Equal Opportunity

DARLENE THOMPSON

Temple Hills, MD *****

personal 301-***-**** cell

*********@****.***

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

Leadership & Execution Strategic Vision Innovation Business Process Improvement PROFILE

Results driven leader and visionary with significant achievements in leading organizational change and management in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Civil Rights (CR), Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) programs. Expert knowledge of Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Department of Labor (DOL) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations. Expert knowledge and skills in applying a wide range of civil rights and equal employment practices, laws, regulations, policies and precedents sufficient to provide comprehensive and effective leadership. Keen ability to create and sustain strategic alliances to ensure successful delivery of EEO and Civil Rights programs. Committed to fostering positive change. Developed and implemented cutting edge approaches and strategies to enhance the Agency understanding of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI and VII). SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Effectively managed Operating Budget of over 20 million dollars. Business Acumen

Developed Strategic Plan in accordance with Executive Order 13985 and 14035 and implemented DEIA training.

Developed and implemented strategies for Farm Service Agency (FSA), General Service Administration (GSA) and Commodity Future Trading Commission (CFTC) Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) organizational effectiveness and sustainability. Leading Change, Results Driven

Built coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, and international organizations to achieve common goals. Building Coalition

Developed an Early Resolution Baseline for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) utilizing ADR techniques such as mediation, shuttle diplomacy, conciliation, and facilitation. These improvements resulted in an increased resolution rate from 40% to 60%. Served as the mediator when senior-level officials were involved. Developed unconsciousness bias training and introduced civility in the workplace as a tool to resolve conflict and bring awareness. Leading Change, Results Driven

Mediated and settled: eight (8) EEO complaints in FY18, two (2) in FY 20, four (4) in FY 21, two (2) in FY 22 saving the Federal government a substantial amount of money. Results Driven, Business Acumen

Developed, organized, and facilitated the FSA inaugural open house in Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO, which now serve as the model within USDA around the country. Leading People, Leading Change, Results Driven

Developed, conducted, and promoted Diversity and Inclusion training for USDA, FSA, GSA & CFTC. Results Driven, Business Acumen, Leading People

Provided subject matter advice, consultation, guidance, operational assistance, and policy interpretation to large, complex, and highly diverse FSA, GSA, and CFTC service areas. Leading People, Leading Change

Effectively managed $30+ million-dollar budget to facilitate grants for 10,000+ socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers throughout the United States. Leading People, Business Acumen

Promoted the urgency and need of Agency Resolving Official Training resulting in the Office of Civil Rights successful implementation and training of Senior Level Leadership, EEO Counselors and Specialist throughout USDA and CFTC. Leading People, Leading Change, Results Driven

Provided guidance to FSA Senior Level Leadership mission areas to development the FSA, “Agency Head Assessment”. FSA received their first outstanding rating from the Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights for Fiscal Year 2017, under my Leadership. Results Driven, Leading People, Leading Change 2 Page

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Supervisory EEO Specialist (Civil Rights Director) GS-260-15: March 2020-present; General Services Administration (GSA) –Mission Delivery Office, Washington, DC 40 Hours Per Week; Supervisor: Carolyn Sanders, 240-***-****, Contact: Yes GSA employs over 12,000 Federal workers and Contractors. As the Civil Rights Director for Mission Delivery, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), I serve as a nationally recognized and respected authority and Agency spokesperson on a diverse range of issues related to Title V, Title VI, and Title VII Civil Rights Act of 1964 (29 CFR Part 1614). I lead the development and implementation of the GSA, OCR Strategic Plan; and oversee the build out and execution of the plan by coordinating the Mission, Vision Statements, Core Values, Goals and Objectives, and Integrated Initiatives.

I successfully supervise a team of 18 subordinate staff nationwide. I perform personnel management responsibilities with a focus on building a high-performance workforce; promote team building and a collaborative work environment; ensure goals and performance objectives are understood; assess performance and provide timely feedback, recognition, identifying training, development needs and remediation. I am the Subject Matter Expert in all aspects of the Title VII Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program, Affirmative Employment Program (AEP), and Title VI External Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) operations. In addition, to being the primary subject matter expert for OCR’s Mission Delivery Office, I provide direction and guidance relating to Employee and Labor Relations program and performance management. I have oversight of all stages of the EEO informal and formal process to include but not limited to EEO counseling, investigations (Title VI and Title VII), acceptance and dismissals, Final Agency Decisions, Hearings and Appeals, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), compliance, No FEAR report, 462 report, MD-715 report, and grievances. I work closely with the Associate Administrator, Adjudication and Compliance, Office of Inspector General, Human Resource, and the Office of General Counsel (OGC) on settlement compliance, Hearings and Appeals, litigation holds, and ADR. I advise the Administrator and GSA Managers and Supervisors on the statutory and regulatory responsibilities to maintain and effectuate employee discipline and labor management relations. I provide legal interpretations, advice and recommendation on unprecedented, unclear and/or controversial matters. I review final decisions for complaints received under Title VI Federal Financial Assistance Programs and Federally conducted Programs and work closely with the Department of Justice.

Leading People, Results Driven, Building Coalition, Business Acumen, and Communication

To improve operational efficiency as well as improve service delivery to our customers I reestablished the goals, objectives, and activities for OCR and developed the new OCR mission statement

Revised the statement of work for EEO Investigators

Due to COVID-19 expeditiously developed the 2020 virtual Training plan for EEO and ADR informal and Formal complaint processing

Ensured all parties who have an open case (informal and formal) received notification as it pertained to the processing of their complaint during COVID-19 as instructed by EEOC.

Monitored statutory deadlines and requirements

Developed Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training including EEO Training for Supervisors, Managers, and Employees

Monitored and review the MD-715 requirements for a model EEO program

Hired an Affirmative Employment Program Manager to help with Diversity and Inclusion within the workforce

Developed Special Emphasis Program Standard Operating Procedures

Developed Conflict Case EEO Case Processing Standard Operating Procedures 3 Page

Initiated an accountability performance indicator for executives. Effective fiscal year 2021 diversity and inclusion elements will be placed in all GS-15 and SES performance plans to ensure diversity and inclusion is a recognized commitment within GSA.

Enforce GSA Public Facing Programs: Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Limited English Proficiency (Executive Order 13177), and Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898)

Environmental Justice – Actively involved in the Path to Achieving Justice40

Commodity Future Trading Commission (CFTC):

As a subject matter expert in Leading teams, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, EEO and Civil Rights (CR) programs, I was highly recommended in September 2020, to assist the CFTC who employs 690+ Federal employees not including Contractors, with the managing of their Civil Rights caseload, Diversity Inclusion (Special Emphasis Programs) and EEO structure. I developed quality control standards and operating procedures for the CFTC, OMWI. I revamped the EEO complaints tracking system (ETK) resulting in a more productive workflow and processes. I was instrumental in creating a drastic change to the monitoring and handling of the EEO complaint processing, hearings, and appeals, maintaining 100% timeliness and quality control. Saving the Agency thousands of dollars. As a result of my leadership and direction OMWI is compliant with EEOC Reporting requirements such as No Fear, MD-715, 462 Annual Mandatory Reports and Diversity and Inclusion Executive Orders. I mediated EEO complaints, conducted ROI sufficiently reviews. Prepared accept and dismissal letters. I take pride in rebranding CFTC, Civil Rights, OMWI office from a negative place to develop partnership to a positive office, using open house techniques, trainings, on boarding training, participating in various affinity group meetings/events as a speaker, and developing an EEO observer process during open vacancy interviews. Acting Supervisory EEO Specialist (EEO Complaints Processing and Resolution Branch Chief) GS-(0260)-15: Oct. 2018 – Jan. 2019 (60 Day rotation); Branch Chief, GS-(0260)-14: Feb 2019 – Mar. 2020, Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) - Business Center, USDA, Washington DC 40 Hours per Week Supervisor: Brian Garner, 202-***-**** Contact: Yes I strategized courses of action for key initiatives, including programming geared toward minority demographics. I lead team members in program rollout and followed through on all program activity to guarantee alignment with federal and local guidelines. Promoted and ensured Agency-wide awareness and implementation of new developments, guidelines, policies, and regulations impacting supervisors, managers and employee rights and responsibilities in relation to EEO specifically Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (29 CFR Part 1614). Monitored EEO Counselors progress timelines and followed up on informal and formal complaints processing. Provided subordinate supervisors guidance and direction. Developed uniform standard operating procedures, management policies, and staff management principles. Provided strategic advice to senior leadership on mission critical issues. Provided high-level assessments of projects, budgets, human resources, and organizational structure. Leading People, Results Driven, Building Coalition, Business Acumen Spearheaded dispute resolutions while assessing budgets, organizational structures, Human Resources, and projects. Created and implemented guidelines and policies for staff management regarding Early Intervention. Directly overseen mission support programs designed to uphold the Agency objectives including the implementation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program for the newly established agency Farm Production and Conservation Civil (FPAC) Rights Division. Served as advisor for senior leadership team members involving high-priority issues (No Fear, EEOC 462, Management Directive (MD) -715, and Special Emphasis Programs). Trained and designated Agency Resolving Officials. Discussed settlement options with Complainants and Responsible Management Officials. Managed ADR caseload and mediated disputes between parties. Prepared training modules for FPAC employees, EEO Specialist, Managers, and Civil Rights Division employees. Worked closely with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) as it relates to settlement compliance document request and report of investigations. Partnered with HR as a certified Personnel Misconduct Investigator (PMI). 4 Page

Results Driven, Building Coalition, Leading People, Business Acumen, Communication

Supervised and lead internal and remote employees in various regions

Work on critical assignments such as but not limited to – SOW Climate Assessment, Annual Reporting Requirements, Employee Engagement Trainings, Personnel Actions, Develop Processes for the newly established Title VII Branch, Manage Division website, Manage the disposal and archive of expired and closed Title VII Informal and Formal cased files in accordance with the National Archives regulations (43 U.S.C chapter 33).

Developed Alterative Dispute Standard Operating Procedures

Trained Agency Resolving Officials

EEO Observer

Division credit card purchase order Approver

Developed Anti-Harassment Policy Letters

Prepared Legacy Agency (Farm Service Agency Office of Civil Rights) briefings

Developed Agency Title VII EEO caseload tracking timeline report

Prepared and presented detailed briefings to Senior Level Leadership Supervisory EEO Specialist (FSA Civil Rights Deputy Director) GS-(0260)-14 May 2014 – October 2018 (position was abolished due to a realignment of three Agencies) Farm Service Agency (FSA), USDA, Washington DC

40 Hours per Week, Supervisor: Brian Garner, 202-***-****, Contact: Yes Provided executive leadership and strategic direction for planning programs and directing employees in carrying out mission critical programs and activities to include Special Emphasis Programs, Affirmative Action Programs, Cultural Transformation, Farm Loan Programs and Services and activities necessary to ensure Agency compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Title VI and Title VII. Facilitate training, travel and expenditures for contractors and supplies. Tracked expenses and monitored funds against agency budget to ensure cost-effective resource management. Inspired, motivated and lead staff in carrying out assigned duties. Collaborate with internal and external organizations, individuals, members of under-served groups, educational institutions, State and local governments and other customers to provide program information and to secure cooperation in implementation and delivery of FSA programs. Leading People, Results Driven, Leading Change, Business Acumen, Building Coalition

Successfully lead and supervised technical personnel (GS-7 through GS-14), both locally and throughout the United States. Leading People

Successfully developed employee’s performance and training plans, trained and mentored employees to include implementation of the appropriate disciplinary action when deemed necessary. Communication, Leading People, Results Driven

Received the FSA 2015 Administrator’s Civil Rights Leadership Award. Results Driven, Leading Change

Developed strategic goals by adequately assessing operational needs and developing comprehensive plans to standardized business and operating processes. Business Acumen, Results Driven, Leading Change

Routinely interacted with national, state and local senior level management officials to articulate and carryout Agency’s position on sensitive CR/EEO issues. Building Coalitions/Communication

Developed and administered a comprehensive EEO program evaluation system to identify equal employment issues, concerns, and limitations whereby results of the evaluation led to development of a shared plan to address barriers to equal employment opportunity. Results Driven, Leading Change

Provided expert advice, consultation, and program/policy interpretation of EEO Complaint and Alternate Dispute Resolution processes to ensure compliance to 29 C.F.R Part 1614. Leading Change

Insured required EEOC statistical annual reports were reviewed and completed timely: 462 & MD-715. Results Driven

Successfully monitored and closed over 18 formal EEO cases in Fiscal Year 2018. Results Driven 5 Page

Established and maintain 360-degree transparency and open communication with minority groups to ensure awareness of issues and concerns affecting equal employment opportunities in FSA offices. Building Coalition/Communication

Provided leadership and guidance to USDA Agencies, including Departmental Administration, to improve EEO counseling services. Building Coalition, Leading Change and People

Presented at various workshops, seminars, and Specialist Emphasis Programs such as EEO Process, Agency Resolving Official, the Anatomy of Discrimination, State Executive Directors, Veteran’s Program, Women’s Program, and LGBTQ Program. Communication, Building Coalition, Leading People Supervisory EEO Specialist (Counseling and Mediation Branch Chief) GS-(0260)-14 February 2011-May 2014 Farm Service Agency, USDA, Washington DC 40 Hours per Week, Supervisor: Brian Garner, 202-***-****, Contact: Yes Ensured compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Department of Labor (DOL) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Facilitated effective delivery of Title VII programs to agency staff and provided supervisory oversight to EEO Specialists performing EEO counseling functions affecting over 19,000 employees. Employed Departmental policy regarding management and resolution of employment complaints. Liaised with representatives of Department’s Office of Civil Rights (USDA/OCR), the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Inspector General on issues relative to EEO complaints. Leading People, Leading Change, Results Driven

Fostered team cooperation, created effective communications network, and maximized organizational resources to significantly reduce employment complaints.

Investigated, developed and facilitated action-oriented programs and procedures (including Standard Operating Procedures, EEO Agency Resolving Officials training, EEO Observer Process, Civil Rights Policy Letters, EEO Intake Forms, Weekly Reporting, EEO Informal & Formal tracking status reports etc.) to further Agency’s commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity. Leading Change

Prepared and presented training courses, seminars, and/or workshops to agency employees, managers and supervisors to maintain a discrimination-free environment within FSA. Leading Change

Routinely coordinated and collaborated with various stakeholders (complainants, mid and top-level USDA officials, union representatives, Human Resource officers, etc.) to successfully resolve EEO complaints. Results Driven, Leading Change

Analyzed, interpreted, and advised on EEO program intent to internal and external stakeholders. Leading People, Leading Change, Building Coalitions/Communication

Developed and implemented process improvement strategies and a myriad of broad policies, plans, and objectives resulting in improved use of limited financial and human resources. Leading Change, Leading People, Results Driven

EEO Specialist (EEO Counselor & Mediator) GS-(0260)-13 February 2007- February 2011

Farm Service Agency, USDA, Washington DC

40 Hours per Week, Supervisor: Brian Garner, 202-***-****, Contact: Yes Processed EEO complaints within policies and procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Council, USDA, and Farm Service Agency. Maintained automated EEO complaint tracking system used to measure and report program performance. Investigated and analyzed internal EEO complaints and made recommendations to senior management. Conducted technical fact-finding research and statistical evidence relevant to discrimination complaints. Business Acumen, Results Driven

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Successfully mediated FSA’s Civil Rights EEO mediation resulting in a settlement involving a potential EEO class complaint involving 16 female employees. Results Driven

Consistently used discretionary measures in handling sensitive and confidential information. Business Acumen

Organized, planned, directed, and coordinated formulation of comprehensive and precise evaluation reports articulating program activity. Leading Change, Results Driven

Originated and introduced audience specific EEO training workshops to diverse groups. Leading People, Leading Change, Results Driven

Program Analyst/Resource Conservation Manager GS-(0343)-13 October 2002 – October 2007 Farmer Service Agency, Office of Outreach, USDA, Washington DC 40 Hours per Week, Supervisor: Carl Butler, 202-***-****, Contact: Yes Determined methodologies for identifying and prioritizing programmatic and management’s needs regarding outreach training and technical assistance to economically/socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers and ranchers. Conducted program research analysis to develop a baseline, track outreach results, and define expected performance and accountability. Coordinated information systems required to gather data, collect information, and distribute information to stakeholders. Reviewed financial status reports for accuracy, processed payments, and entered obligations utilizing the automated data financial processing system. Prepared Civil Rights Impact Analyses relative to program participation of under-served groups. Results Driven, Leading Change

Independently researched and evaluated Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program productivity concerning FSA outreach goals and developed program policy and regulations for FSA RC&D program activities.

Independently developed and delivered highly complex presentations to Agency heads, designed outreach newsletter, and maintained the Agency’s external facing outreach website. Business Acumen

Established FSA RC&D Liaisons and partnerships throughout USA thus breaking known barriers effecting FSA involvement with the RC&D Councils. Leading Change, Leading People

Successfully planned and moderated inaugural RC&D informational teleconference. Results Driven, Leading People, Leading Change

Reviewed invoices and processed/disbursed payments to entities under the Title VI Certified Mediation Program. Prepared detailed monthly transaction reports for the Farm Service Agency Administrator. Business Acumen USDA Grants Management Officer, (GS-13) 05/1995 to 10/2002 Consolidated Farmers Home Administration (Farm Service Agency) 40 Hours per Week, Supervisor: John Just-Buddy 301-***-****, Contact: Yes Responsibly administer the "Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program" (2501). Managed all 2501 federal appropriated funds to provided financial management services in excess of $15 million dollars per fiscal year for the USDA grant program, comprised of 240+ employees and 10,000 socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in 394+ counties. Served as Outreach liaison and expert advisor to officials of the 1890/1862 Land Grant Institutions, Community-based Organizations, Indian Tribe Colleges, Hispanics Serving Institutions, non-profit organizations, and other USDA agencies. Independently addressed vendor contracts, negotiations, proposal evaluations, multiple source funding, procurement requests, and reimbursement and advancement requests. Utilized an unsurpassed working knowledge of financial analysis. Identified, research data, and gather information from diverse sources to determine relative importance to the contract before approving or denying funding requests. Prepared comprehensive pace-setting statements, which clearly identify requirements, and special provisions for funding approvals. Business Acumen, Leading People, Communication, Building Coalition, Results Driven

Tactfully responded to sensitive Freedom of Information and payment status questions to resolve budgetary matters with the Office of Management and Budget.

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Served as the approval authority regarding grant applications and total operations of the grant management function to include Solicitation Preparation, Application Review, Award Selection, Payment Disbursement, Expenditure Tracking, Reporting, Monitoring, Close-out, Continuation, Audit, and Audit Negotiations/Resolution.

Initiated, designed, and developed two exhibits to conducted presentations as marketing tools for conferences, field days and training. Served as field representative to provide grantees with a viable resource for Federal Register funding announcements, correspondence, and concerns for the 2501 program.

Monitored, tracked and approved government contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, interagency agreements and incoming quarterly performance and financial reports, such as Standard Form (SF)-269, “Financial Status Reports; and SF-270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement”, to ensure timely submission.

Developed an automated Quarterly Performance Tracking System to track progress and performance. Initiated the Outreach Tracking Information System (OTIS).

Developed a detailed Invoice Processing Procedures Manual inclusive of step-by-step instructions.

Developed and maintained an up-to-date information repository of all grant recipients’ vital information, including the purpose of the grant and completion date.

Conducted site visits and prepared an extensive survey relative to program effectiveness. Based on in-depth reviews and discussions with participants at 28 entities, prepared comprehensive decision papers which focused on vital information over a 3-year period.

Developed a project review guide to identify strengths and weakness in the administration of the 2501 program, which consists of, project information, outreach, training and interviews with farmers/participants. EDUCATION

• Coursework towards Master of Science in Public Administration Bowie State University – Bowie, MD

• Bachelor of Science – Business Management May 1992 Bowie State University, Bowie, MD

JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING, and PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediator; Annually certified

EEO Counselor and Investigator Certification (2007) Annually certified

Personnel Misconduct Investigator (PMI) Certified– (2018 - 2023)

USDA Graduate School Program and Management, Grants Management Certification & Contractor Officer

EEOC Leadership Training Certification (2018)

OPM Extraordinary Leadership Program (2016)

Government Purchase Card Certification Approver

FSA Administrator’s Civil Rights Leadership Award Recipient (2005 & 2015)

Department of Justice Interviewing and Investigations Training (2019)

EEOC Alternative Dispute Update (2019 & 2021); Advance Employee Relations (2015)

Barrier Analysis and Civil Rights Impact Analysis (2015, 2019)

No Fear Act (Annual No Fear Training) & Special Emphasis (Annual Training)

RC&D Councils Agency Award Recipient (2007, 2006, 2004)

Performance Ratings (Outstanding: 2014-2019, 2020-2021: pass)

Agency Resolving Official, 462-Micropact i-complaints (ETK)

Active Real Estate Agent (2007)

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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