Rodney Karo
Chesapeake
Summary
Mr. KARO has extensive administrative experience in the performance, supervision, and management of a wide variety of office communications and information management activities including staff support, publishing, records, administrative communications, and workgroup management. He is highly organized and exceptionally able to manage multiple ongoing projects, tasks, and priorities effectively and on time. Outstanding communication skills: practical at all organizational levels, who always strives to enhance his skills previously gained within the military and Defense services sector.
Analytical professional prepared to contribute to project management analysis. Known for identifying project inefficiencies and implementing effective solutions to drive success. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results with adaptability and reliability. Proficient in risk management and workflow optimization, valued for meticulous attention to detail.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Management Analyst
ManTech International Corporation
01.2023 - Current
- Plans, monitors, and manages internal projects from initiation through completion
- Maintained current project plans, DoD 5000, CMMI, and ISO 9000
- Managed reporting requirements, trouble reports, and projects through JIRA
- Led or coordinated project planning, resourcing, staffing, supply and subcontract management, progress reporting, troubleshooting, and people management
- Ensures project results meet requirements regarding technical quality, reliability, schedule, and cost
- Monitors performance and recommends schedule changes, cost adjustments, or resource additions
- Monitored and reported performance for projects against plans to ensure that contractual, cost, and schedule objectives are met
- Reports analyzes, and interprets financial and operating data
- Analyzed cost drivers and monthly performance of project compared to forecast and budget
- Set up project rates in the billing system to align with engagement terms
- Entered and maintained information about projects within the workflow management system
- Performed cost analysis on projects to identify potential issues for the project team
- Monitored project costs throughout its lifecycle, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and implementing strategies to control expenses
- Tracked project schedules as required, identifying critical paths and tracking progress against planned activities
- Provided guidance to Project Managers on where to find project data
- Manage and analyze equipment usage to evaluate utilization verse cost
Technical Support Specialist/Technology Transition Coordinator
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA)
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Assists the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in executing the Rapid Innovation Fund Program (RIF) at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR)
- Conducted review of 14 RIF projects for FY19 and created an independent assessment to determine probability of transitioning into a Program of Record (PoR)
- Presented findings of assessment to Department of Navy (DoN) Source Selection Evaluation Board
- Reviews Project Execution Plans (PEPs) prior to technology project inception and provides recommendations to project manager and NAWAR RIF Program Manager (PM)
- Briefs DoN RIF PM semi-annually on project execution
- Assists in identifying and characterizing risks associated with the transition of projects and steps to mitigate the risks
- Mitigates technical, programmatic, and financial risk by providing recommendations to the NAWAR RIF PM
- Provides administrative management and support for source selection processes, tracking, and reporting on technology project status
- Supports MCSC in all semiannual reviews of all MCSC active RIF projects
- Acts as the liaison for TPOC’s and the RIF Office to ensure that all projects are monitored and keep track of NCE’s to ensure no work stoppage
- Extensive use of MS Office package (Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint)
Program Support Specialist II / Lead Solutions Consultant
Ausgar Technologies, Inc.
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Supported NAVWAR’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
- Reviewed Phase I proposal evaluations, notified companies of selection, and released debriefs
- Worked with Technical Point of Contacts and contracts department to create and manage Phase I Procurement Requests
- Maintained and served as a point of contact for multiple Navy SBIR websites: Program Manager Database, Phase I Evaluations Site, Topic Submission Site
- Tracked all awarded contracts and the program budget
- Provided technical/administrative management support and assisted in managing operations of NAVWAR’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and Rapid Innovation Funds
- Reviewed and reconciled reports on the program’s budget on a bi-weekly basis in order to ensure timely processing
- Managed the SBIR budget spreadsheets for Program Executive Office C4I and Space Systems to ensure timely obligation and execution of funds
- Collected information to respond to data calls from Senior Leadership and NAVWAR-HQ
- Scheduled quarterly Executive Board meetings and provided clerical and logistic support
- Created PowerPoint briefs for the Program Managers to present to executive leadership and at local and national conferences
- Carefully tracked PRs through approvals in NERP workflow and recorded contract award dates and amounts obligated
- Responsible for reporting/communicating on all program solicitation deadlines and trainings to SBIR Stakeholders
- Trained technology managers, engineers, and incoming staff on NAVWAR SBIR program procedures and rules
- Provided information and guidance to small businesses on NAVWAR's SBIR processes and how to participate in the SBIR Program
- Developed and maintained the program’s Standard Operating Procedures for on-going and new processes
- Completed forms and routed all documents for NAVWAR Public Affairs Office approval
- Responsible for maintaining up-to-date records on evaluator personnel, ensuring current training was fulfilled and non-disclosure agreements securely stored on file
- Coordinated and tracked government Purchase Requests using established Navy processes and procedures
- Worked with team members to coordinate, track, and follow up on project wide government purchases
- Interfaced with government Credit Card buyers as well as other contract personnel to obtain status on Purchase Requests
- Compiled material requests from team members and filled out appropriate documentation for submission
- Coordinated receipt of materials
- Maintained detailed spreadsheets and documentation for historical records
- Learned, communicated, and used all purchasing avenues available to support project needs (i.e., Credit Card Purchases, Simplified Acquisitions, DLA, etc.)
- Developed, maintained, and improved project specific processes and procedures to request and track government purchases
- Supported data entry, scanning, archiving, and record keeping in various aspects of the project work orders, test records, data sheets, personnel certifications and training
- Assembled and managed project procurement in accordance with Government guidelines
- Liaised between engineers and government credit card holders
- Maintained knowledge of principles and practices of procurement in compliance with NAVWAR purchasing rules and regulations
- Developed acquisition packages in support of government purchasing system
- Responsible for quotation activities, negotiations, documentation write-up, selecting qualified suppliers, seeking alternate suppliers (when applicable)
- Daily use of MS Office package (Word, Excel, and SharePoint)
- Multi-tasked and performed in a dynamic, fast paced, changing environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically
Executive Assistant
Client Solution Architects (CSA) LLC
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Provided direct administrative management and support to the NAVWAR PMW 770 Front Office including both the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager
- Drafted, prepared, edited, and coordinated various documents
- Prepared over 180 letters and other correspondence each year in accordance with Naval Instructions and Directives
- Operated teleconferencing equipment
- Coordinated travel planning in accordance with Joint Federal Travel Regulations using multiple Travel Software Applications
- Prepared Visit Requests using the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS)
- Acted as the liaison between the PMW 770 Staff and NAVWAR Technical Groups which include: NMCI, HP, Code 8.0, and local Base Operations on all NMCI technical issues and requests
- Performed as Content Manager and System Administrator for SharePoint (SE2)
- Performed as System Administrator for TRIM
- Reviewed leave requests using the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS)
- Acted as Facilities Working Group Representative to provide support for requests including moves and new space requirements done through an online database
- Oversaw all facilities action items within PMW 770 and acted as liaison between the customer and the Facilities 8.0 Code
- Acted as Fire Warden Representative to provide support to the Federal Fire Warden and NAVWARs Safety Officer for fire inspections; monitored fire safety equipment and reported any identified discrepancies and continually monitored until rectified
- Reviewed, formatted and routed Undersea Integration Naval Messages
- Acted as a liaison between PMW 770 Staff and Payroll/Accounting for timekeeping using the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (NERP) system
- Extensive use of MS Office package (Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint)
Senior Administrative Assistant
Chase
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Performed diverse secretarial duties and administrative functions requiring confidentiality, initiative, and sound decision-making. Used excellent organizational skills and the ability to effectively handle multiple priorities as follows:
- Rushed Priority List for Operations
- Any reports requested by the Lending Manager daily
- Monitored CLOSR Prequal Report
- Monitored Bank Coding Exception report
- Scheduled conference calls and tracks to ensure attendance
- Followed up, collected, and collated the weekly Bank tracking report and sends to the respective Bank
- District Managers
- Accounts Payable
- Timecard approvals
- Prepared travel and travel claims
- Daily use of MS Office suite
Mortgage Loan Processor III
EverBank
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Worked closely with retail loan originators who self-sourced business from 3rd party referral sources (realtors, builders, bank partners, financial planners, etc).
- Received and actioned applications online within the system
- Demonstrated the ability to quickly review for accuracy and completeness, advised the LO as to the viability of the loan at first glance, and then acquired necessary information to obtain loan decisions
- Accurately inputted system updates and communication with all parties concerned to achieve a best in class customer/referral source experience
- Assisted the Loan Officer in maintaining customer relationships
- Worked side by side with various business partners including Loan Officers and Underwriters
- Reviewed information from loan officers and borrowers for accuracy and viability
- Communicated with 3rd party referral sources as agreed to with the loan originator
- Obtained all necessary documentation needed from all sources including borrowers, realtors, builders, bank partners, financial planner, etc.
- Collected and reviewed all documentation required for submitting files to Underwriting
- Verified that appraisal, credit report, title, and all supporting documents had been ordered and received prior to sending files to Underwriting, for approval
- Responsible for communicating underwriting conditions to all key parties
- Obtained underwriter loan decisions and approval/closing decisions
- Extensive use of MS Office package (Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint)
Administrative Support Specialist
U.S. NAVY (Various Duty Stations)
01.2001 - 01.2012
- An experienced administrative support specialist has proven to be successful with the most challenging assignments. Resourceful and adaptable, exercising superb competence and efficiency with every task.
- Quickly relieved supervisors of administrative details; strictly ensured that all project milestones were met or concluded well ahead of schedule
- Managed a budget of $6M; developed performance management daily and weekly reports reflecting scheduling, performance, and supervision of personnel
- Processed pay and correspondence for 500 personnel with an efficiency rate of 98%
- Meticulously oversaw all administrative requirements for other types of offices, including personnel records, reception, training schedules, pay issues, memos and policy letters
- Swiftly processed all travel claims; making the most complex of travel arrangements for VIPs
- Responsible for processing and managing hundreds of pay allowance documents and quickly provided full resolution of identified discrepancies
- Daily use of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint)
- As Executive Secretary, managed the Commanding Officer’s calendar and travel arrangements
- Processed over 100 background checks for the adjudication process for Naval personal
- Was responsible for maintaining JPAS as the security manager
- Reviewed background screen results and identified any discrepancies or falsifications
- Processed outgoing and incoming visit requests and certifications
- JPAS and E-quip reviewing forms for completeness and accuracy
- Maintained classified materials receipt, logging, control, and dissemination
- Daily use of personnel clearance data systems
- Created and maintained employee security documentation in accordance with government and company guidelines
- Assured compliance with all government and company security regulations
Education
BSc - Business Administration
Liberty University
Lynchburg01.2024
Skills
- Leadership and Supervision
- Problem Solving and Analysis
- General
- Coordinate Workflows
- Customer Focus
- Team Player/Team Leader
- Excellent Presentation Skills
- Excellent People Skills
- Able to set Performance Standards
- Process Optimization
- Statistical Analysis
- JIRA
- Project planning
- Requirements analysis
- Project evaluation
- Meeting facilitation
- Scope definition
- Scheduling expertise
- Planning and scheduling
- Team collaboration
- Project planning and development
- Verbal and written communication
- Project tracking
- Relationship building
- Customer relations
- Advanced problem solving
- Project scheduling
- Task prioritization
- Stakeholder communications
- Client relations
- Scope management
- Work flow planning
- Deliverable tracking
- Staff management
- Processes and procedures
- Strategic planning
- Schedule management
- Project management
- Project scope analysis
- Conflict management
- Document management
- Productivity improvement
- Compliance monitoring
- Risk management
- Team bonding
- Performance improvements
- Customer relations specialist
Military Training
- Work Center Supervisor Leadership Course
- First Line Leadership Development Program
- Reserve Personnel Administration
- Legal Clerk
- Yeoman, Class “A” School
- Records Management Technical Training
- Personnel Specialist Travel Payment
- Clerical Procedures; Word Processing, Computer Software Applications, and Office Procedures
- Security Manager
- Has over 7 years of working with and managing JPAS and E-quip program
Timeline
Senior Project Management Analyst
ManTech International Corporation
01.2023 - Current
Technical Support Specialist/Technology Transition Coordinator
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA)
01.2019 - 01.2023
Program Support Specialist II / Lead Solutions Consultant
Ausgar Technologies, Inc.
01.2017 - 01.2019
Executive Assistant
Client Solution Architects (CSA) LLC
01.2016 - 01.2017
Senior Administrative Assistant
Chase
01.2014 - 01.2016
Mortgage Loan Processor III
EverBank
01.2013 - 01.2014
Administrative Support Specialist
U.S. NAVY (Various Duty Stations)
01.2001 - 01.2012
BSc - Business Administration
Liberty University