chief 05/2017 to 12/2017 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hours/week: 40 3003 Chamblee Tucker Road Salary: $108,000 USD per year Atlanta, GA 30341

Supervised a staff of eleven responsible for monitoring, evaluating, managing and implementing the Individuals and Households Programs.

Served on National, Regional, and State task forces to develop improved assistance to Individuals and Households rules, guidelines, procedures, organizational structures and delivery systems.

Developed relationships and involvement among tribal groups to help resolve housing program, grants, and community development issues with Federal, state or local agencies, or the private sector.

Developed and implemented emergency management standards, regulations, practices, training, and procedures to prepare for and recover from catastrophic incidents. TARSHA L. MONK

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Determined resource requirements and the proper allocation of resources. Conducting strategic planning, budget formulation and execution, contract administration, resource management, property accountability, and personnel administration.

Served as a spokesperson at conferences, meetings, committees, and working groups.

Planned work to be accomplished by subordinates; sets priorities and prepare schedules for completion of work; Evaluates work performance of employees; gives advice and/or instructions to employees for initiating and completing work assignments, improving work habits, coping with sudden changes in workload or work priorities.

Managed minor disciplinary actions on employees as necessary, giving appropriate written warning and/or reprimands; takes necessary action to overcome minor employee disciplinary problems or complaints of employees. Major or unresolved disciplinary problems or complaints are referred to the Division Director with recommendations.

Identified training and professional development needs to employees and authorized appropriate training. Made recommendations for awards, promotions, terminations, or transfer of employees; interviews candidates for positions within the Branch and recommends selection of candidates. Supervisory Emergency Management Program Specialist, Individual Assistance 03/2016 to 04/2017 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hours/week: 40 3003 Chamblee Tucker Road Salary: $103,000 USD per year Atlanta, GA 30341

Responsible for ensuring that individuals and families affected by disasters have the full range and timely access to services available under Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6 and FEMA Individual Assistance programs. Manage and administer the Individual Assistance Program regionally, nationwide and during disaster response and recovery activities.

Directed, managed and supervised staff assigned to the Individual Assistance Branch, providing technical and administrative guidance and direction to a staff that engages in assisting individuals and/or communities, and in providing support to disaster recovery efforts.

Served on National, Regional, and State task forces to develop improved Assistance to Individuals and Households rules, guidelines, procedures, organizational structures and delivery systems. Manages the Individual Assistance Program components for immediate federal response to Presidentially declared major disasters and emergencies under the provisions of Public Law 93-288; components include disaster damage assessment teams, field offices, and other operational elements, as directed. Assists in ensuring, an effective Individual Assistance Program implementation, by providing adequate operational facilities, staff and communications during field operations and program management.

Developed and issued recovery plans, procedures, and risk assessments with Individual Assistance partners to fulfill requests in a timely and effective manner.

Coordinated with other Federal agencies, FEMA regional staff, and State/Tribal government agencies to ensure the capability to continue essential functions during any event or incident Is optimal. TARSHA L. MONK

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Maintained robust and accessible communications between stakeholders to ensure dialogue and information sharing is ongoing.

Managed Individual Assistance staff on an emergency response team and provides program guidance and direction. Works collaboratively with others and builds effective partnerships across organizational boundaries.

Senior Emergency Management Program Specialist, Individual Assistance 01/2009 to 02/2016 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hours/week: 40 3003 Chamblee Tucker Road Salary: $98,000 USD per year Atlanta, GA 30341

Responsible for managing and administering the Individual Assistance Program regionally, nationwide and during disaster response and recovery.

Established and maintained critical relationships of trust and respect with Poarch Band of Creeks Indians, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Catawba Indian Nation.

Provided expert advice and policy direction on the Individuals and Household Programs for Region IV six respective Tribal and State Partners.

Conducted quarterly readiness visits and coordinated training opportunities with Region IV six respective Tribal and State Partners.

Hosted several bi-annual Individual Assistance Conferences for Region IV to include six respective Tribes, State Partner and other federal agencies.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Supported and or deployed to over 100 Presidential Declarations as an Individual Assistance Branch Director (IABD).

Lead, administer and oversee activities specific to the Recovery Division, including Individual Assistance, Declarations, Community Planning/Capacity and Disaster Survivor Assistance Programs.

Act as a key advisor to Region IV’s senior leadership on strategic planning as it relates to disaster recovery operations.

Manage and monitor Individual Assistance program budget /spend plans in accordance with Federal laws, regulations and policies to ensure full compliance.

Coordinated and managed all incoming Individual Assistance Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) inquires.

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Coordinated and facilitated Individual Assistance training for the six federally recognized Tribes assigned to Region IV.

Coordinated and managed Region IV Individual Assistance Policies. TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Chosen by the Region IV Recovery Director to participate in mentoring the National and Regional Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT).

Instrumental in the development of a five-day, State IA Operations course (E357 State Individual Assistance Operations) that was presented at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Emmitsburg, Maryland. COMMUNICATIONS & NETWORKING

Coordinated special community outreach efforts in Mobile, Birmingham, and Prattville, AL to assist Hurricane Katrina disaster survivors in processing their applications for FEMA assistance.

Delivered articulate, informative briefings, speeches, papers and reports on the Individual Assistance Programs to Human Services staff.

Emergency Management Program Specialist, Individual Assistance 01/2008 to 12/2008 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hours/week: 40 3003 Chamblee Tucker Road Salary: $70,000 USD per year Atlanta, GA 30341

Managed and coordinated various disaster assistance components of the organization required for rapid Federal response to Presidentially declared major disasters and emergencies in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the State of Mississippi.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Served in various management and supervisory roles in administration, coordination, and delivery of disaster assistance operations.

Analyzed Individual Assistance closeout packages, final vouchers, and Federal and/or State audit reports.

Lead partners and stakeholders, including Federal, State, Local, Volunteer, Private, and Public Sectors, and FEMA employees in the assistance of response and recovery needs of individuals and households, reducing the effects of the event.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Conducted training for individual assistance emergency management personnel to include selected personnel from other Federal, State, local and volunteer agencies.

Identify training requirements and coordinate and/or participate in training Individual Assistance staff. TARSHA L. MONK

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ADVICE & GUIDANCE

Provided technical guidance to State counterparts with Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Operations, Joint Field Operations (JFO), and Individual and Household Programs, including Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Service, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Coordinated Individual Assistance Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) field teams and routinely prepare reports to interpret incoming PDA information.

Prepared Disaster Summaries and Regional Analyses/Recommendations in an accurate and timely manner.

Assisted the Regional Cadre Manager, providing feedback on staff to ensure Disaster Assistance Employees are trained and qualified to perform their assignments in the field. COMMUNICATIONS & NETWORKING

Communicated and distributed all new and existing Individual Assistance programs, policies, and regulations to the State of Mississippi and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Interacted with State counterparts on a weekly basis, conducting Individual Assistance program discussions on close-outs and policy.

Key Achievements

During Hurricane Season 2008, as IA Branch Director, managed two Presidential Disasters, Mississippi 1753 (severe storms and flooding) and 1764 (severe storms and tornadoes) and successfully managed a combined budget of over $3.5M.

Prepared Mississippi 1753 and 1764 Disaster and Regional Analysis/Recommendation in a timely manner and participated in preparing several other Disaster Summary and Regional Analyses/ Recommendations.

Assisted with the coordination of long-range recovery activities with Alabama, Kentucky and Mississippi as directed by the Disaster Assistance Division Director.

Worked with Alabama Transitional Recovery Office to assist in the transition of Hurricane Katrina disaster survivors back to the Region.

Chosen by the Region IV IA Branch Chief to train all assigned States in Region IV (AL, FL, TN, KY, MS, GA, SC, NC) on preparing Presidential Declaration and Mission Assignments processes.

Supported the IA Branch Chief and Cadre Manager in recruitment activities, providing them with resumes of qualified prospective employees.

Selected by Region IV Regional Director to represent the agency on Career Day at a local Elementary School in Atlanta, GA, teaching second and third graders the important role that FEMA plays in their community.

Established the state of Alabama Housing Strategy Plan. TARSHA L. MONK

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Utilized IFMIS, NEMIS, Info-view, WEBI, RIMS, HSIN, IA Toolbox, and Microsoft Office programs as needed.

Deputy Human Services Branch Chief 05/2007 – 01/2008 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hours/week: 40 1555 Eastern Boulevard Salary: $65,000 USD per year Montgomery, AL 36117

Assisted Human Services Branch Chief in overseeing Human Services activities. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Provided interpretation of agency programs, policies, and regulations in the individual assistance area.

Represented the Human Services Branch as a recognized authority in a variety of meetings with state, local, and private organizations and groups.

Supervised planning, developing, and implementation of all new Individual Assistance programs, policies and procedures.

Oversaw coordination of responsive training and development strategies and plans for permanent full- time and temporary hire personnel to meet requirements

Managed assistance provided to individuals and families served by individual assistance programs. Key Achievements

Met routinely with the Mayor of Bayou La Batre, Mobile, and other local officials to implement the Alternate Housing Pilot Program (AHPP) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) by arranging community outreach with maximum turn-out of over one hundred local residents; these programs were developed to evaluate alternatives to FEMA travel trailer and mobile home applicants and to provide housing to people with ongoing housing needs as a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Spearheaded the Rental Resource Program that involved aggressively locating permanent housing for the remaining Katrina and Rita displaced applicants, receiving an Individual Monetary Award.

Designated by the Alabama Transitional Recovery Director to give an in-depth presentation to the Gulf Coast Office Regional Administrator on the progress of the Alabama Individual Assistance Housing Programs, receiving a FEMA coin as an award.

Selected as one of five to participate on the Housing Action Plan QA/QC Source Selection Board at FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C.

Special Project Coordinator, Human Services 11/2006 – 05/2007 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hours/week: 40 1555 Eastern Boulevard Salary: $54,000 USD per year Montgomery, AL 36117

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Planned, developed, and implemented all new Individual Assistance programs, policies, and procedures. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Oversaw Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery employees (CORE) project coordination as it related to Human Services.

Coordinated workflow and determined status of tasks accomplished, staff management, financial support, and special consideration for every program within the HS Branch.

Identified Housing Branch priority mission activities and prepared detailed After-Action Review (AAR) reports, providing data to the Human Services Section Branch Chief to support informed decision- making.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Worked with the HS Branch Chief to coordinate responsive training and development strategies and plans for permanent full-time and temporary hire personnel to meet requirements.

Identified the various strategic and operational training/development needs and issues of the department.

Designed disaster-specific training and briefing sessions.

Organized CPR recertification for FEMA staff.

COMMUNICATIONS & NETWORKING

Delivered articulate, informative briefings, speeches, papers and reports on the Individual Assistance Programs to Human Services staff.

Proactively participated in other conferences, briefings, seminars and meetings.

Responded effectively and immediately to all correspondence concerning individual assistance operations and related programs received from government officials and agencies, volunteer organizations, and diverse groups and individuals from the general public. Key Achievements

Oversaw the implementation and operation of the Alabama Travel Trailer (TT) Sales Program, training the Alabama Transitional Recovery Office and Mobile Area Field Office staff on the program.

Routinely met with State of Alabama counterparts and locals to develop an aggressive closure plan to condense the number of group/commercial sites throughout Alabama.

Developed a communication strategy regarding the HUD/FEMA transitional assistance plan.

Instrumental in the development of a three-day, on-site FEMA course (DF 323/324/325, Preliminary Damage Assessment, Individual Assistance Basics) that was presented to 50 students at the Alabama Joint Field Office; FEMA’s first nationwide pilot program, now taught on a national level. TARSHA L. MONK

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Recertification Chief, Human Services 02/2006 – 11/2006 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hours/week: 40 1555 Eastern Boulevard Salary: $54,000 USD per year Montgomery, AL 36117

Oversaw the Recertification program, activities, and personnel. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Managed accountability for 900 recertification records and oversaw recertification for 500+ applicants in 13 state parks and twenty-five commercial parks.

Provided superior training, direction, leadership, and mentoring for a team of 12 housing advisors engaged in conducting recertification interviews according to existing regulations and standard practices.

Allocated case load, prioritized tasks, and resolved problems.

Verified eligibility of applicants for disaster housing assistance.

Utilized working budget and funds management knowledge and experience to ensure programs and projects were run and maintained in a cost-effective, efficient manner. TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Evaluated individual and team performance, making recommendations for personnel actions and motivating subordinates to achieve and maintain peak productivity and performance levels.

Developed and maintained a viable recertification training program, ensuring all new personnel were qualified and confident in their ability to carry out their missions. COMMUNICATIONS & NETWORKING

Provided information on the 403/408 programs to applicants, assisting displaced applicants with a permanent housing plan and rental resources in accordance with CRF 44 and overall Individual Assistance (IA) and program-specific policies.

Routinely briefed Housing Officer and IA Branch Director on status of various programs, projects, and operational activities.

REPORTING & RECORDKEEPING

Prepared daily, weekly, and monthly recertification reports, including tracking of all temporary housing units leased to applicants in Alabama.

Coordinated and distributed the Evacuee Report.

Key Achievements

Led a Recertification Team of 27 in closing 13 Alabama State Parks, 20 Commercial Parks, and one Group Site.

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Developed a Recertification training program from ground zero to ensure new and existing personnel were confident in their ability to carry out their assigned missions.

Performed and assisted with case reviews for applicants, Community Relations personnel, Disaster Recovery Center personnel, and disaster applicants from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita from AL, TX, LA, and MS.

Coordinated special community outreach efforts in Mobile, Birmingham, and Prattville, AL to assist Hurricane Katrina victims in processing their applications for FEMA assistance. Lead Quality Control Liaison/Administrative Caseworker 2005 – 02/2006 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hours/week: 40 1555 Eastern Boulevard Salary: $27,000 USD per year Montgomery, AL 36117

Assisted in various disaster assistance components of the organization required for rapid Federal response to Presidentially declared major disasters and emergencies. PROGRAM ASSISTANCE

Interviewed individual applicants for Hotel Population Outreach Program, analyzing personal problems and concerns, determining

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