Steven Mahnken

• Progressively promoted from Entry-Level to Senior Specialist, ultimately serving as second-in-command to the Director of Election Services.
• Managed full-cycle election operations including early voting, mail-in ballots, voter registration, poll worker supervision, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Led logistics and technical support for voting equipment setup, ballot processing, and polling place coordination.
• Self-taught proprietary coding language used in EMS (Election Management System), becoming the sole in-house expert for programming all electronic voting machines.
• Eliminated third-party reliance by internalizing machine programming, cutting costs and reducing setup time from weeks to days.
• Streamlined Logic & Accuracy (L&A) testing and machine certification, reducing turnaround from weeks to days through single-operator procedures and workflow optimization.
• Trained election staff and created SOPs to standardize and scale operational improvements across election cycles.
• Delivered technical guest lectures alongside the Director of Elections at major Virginia universities including VCU, UVA, and Virginia Tech.

(Project Highlights & Technical Contributions)

• Built internal technical expertise in a proprietary Election Management System (EMS), enabling faster troubleshooting and full in-house equipment readiness.
• Independently mastered custom code used by vendors, becoming the sole in-house expert in programming voting machines and reducing third-party dependency.
• Cut programming turnaround from 2–3 weeks to 2 days and reduced machine certification from 3 days to 5 minutes through workflow redesign.
• Streamlined Logic & Accuracy testing, reducing process time from 3 weeks to 5 days by identifying bottlenecks and engineering a single-operator solution.
• Documented technical SOPs and trained team members to support scalable and repeatable equipment servicing for future election cycles.

• Resolved high-priority escalations through internal platforms including Salesforce, NICE, and CRM tools.
• Diagnosed digital access and system failures, executing backend solutions and restoring service.
• De-escalated high-stress client cases by applying structured workflows and empathetic technical communication.
• Documented resolution paths and ensured compliance with internal audit and data integrity policies.

• Coordinated day-to-day material flow of critical medical supplies for field dispatch.
• Operated forklifts, pallet jacks, reach trucks, and other MHEs to support inventory movement and transport logistics.
• Maintained real-time inventory systems using barcode scanners and performed outbound shipment prep.
• Followed OSHA-compliant safety standards, protecting personnel and ensuring safe equipment handling.

• Diagnosed and repaired electrical and mechanical failures on LimeBike e-scooters, including ECU errors, GPS issues, and battery faults.
• Trained junior techs in field troubleshooting and component replacements.
• Managed inventory of parts and charging units, ensuring field units remained operational and trackable.
• Led shift operations and maintained service readiness of devices through technical intervention and rapid repair cycles.

• Followed instructions from construction project managers and supervisors.
• Assisted in construction site prep, material handling, scaffolding, and trenching operations.
• Operated a variety of hand/ power tools and equipment while following job site safety and supervisor instructions.

• Stocked and rotated produce, unloaded deliveries, and maintained department cleanliness.
• Operated pallet jacks, balers, and scissor lifts while ensuring product quality and safety compliance.

• Calculated quotes and educated potential clients on insurance options.
• Advised clients on insurance plans based on short- and long-term needs.
• Built relationships and developed referrals through personalized policy planning and customer service.

• Delivered product support and service in the entertainment department.
• Maintained inventory accuracy, responded to customer needs, and assisted with electronics setup and sales.

• Meticulously maintained the appliance showroom to provide an inviting and professional environment for clients.
• Provided exceptional after-sales service, leading to numerous repeat customers and referrals.
• Demonstrated features and benefits while assisting customers in making informed decisions based on needs and wants.
• Advised customers on home improvement solutions, met sales goals, and generated contractor referrals.
• Forklift certified; won national sales contest for protection plans and toured corporate HQ in Atlanta.

• Advised customers on health and wellness supplements based on lifestyle needs.
• Trained new employees, managed planogram resets, opened/closed the store as a certified keyholder.

• Streamlined communication between lifeguard staff through regular meetings and updates on safety procedures.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on strengthening understanding of water-related emergencies and best-practice response strategies.
• Kept detailed records of incidents and daily activities, ensuring accurate documentation for management review.
• Enhanced swimmer safety by consistently monitoring deep water areas and identifying potential hazards.
• Monitored pool safety, conducted rescues, and administered CPR/AED as needed.
• Taught swim techniques and ensured water safety protocols were followed and documented.

• Prepared orders for shipment by picking, packing, and labeling merchandise.
• Worked safely around moving machinery.
• Collaborated with team members to achieve daily targets and complete tasks efficiently.
• Performed inventory control, such as counting, and stocking merchandise.
• Operated warehouse equipment, managed stock counts, and supported efficient daily logistics.