Regulatory Compliance Quality Control

Niala Lynn Howard

**** ******* ****** ****** *** Orleans, LA 70122

504-***-**** ***********@*****.***

Education

**** ********** ** *** ******* M.S. Urban Studies Specialization: Historic Preservation

2003-2005 University of New Orleans Completed 39 out of 45 credit hours in a Master of Urban Planning (M.U.R.P.) program Specialization: Historic Preservation

2003 University of New Orleans B.G.S. Urban Studies Specialization: Historic

Architecture and Cultural Preservation Minor: Africana Diaspora

Awards: Service-Learning Scholarship for Outstanding Volunteerism Professional

Skills

Section 106 experience

Possess a strong understanding of research methodology, areas of potential effect, field survey methodology, building evaluations, historic structure report preparation, and National Register nominations.

Ability to record and evaluate historical buildings and structures to current professional standards. Review design plans relevant to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.

Experience in evaluating and making recommendations for the avoidance of adverse effects or mitigation of significant historic properties.

Ability to provide technical reviews of projects, including determining the existing condition, reviewing plans and construction proposals for compliance with historic preservation standards and programs, evaluating the impact of building codes, and other requirements.

Comprehensive understanding of construction materials and methods associated with different periods of historic architecture.

Developed treatment recommendations, monitored repair projects and maintenance activities for compliance with preservation guidelines and principles.

The ability to communicate orally and in writing to express subject-matter expertise clearly, logically, concisely and diplomatically facilitate the accomplishment of preservation goals.

Ability to present educational sessions or information to local community groups or governmental entities

Strong photography skills

Ability to use GPS units

Fluent with Microsoft Office, Adobe, GIS and Design software applications.

Comfort with a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary work environment.

Experience

January 6-Current Construction Analyst

Job Duties

Damage Assessment:

oConduct property inspections to evaluate damage after a disaster.

oDocument and classify the extent of damage (e.g., minor, moderate, substantial).

Cost Estimation & Budgeting:

Estimate repair and rebuilding costs with contractors and engineers.

Develop and review detailed budgets, ensuring alignment with available funding or insurance.

Project Planning & Coordination:

Assist in creating recovery plans, including timelines and resource allocation.

Collaborate with stakeholders (e.g., government, contractors, insurance companies) to ensure progress.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure construction projects meet local building codes, safety standards, and disaster recovery regulations.

Prepare necessary documentation for funding applications and compliance checks.

Quality Control:

Monitor construction work to ensure quality standards and adherence to plans.

Inspect completed work for safety and regulatory compliance.

Risk Management:

Identify and mitigate risks related to cost overruns, delays, and construction safety.

Ensure long-term resilience of rebuilt structures, incorporating risk mitigation strategies.

Reporting & Documentation:

Provide regular progress reports on construction projects, including status updates and budget tracking.

Maintain comprehensive records for audits and funding reviews.

Collaboration with Contractors:

Manage relationships with contractors and subcontractors, reviewing contracts and resolving disputes.

Ensure all work is completed within budget and according to the project scope.

Insurance & Financial Management:

Assist with insurance claims by verifying damage assessments and ensuring all documentation is complete.

Track project costs to ensure projects stay within budget and adjust plans when necessary.

Post-Construction Evaluation:

Inspect completed projects to ensure they meet safety standards and are ready for occupancy.

Assess the durability and long-term sustainability of rebuilding efforts.

December 16 - January 10 Substantial Damage Estimate QA/QC

Job Duties

Overseeing and verifying the accuracy, consistency, and compliance of substantial damage assessments, particularly after natural disasters or accidents. Individuals in this position are responsible for ensuring that damage estimates are correctly calculated and follow proper guidelines and regulations.

Review Damage Estimates:

oReview and verify damage estimates prepared by field assessors or contractors.

oCross-check damage calculations to ensure they align with regulatory standards (e.g., FEMA, local building codes).

oEnsure all estimates account for necessary repairs or rebuilds and the associated costs. Ensure Compliance with Regulations:

oEnsure that damage estimates comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including floodplain management standards, building codes, and insurance policies.

oStay up to date with changes in regulatory guidelines that impact damage assessments (e.g., FEMA regulations for substantial damage).

Quality Control Checks:

oVerify that all damage data is consistent, complete, and accurate.

oReview inspection reports, photographs, measurements, and damage documentation to ensure they are correct and comprehensive.

oConduct site visits, as necessary, to confirm the reported damage and ensure proper documentation.

October 2024 - Nov 2024 Substantial Damage Inspector

Job Duties

Conducting Inspections:

●Inspect properties within the affected area to assess the level of damage sustained.

●Use visual inspection techniques, document observations, and take photographs as needed.

●Evaluate both the exterior and interior (where accessible) of buildings for structural integrity and damage to major systems (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC).

October 2024- October 2024 Housing Authority of New Orleans

Job Duties

● The Housing Specialist is responsible for delivering superior customer service when performing a variety of case management functions related to the HCV/Section 8 program.

In addition, the Housing Specialist performs a wide range of activities related to determining and documenting participant eligibility, income, rent and contractual relationships with owners in support of HCVP/Section 8 program operations.

The Housing Specialist performs admissions, re-certifications, interim adjustments, rent increases, leasing, portability, project based and single room occupancy voucher program requirements and deal with both participant and landlord issues.

■ Performs technical and customer service functions for the Section 8 PB program.

■ Processes and reviews Section 8 PB program applicants; verify completeness and accuracy of information.

■ Schedules Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections; updates database and other files.

■ Monitors and maintains the PB vacancy report, supporting documentation for the program, contracts, and other activity reports.

■ Communicates with Site Managers, and relays information on property vacancies, transfers, and eligibility and availability information.

■ Performs associated administrative support duties.

January 2012 - Current Owner Magnolia Makeup

2 / 4

Job Duties

· Develop and manage all business operations

January 2009 - January 2012 Environmental and Historic Preservation Group Lead The Shaw Group Job

Job Duties

404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program-New Orleans Section 106 compliance

●Develop and manage the collection of data to comply with the PEA/PA for the treatment of cultural resources supporting the allowance for retroactive funding.

●Develop and manage the collection of data to comply with the Louisiana State Specific Programmatic Agreement, which included the creation of a streamline section 106 review process to ensure undertakings are in compliance with state and federal laws.

●The EHP Team was responsible for gathering and submitting information required by FEMA.

●Ensure that environmental and historic preservation documentation is complete, and grant payments are made in full compliance with all rules and regulations that govern HMGP

●Provide guidance to EHP Mitigation Analyst regarding regulations, program eligibility and tasks set forth by FEMA

●Responsible for the creation of data collection methods of OCD HMGP applicants that have Environmental and/or Historic Preservation concerns

2008-2009 Architectural Historian URS Corporation Job Duties F.E.M.A-

Hazard Mitigation Technical Assistance Program National Register

Nomination Idylwood Historic District-Houston, TX

●Evaluated over 500 resources for a National Register of Historic Places

Nomination based on Criteria A, B and C. Mississippi Development

Authority Elevation Grant and Small Rental Assistance Program Mississippi’s Gulf Coast

●Evaluated and assessed properties for eligibility on the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A, B, and C.

●Conducted Archival research

●Assessed the effects of proposed elevation projects based on Advisory Base Flood and topographical elevations.

●Drafted Areas of Potential Effect for proposed elevations, rehabilitation, and adaptive use projects

●Provided effect determinations for proposed undertakings

●Mitigated proposed undertakings which included examining building plans for new constructions and reviewing scopes of work for existing buildings.

Cumulative Impact Analysis for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (F.E.M.A.)-Southeastern Louisiana

●Co-authored a Cumulative Impact Analysis Historic Context for Southeastern Louisiana

May 2007- August 2008 Research Assistant ICF International Job Duties Louisiana Road Home Program

Job Duties

●Conducted environmental reviews for properties damaged by Hurricane

Katrina Assisted applicants with technical assistance

May 2004 - June 2007 Independent Project Assisted in the historic analysis of Pontchartrain Park for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places based on Criteria A and C.

Job Duties

●Archival Research Photography Preservation Resource Center of New

Orleans Intern Job Duties Archival Research Photography 2002-2003

African American Museum of Art, History, and Culture Intern Job Duties Archival Research Knowledge, skills and abilities

●Experience in evaluating the significance of historic properties under National Register of Historic Places (NHRP) criteria.

References available upon request

Contact this candidate