Gavata Smith

Oversaw the administration of Policy and Risk Management JIRA/Maestro Scrum and Kanban Boards, managing workflows and user roles within Atlassian applications for Projects under the Risk Management and Policy Divisions.
Stepped into a leadership role as needed, providing ad hoc support in the absence of the Delivery/Project Manager;
Orchestrated the entire project lifecycle of the 1109 Stakeholders Project, including scheduling, team assignments, meticulous meeting notes, and comprehensive document management within Teams.
Pioneered training efforts for two divisions encompassing nine Branch Chiefs, effectively demystifying JIRA (Maestro) in everyday practical terms to ensure compliance with the Director's directives. This training initiative proved pivotal in acquainting employees with an unfamiliar system. By creating an SOP, a quick-start slide deck, a training video, and delivering tailored one-on-one, group, and peer-to-peer training, I ensured proficient understanding of backlogs, epics, story requirements, and workflows.
Assumed the role of back-up Project Delivery Manager, effectively leading a team of up to 16 individuals.
Played an integral role in the administrative support for the quarterly FEMA GPD Product Roadmap Meeting, with a specialized focus on analytics, metrics, and feature presentations.
Guided staff through uncertain initiatives, offering valuable insight on effective client/stakeholder communication to grasp project requirements.
Co-led the document editing process for the entire GPD team, ensuring 508 Compliance and quality assurance checks before finalizing deliverables for stakeholders.
Provided indispensable administrative assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Grant Programs Directorate, specifically within the Enterprise Grant Services.
Collaborated extensively with multiple departments, sharing insights into the best practices of Maestro/JIRA implementation throughout FEMA GPD.
Assiduously captured comprehensive meeting notes as required, contributing to accurate records and streamlined communication.
Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other essential documents upon stakeholder requests and for initiative requirements.
Conducted comprehensive training sessions for Branch Chiefs, Senior Executives, and end users, enlightening them on the effective use of Kanban Boards.

Orchestrated comprehensive management of PMO Documents, including the development of the company's Scope Management Plan.
Played a pivotal role in the successful renewal of the company's ISO 9001-2015 Recertification, a critical requirement for government contracting. This achievement was realized through the meticulous training of delivery/project managers on GAP reports, and furnishing clear directives on the requisite criteria and artifacts essential for the impending audit. I also provided invaluable feedback on presentations and facilitated mock interviews to ensure thorough readiness for the official review.
Spearheaded the preparation of organizational presentations, diligently collecting artifacts, reconciling GAP reports, and verifying the precision of requirements. I meticulously organized meetings and held comprehensive training sessions for Delivery Managers, furnishing them with in-depth insights into the ISO/CMMI Certification processes, standards, artifacts, requirements, and documentation.
Acted as a key peer mentor, offering invaluable guidance to colleagues seeking both educational and professional advancement. I provided consultative support on optimal career pathways and helped shape achievable goals for individual growth and success.

Stepped into the role of HR Director during a vacancy, exercising comprehensive leadership and HRIS expertise to guide employee performance actions.
Successfully completed the Administrative Human Resources SHRM Certificate (LinkedIn).
Conducted internal HR audits to ensure alignment with ISO/CMMI Compliance standards.
Mentored the incoming Vice President of HR, providing comprehensive training on the organization's HR and HRIS processes, practices, procedures, and onboarding protocols utilizing Deltek ATS and JIRA.
Ensured the safeguarding of HR's Personally Identifiable Information (Pii) data.
Performed meticulous audits on HRIS Systems and associated documents.
Developed and managed reports to facilitate informed decision-making.
Skillfully arranged and conducted both in-person and online new hire orientations.
Maintained a repository of formatted company resumes for streamlined government contract submissions, occasionally assisting in resume formatting for Business Development purposes.
Addressed and resolved HR Service Desk Tickets promptly and effectively.
Established Knowledge Base (KB) Articles to address recurring HR inquiries and concerns.
Skillfully utilized Deltek Talent Management (TMS) and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job requisitions, resume uploads, and candidate tracking.
Generated ad hoc reports encompassing key metrics, statistical insights, or subject matter consultations as requested.
Orchestrated seamless employee onboarding through Employee Navigator, including the secure uploading of I9 documentation.
Maintained meticulous spreadsheets tracking employee internal/external titles, job codes, compensation, yearly merit increases, salary bands, project manager changes, and promptly reported inconsistencies to the VP of HR and the Accounting Department for resolution.
Introduced, provided training on, and maintained the Review Snap Performance Review System.
Devised a comprehensive tracking system for employee turnover metrics and termination details.
Regularly updated Pingboard to ensure an accurate organizational chart.
Managed HireRight background screenings and submitted U.S. Employment Eligibility requirements to eVerify.
Collaborated in compiling data, formulating, and comprehending job codes for compensation analysis via Salary.com.
Prepared monthly resource utilization reports, offering key insights into workforce dynamics.
Skillfully orchestrated interview scheduling, harmonizing the schedules of the talent acquisition team and other department leads for seamless candidate evaluation.
Pioneered the implementation and coordination of monthly office massages for staff.
Meticulously documented minutes during weekly Resource Management Meetings, capturing essential discussions and decisions from C-Level Exceutives..
Accurately tracked employee training and CERTS (Certifications) details, ensuring compliance and informed decision-making.
Managed employee expenditures related to training and certifications.
Assumed a leading role in the annual employee evaluation process, establishing timelines, collating, scanning, and uploading assessment forms for comprehensive records.
Assisted Career Managers in coordinating annual review meeting schedules.
Efficiently scanned and emailed clearance documents to government agencies' CORE.
Provided versatile support to the HR Vice President, contributing to various initiatives and tasks as required.

Efficiently coordinated personal and business travel arrangements for the CEO and COO.
Managed intricate schedules for both the CEO and COO, adeptly prioritizing tasks and proactively resolving scheduling conflicts.
Skillfully liaised with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate meeting arrangements.
Transcribed handwritten meeting notes from the CEO into digital formats for streamlined record-keeping.
Accurately entered expense and time data for the CEO and COO into the Deltek Costpoint System.
Expertly facilitated conference registrations for the CEO and COO, ensuring seamless participation in key industry events.
Conducted diligent research on contacts, external meeting attendees, and requested data to support informed decision-making.
Assumed responsibility for reservations, both personal and business, including meals, dinners, anniversaries, and social events. Coordinated these arrangements meticulously, considering the involvement of external attendees.
Maintained round-the-clock availability for 24-hour calls and immediate access, ensuring responsiveness to urgent matters.
Managed CEO and COO personal and business schedules; prioritized and resolved any conflicts.
Communicated with internal and external parties to arrange meetings.
Converted CEOs handwritten meeting notes into electronic formatting.

Acquired Certified Scrum Master credential, demonstrating agile project management proficiency.
Utilized an array of tools including SharePoint, Office 365, Deltek/Costpoint, Planner, and Atlassian (Jira/Confluence).
Expertly created and edited documents using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Proficiently handled PDF conversion and editing using Adobe and FoxIt.
Managed file uploads and announcements on the company's intranet via the SharePoint Portal.
Actively facilitated and participated in various agile methodologies, including Sprints, Daily Standup, Scrum, Retrospectives, and Project Management meetings.
Pioneered the development of the COVID19 Back-to-Work Preparedness Plan.
Crafted the organization's Operation Manual utilizing Confluence.
Constructed forms, managed communication, file uploads, and digital categorization through Microsoft Teams.
Orchestrated conference room setup and scheduling.
Seamlessly coordinated the company's transition to a new office space, integrating agile methodologies and JIRA to address pandemic-related challenges. Managed all communication, including time constraints, furniture deliveries, inventory, office and cubicle setup, etc.
Oversaw the procurement of new office furniture and actively contributed to the design planning of the new office space within the allocated budget.
Successfully negotiated vendor pricing for branded merchandise and office stationery.
Facilitated the ordering of employee business cards and company stationery.
Strategically planned, organized, and executed various events, from social gatherings and business meetings to office lunches, happy hours, and monthly birthday celebrations.
Managed travel and out-of-state transportation arrangements for all employees, including C-Level Executives.
Handled conference registrations and training payments for employees.
Processed and distributed mail/packages, incorporating document scanning, receipt management, and coordination with postal services.
Ensured ample inventory and ordered replenishments of office and kitchen supplies.
Managed expenditures for supplies, company events, training/certifications, and travel using a company-issued Visa card.
Established and maintained a secure repository of executive staff company credit card information.
Coordinated customization and distribution of company-branded apparel, tracking costs effectively.
Set up access cards/key fobs for office entry.
Provided valuable assistance to various departments, conducting internet research and document/data collection.
Maintained remote availability and accommodated off-hours demands as needed.
Facilitated desk assignments and labeling for new employees and post-COVID returnees.
Acted as a liaison with building management to address maintenance concerns.
Ensured timely and accurate employee timekeeping entries.
Contributed to the creation of a comprehensive Facilities Management and Office Operations Manual.

Orchestrated seamless conference and travel logistics, meticulously prioritizing the CEO's schedule.
Skillfully generated a diverse range of essential documents, including memorandums, manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and presentations, ensuring clarity and effectiveness.
Conducted thorough research on pricing, contributing to well-informed decision-making.
Actively participated in events and traveled as required to support the CEO's engagements.
Assumed a multifaceted role encompassing executive, clerical, and administrative tasks, ensuring smooth operations.
Comprehensively followed the directives of the CEO, embodying a proactive and responsive approach.
Served as a vital conduit between employees and the CEO, effectively conveying concerns and providing leadership and guidance in various HR instances.