Christian Maria Jones
Ashburn
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at US Department of State, orchestrating strategic planning and human-centered design initiatives. Achieved over 650 consultations, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Expert in financial analysis and project management, cultivating innovation and compliance across complex programs. Proven track record of guiding multidisciplinary teams and executing impactful reforms.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Division Chief
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington
09.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded expansion of Digital Change Initiative, delivering over 650 consultations to 187 global offices.
- Instituted Human-Centered Design practices within Department modernization, enhancing grants management and knowledge filing.
- Directed multidisciplinary team, focusing on staffing, performance management, and professional development initiatives.
- Managed eDiplomacy’s Digital Change Initiative to support user productivity with Microsoft Teams and Power Platform.
- Oversaw Human-Centered Design Lab, utilizing design thinking to improve user experiences and reduce administrative burdens.
- Coordinated inter-bureau efforts to address IT challenges through the Teams B2B Collaboration initiative.
- Advised senior leadership on emerging technologies, ensuring alignment with legislative mandates and policy shifts.
- Administered operational functions, including contractor oversight as COR and procurement responsibilities.
Board Director
NATIONAL GRANTS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Sterling
03.2021 - Current
- Increased membership from 3,771 in October 2021 to 6,149 in October 2024.
- Directed strategic initiatives to further NGMA’s mission in grants management excellence.
- Hosted Federal Sector Virtual Fall Forums to enhance stakeholder engagement on policy discussions.
- Facilitated Annual Grants Training through presentations and discussions on best practices.
- Oversaw Board records as Secretary, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
- Represented Board interests as Member-at-Large, contributing to executive decisions.
- Prepared for Presidential role as Vice President, providing leadership on strategic priorities.
- Participated in Executive Committee to shape organization’s strategic direction.
Acting Director / Financial Policy Analyst
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington
10.2021 - 09.2023
- Managed strategic leadership for development and execution of financial management policies overseeing approximately $12 billion in federal assistance.
- Directed recommendations for foreign assistance programs addressing sensitive U.S. foreign policy issues, ensuring legislative alignment and strategic objectives.
- Led policy development, compliance, training, and program evaluation to enhance financial management effectiveness and accountability across the Department.
- Temporarily promoted to Financial Management Officer (GS-15), serving as Key Management Single Audit Liaison.
- Supervised a team of General Schedule employees and contractors, conducting performance appraisals and identifying training needs.
- Briefed OIG, GAO, and other auditors on financial management practices related to federal assistance.
Acting Director / Senior Grants Officer
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington
01.2020 - 09.2021
- Managed complex financial assistance programs, ensuring alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals.
- Held unlimited signing authority to guarantee compliance with federal assistance laws and regulations.
- Directed budget formulation and justification for Bureau of Counterterrorism and Bureau of Democracy portfolios.
- Implemented corrective actions in response to GAO and OIG audits, enhancing regulatory compliance.
- Oversaw full lifecycle of financial programs, focusing on nonproliferation and counterproliferation initiatives.
- Ensured timely obligation of resources while maintaining proper stewardship of government funds.
- Coordinated audit responses, effectively addressing findings and improving operational practices.
- Led strategic initiatives that supported U.S. foreign policy objectives through effective grants management.
Senior Grants Management Specialist
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY – REGION 6
Denton
08.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed extensive portfolio of over 200 grants and agreements across 100 disaster events.
- Oversaw complete grant lifecycle, ensuring compliance and resolving Single Audit issues.
- Developed policies and processes, delivering guidance to senior management and officials at various governmental levels.
- Demonstrated deep understanding of complex grants management policies to navigate intricate issues.
Lead Grants Management Officer
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Atlanta
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Managed over $1 billion in funds as Lead Grants Management Officer for PEPFAR.
- Directed grants management operations, ensuring compliance with U.S. Government policies.
- Supervised staff assignments and performance evaluations to enhance team productivity.
- Identified training needs and addressed complex personnel issues within the office.
- Oversaw complete grant administration lifecycle from proposal solicitation to closeout.
- Monitored budget formulation, fund obligations, and compliance throughout grant processes.
Acting Deputy Director / Senior Grants Officer
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington
09.2011 - 05.2015
- Managed federal assistance programs with signing authority up to $10M per transaction.
- Administered institutional grants and cooperative agreements with domestic and international organizations.
- Supported academic exchange programs to facilitate cultural and educational exchanges aligned with U.S. foreign policy goals.
- Provided strategic leadership as Acting Deputy Division Director for essential grants management activities.
- Supervised Grant Officers, conducting performance appraisals and assigning work responsibilities.
- Addressed performance issues within the team to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Lead Grants Specialist
GOVERNMENT CONTRACT SOLUTIONS (GCS, INC.)
Herndon
05.2010 - 09.2011
- Led Grant Specialists in administering Coastal Impact Assistance Program under federal contract with U.S. Department of the Interior.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations to uphold program integrity and accountability.
- Streamlined processes to enhance efficiency in grant management for environmental restoration projects.
- Supported effective coordination among stakeholders to facilitate project success.
Grants and Agreements Management Technician
USDA - Forest Service
Atlanta
11.2009 - 05.2010
- Managed multi-million-dollar portfolio of grants and agreements under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
- Oversaw financial and administrative processes to ensure compliance with program requirements.
- Executed timely processing of grants across multiple regions and stations.
- Developed strategies to enhance operational efficiency within grant management framework.
National Emergency Grant Manager
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Atlanta
09.2007 - 11.2009
- Managed federally awarded grants exceeding $5 million in response to Hurricane Katrina.
- Delivered technical expertise and information for grant-related activities.
- Resolved complex issues related to grants through effective problem-solving techniques.
State Monitor - Special Accounting
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Atlanta
08.2006 - 09.2007
- Managed budgeting, planning, and implementation of Workforce Investment Act grant programs at state and local levels.
- Conducted financial analysis to evaluate policy impacts, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Education
Master of Science - Management (Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness)
Troy State University
Albany, GA01.2004
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science (Business Emphasis)
Albany State University
Albany, GA01.2002
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Human-centered design
- Financial analysis
- Policy development
- Data visualization
Awards
- 2023, Meritorious Honor Award, Exceptional leadership and innovation during the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology’s transition.
- 2022, Meritorious Honor Award, Exceptional leadership and innovation in addressing critical funding integration issues.
- 2021, Superior Honor Award, Outstanding service to the J/IRF program portfolio.
- 2021, Cash Group Award, Provided both Grant Officer expertise and expert grants management for a collective portfolio.
Training
- Gov21 | The 21st Century Government Innovation Program, Partnership for Public Service, 06/01/24 - 08/31/24,
- Secretary’s Leadership Seminar (SLS) Program, Harvard Business School Executive Education Program, Boston, MA, 09/01/22 - 03/31/23
- Leadership Certificate Program, Management Concepts, Washington, DC, 2016
- EXCEL (Executive Commitment to Excellence in Leadership), Georgia Department of Labor, Atlanta, GA, 2009,
- National Grants Management Association (NGMA), 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, NGMA Grants Management Body of Knowledge (GMBoK) Training, 06/01/23,
- Grants Management Certificate Program - Federal Track, Management Concepts, Washington, DC, 2012
Certification
- Luma Institute Practitioner Certification Program
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Division Chief
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
09.2023 - Current
Acting Director / Financial Policy Analyst
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
10.2021 - 09.2023
Board Director
NATIONAL GRANTS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
03.2021 - Current
Acting Director / Senior Grants Officer
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
01.2020 - 09.2021
Senior Grants Management Specialist
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY – REGION 6
08.2019 - 01.2020
Lead Grants Management Officer
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
08.2018 - 08.2019
Acting Deputy Director / Senior Grants Officer
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
09.2011 - 05.2015
Lead Grants Specialist
GOVERNMENT CONTRACT SOLUTIONS (GCS, INC.)
05.2010 - 09.2011
Grants and Agreements Management Technician
USDA - Forest Service
11.2009 - 05.2010
National Emergency Grant Manager
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
09.2007 - 11.2009
State Monitor - Special Accounting
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
08.2006 - 09.2007
Master of Science - Management (Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness)
Troy State University
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science (Business Emphasis)
Albany State University
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