Seasoned Program Leader for Community Equity Initiatives

AKM RAHMAN

*********@**.*** North Reading, MA ***64 617-***-**** https://www.linkedin.com/in/akmrahman/ SUMMARY

Dynamic and results oriented executive with 25+ years of leadership in multi billion dollar federal and state program operations. Proven track record managing large funds, modernizing grant administration, and leading interagency partnerships to deliver measurable outcomes in program performance, audit readiness, and equity - focused service delivery. Adept at team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and national policy initiatives, with expertise in compliance, operational excellence, and strategic program administration. Recognized for driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and spearheading nationwide strategies that align with organizational goals and strengthen public trust.

SKILLS

Program Operations & Grants

Management

• Grants Management

• Monitoring and Assessment

• LIHEAP and COVID-19 funds

• Budget Formulation

• Performance Management

• Procurement and Contract Oversight

Compliance & Audit Readiness

• Audit & Monitoring Readiness

• Program Integrity Oversight

• Risk Management

• Process Improvement

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Team Leadership

• Succession Planning

• Strategic Planning

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Training & Technical Assistance

• Strategic Partnerships

• Performance Optimization

Policy & Innovation

• Federal Legislative Process

• Intra-agency Coordination

• Renewable Energy Integration

• Community Solar

• Change Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Administration for Children and Families, Washington, DC.

Program Operations Branch Chief December 2014 – July 2025

• Directed a $4.0B LIHEAP portfolio; restructured fund allocation to accelerate disbursement and improve targeting across 200+ jurisdictions, reducing household energy insecurity.

• Led implementation of American Rescue Plan and COVID 19 LIHEAP appropriations

( $4.1B); achieved 100% obligation of emergency funds and delivered technical assistance that increased benefit uptake and shortened processing times.

• Modernized grant management and oversight systems by deploying data driven performance frameworks and streamlined compliance processes; improved AKM RAHMAN

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reporting accuracy, reduced corrective action cycles, and increased audit readiness.

• Introduced renewable energy integration into LIHEAP guidance by adding solar coordination language to grant applications and negotiating linkages with DOE and state partners; aligned LIHEAP investments with community solar initiatives to expand resilience and reduce long term household energy costs.

• Built and supervised a multidisciplinary staff of program managers, auditors, contracted specialists, and policy analysts; implemented coaching, professional development, and succession planning that improved retention and strengthened leadership bench depth.

• Established and managed a two year national Poverty Fellowship in partnership with the University of Wisconsin; hosted four fellows and translated fellowship research into operational procedures linking home energy assistance to social determinants of health.

• Directed grants monitoring and targeted technical assistance (TTA) activities; coordinated interventions that increased grantee compliance and improved program performance metrics.

• Led monitoring and audit coordination with HHS staff and contractors, HHS OIG, GAO, and state auditors across top states and 100+ grant recipients over a ten year period; strengthened internal controls and reduced audit findings.

• Represented DOE driven client eligibility and service coordination workgroups; aligned operations with HUD and USDA to reduce duplication and expand bundled benefit access for households.

Acting Division Director June 2018 – August 2022 (as assigned)

• Provided executive leadership for national LIHEAP strategy and operations, aligning program design with federal priorities to improve responsiveness and stakeholder confidence.

• Managed budget formulation and execution, reprioritizing investments for emergency response and equity-focused initiatives while maintaining rigorous fiscal controls.

• Represented the Division in White House briefings and Congressional hearings, securing bipartisan support for program enhancements and emergency funding.

• Directed procurement, legislative clearances, and intergovernmental negotiations to accelerate approvals for program innovations and ensure transparency and compliance.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Division of Community Services, Boston, MA Senior Program Coordinator April 2008 – December 2014

• Managed subgrant monitoring and evaluation, implementing performance frameworks that improved statewide compliance and service effectiveness.

• Designed and led annual conferences and TTA events to increase grantee capacity and adoption of best practices.

• Represented the state on national LIHEAP workgroups and advised on program integrity, performance measurement, and leveraging strategies. AKM RAHMAN

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• Prepared annual legislative reports and responded to executive-branch inquiries, strengthening policy alignment across stakeholders.

• Supported formation of 12+ Community Development Corporations to expand affordable housing and local economic development. Program Coordinator and Grants Management Specialist August 1992 – April 2008

• Oversaw grant application reviews, contract management, program evaluation, and performance management systems to support compliance and effective service delivery.

• Delivered applied training and technical assistance to Community Action Agencies on needs assessment, strategic planning, and succession planning. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

• Edward Gingold Award — National Energy Utility Affordability Coalition, Washington, DC

• Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service — Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, MA

• Leadership Award — Massachusetts Energy Directors Association, Boston, MA

• Certificates of Recognition (Program Integrity & Performance Management) — Office of Community Services, HHS, Washington, DC

• TANF Contingency Award — Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, MA

• Community Services Award — Urban Edge, Boston, MA EDUCATION

• M.A., Political Science — Northeastern University, Boston, MA

• B.S.S., Political Science

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