Contract Management Subject Matter

SEITU I. STEPHENS, J.D.

215-***-**** *************@*****.***

Summary

Seitu Stephens is skilled at providing executive level officials with sound legal guidance, risk assessment, and procedural advice on issues related to employee management, conflict mediation, and identification of findings of fact and conclusions of state and federal laws and regulations. Seitu possesses acute analytical intelligence coupled with legal problem solving and change management skills to achieve organization objectives. Seitu is an expert in federal and state ethics regulations and excels at training rank and file to C-level executives on the roper means of engaging in ethical and sound employee discipline procedures. Excels in relationship building, risk management and regulatory compliance while offering advanced community relationship development skills, subject matter expertise, and political advisement.

Board Leadership Experience

Chairman, Chester County Community Block Grant Administrative Board

Commissioner, City of Philadelphia’s Commission on African American Males

Member, Board of Trustees, Imhotep Charter High School Institute

Member, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

Member, Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce,

Member, Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Education Committee

Member, Academic Leadership Committee, Lincoln University

Member, Advisory Board, American and African Youth Leadership Foundation

Past Member, Board of Trustees, Coatesville Art Partners

Past Member, Board of Trustees, Coatesville Area Public Library

Administration Experience

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL – 9/2022 - Present

Lead Subject Matter Expert & Instructor for Federal Grants Management and Center for Leadership Management

Provides instructional guidance and expertise in the field of federal grants management and leadership development. Responsibilities encompass delivering high-quality training sessions and educational programs to professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in effectively managing federal grants and compliant financial management systems. Design and facilitate engaging workshops, seminars, and courses that cover topics such as leadership in personnel management, grant writing, grants management fundamentals, reporting and compliance, budgeting, and procurement processes. Serves as a Lead SME in the development of comprehensive training materials, including manuals, presentations, and online resources, to support grant management professionals in their learning journey.

MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS – 9/2020 to Present

Instructor for Federal Grants Management Certification Program

Management Concepts Federal Financial Management Certificate Programs (FFMCP) provides

a comprehensive process for professional development and are designed to enhance and

accelerate career growth for Federal Government accountants, auditors, budget analysts, and

financial managers. I have successfully instructed the following courses for FFMCP.

• Audit of Federal Grants & Assistance Awards

• Federal Grants Update 2022

• Intro to Grants and Cooperative Agreements for Federal Personnel

• Intro to Grants and Cooperative Agreements for Recipients

• Evaluating Financial Capabilities of Grant Recipients

• Ethics in the Grants Environment

• Managing Federal Grants & Cooperative Agreements for Recipients

• Cost Principles for Federal Grants: 2 CFR 200 (Subpart E) and FAR 31.2

• Advanced Cost Principles

• Performance Measurement for Federal Grants Under 2 CFR 200

• Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Grants: 2 CFR 200

CHESTER COUNTY, PA – 6/2016 to Present

Chair, Chester County Community Block Grant Administrative Board

Shoulders a crucial leadership role in overseeing the effective allocation and management of block grant funds within the county. Responsibilities include facilitating board meetings, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and guidelines, monitoring the funding stream for multiple federally funded projects, and making informed decisions regarding the distribution of funds. Leading subject matter expert in the pivotal role of evaluating project proposals, assessing their feasibility and alignment with community needs, and providing guidance to grant recipients throughout the lifecycle of their projects. Serves as a liaison between the board, government entities, community organizations, and the public, fostering collaboration and transparency in the administration of block grant funds for the betterment of Chester County's communities.

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY- 1/2018 to 6/2021

Director of Community and Government Relations

Implements and oversees Lincoln University’s Department of Government and Community Relations; maintaining effective political advocacy efforts at the local, state and Federal level; and leveraging community partnerships and contacts. The position assists the President’s Office in assessing risks, and prepares written decisions for the President, Office of Human Resources, and Board of Trustees. Serve as chief decision maker for the appeal of all student court conduct hearings; involving swearing in student testimonies, reviewing and/or excluding evidence in Title IV and hazing student offenses. Conducts and oversees appeals from student sanctions and writes judgement decisions for the review by the VP of Student Affairs for final decision making on student conduct sanction appeals.

Highlights:

Secured 2.5 million in additional PA State funding for Lincoln University’s 2018-19 FY

Secured 700K in discretionary grant funding for DEI initiative and impact study

Developed Community Impact Engagement Report for distribution to corporate and community partners

Established critical relationships between the President’s office and leaders in state, local, and national government, corporate, and education industries.

Developed and implemented procedures, protocol, and training for the university in the areas of community relations, ethics, advocacy, and political engagement

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY- 2/2015 to 12/2017

Interim Director of Coatesville Campus & Dual Enrollment Programs

Leadership and direct supervision for staff and adult students to ensure successful delivery of academic programs. Establish protocols, policies and procedures to maintain campus accreditation, course offerings, community relations, and academic support.

Highlights:

Supervised, managed, and provided oversight for 40+ faculty, staff, and administrative support personnel

Federal grant management, community development and relationship building

Secured Federal grant related programing for 30+ nonprofits throughout Chester County to build university and community relations

UNIVERSITY OF ROCKIES- 4/2012 to 6/2017

Online Faculty of Conflict Meditation, Organizational Leadership & Criminal Justice

Developed adult education courses for Organizational Leadership and Criminal Justice. Managed accreditation outcomes to strengthen andragogy philosophies.

Highlights:

Served as Subject Matter Expert on conflict resolution and organizational management

Serve as Subject Matter Expert for online curriculum development and employee training for conflict resolution and in-house ethics-based certifications

SANKOFA CHARTER SCHOOL- 11/2013 to 6/2015

Curriculum & Education Management Consultant

Managed academic operations and budgetary constraints to improve resources and operating margins. Develop curriculum, faculty, and staff towards designated curriculum and institutional initiatives.

Highlights:

Immediately bought a cessation to student violence by implementing a weekly Brotherhood/Sisterhood non-violence peer workshop for all students

Trained 10+ teachers on best practices for student progress & performance measurements

CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY- 8/2010 to 6/2013

Director of Mobile App Project & Contract Compliance Consultant

Provide strategic guidance to organization with regard to IT technology, IT infrastructures, and the implementation of second-generation mobile platform software.

Highlights:

Established two-way communication with compliance and legal departments to ensure risk compliance and legality of contract negotiations and agreements.

Trained 10+ teachers on best practices for student progress & performance measurements

Teaching & SME Experience

Widener University 2013

Ashford University 2012

Everest College Online 2012

Delaware County Community College 2010

Lincoln College Online 2010 - 2013

Nashville Automotive & Diesel College 2010 - 2013

Harcum College 2008 - 2012

University of Phoenix 2008 - 2013

Lincoln University 2005 - 2008

Project Management Experience

GOODEN BIOTECH RESEARCH, LLC- 5/2013 to 12/2018

Curriculum & Education Management Consultant

Carried out research and data collection to promote and advance the organization, conduct patent protection analysis; interviewed client's employees, managed team and other stakeholders; facilitated focus groups and workshops; prepared business proposals/presentations. Managed submission processes for RFX submissions.

Highlights:

Advised business partners on contractual terms and conditions in order to reach acceptable language

Established processes for approvals and other internal audit and FDA compliance requirements

PA HOUSE LEGISLATIVE POLICY & RESEARCH OFFICE – 7/2008 to 12/2010

Legislative Analyst

Forecast political, economic and social trends to provide consultation and advisement to government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, media, and political parties.

Highlights:

Collaborated with legal department to ensure compliance of Commonwealth contracts with local, state, and Federal regulation and policies

Wrote contracts, drafts of legislative proposals, and prepared speeches, correspondence, policy papers and contracts for governmental usage

PA HOUSE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE- 9/2007 to 6/2008

Legislative Analyst

Provided consistency and oversight for international and intergovernmental contracts and contractual relationships leading to the management of contracts in coordination with legal counsel and contractors.

Highlights:

Led completion of bid and request for proposal process for contract award

Drafted, negotiated and managed contracts for construction, services and materials

PA DEMOCRATIC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – 6/2006 to 9/2007

Legislative District Office Coordinator

Developed collaborative partnerships with agencies and groups to provide services and support to underserved communities in the Philadelphia’s 181st district; Served as a District representative to provide interpretive and recreational program outreach in addition:

Highlights:

Analyzed & surveyed constituents for development strategic planning and community initiatives

Facilitated presentations about District programs and services to local community groups, and staffed events to increase the District’s outreach program goals

Legal Experience

CONSTAR INC. - 2005 to 2006

Legal Document Review

Managed technical development team in preparation of documentation for inclusion to tender submissions; and negotiate legal requirements of bids.

Highlights:

Drafted, negotiated, and administered agreements with clients, partner organizations, suppliers, subcontractors, and consultants

Worked with the Professional Services team to ensure the correct application of U.S. Government and other donor agency regulations, policies and procedures in regular project operations

ROBERT HALF LEGAL- 2005 to 2006

Legal Document Review

Ensured contracts, processes, procedures and marketing materials met business objectives and are in compliance with applicable laws governing consumer finance.

Highlights:

Reviewed and revised product marketing materials, customer facing materials and customer correspondence to determine compliance with federal and state laws and regulations regarding advertising and unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices

Participated on business teams to provide legal support for new programs and processes

KELLY LAW- 2005 to 2006

Legal Document Review

Pursued strategies and actions for patent protection on a client-to-client basis; Prepared and filed patent applications and substantive responses and oversees procedural actions

Highlights:

Counseled and educated clients on patent and intellectual property law

Researched to ensure the patent is not currently held by another entity

Initiated legal action against individuals and entities who infringe upon patents held by clients

DESSEN MOSES AND SHEINOFF- 2002 to 2006

Law Clerk

Conducted legal research, prepared memoranda, opinions, and orders for attorneys concerning case files; Reviewed and annotated laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs and legal authorities.

Highlights:

Analyzed law for oral motions made during trials

Administered change orders ensuring legal and contractual compliance

Conferred with judge concerning legal questions, construction of documents and granting of orders

Selected Publications & Presentations

International Relations, Wadsworth Cengage Learning Publishing, 2013

High Stakes in Second Debate, Philadelphia Tribune, 2012

PA Democrats Struggle to Find Footing in Harrisburg, Philadelphia Tribune, 2011

Meager Population Growth Could Cost City, Philadelphia Tribune, 2011

Lest We Forget: The Illustrious History of Lincoln Alumni, 3rd Annual International Humanities

Conference, Lincoln University, April 2015

Education

Juris Doctorate 6/2006

Bachelor of Science in History & Black Studies

Minor in Secondary Education 5/2000

Widener University School of Law

Lincoln University

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