Accomplished Construction & Emergency Management Leader with 8+ years of expertise in disaster recovery, federal grants administration, and large-scale construction and operational projects. Proven ability to manage multimillion-dollar budgets, lead high-performing cross-functional teams, and implement strategic solutions that enhance efficiency, compliance, and project success. Poised to advance into senior management roles, leveraging a strong strategic vision and hands-on leadership to drive organizational excellence.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Grants Management Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Guaynabo
05.2022 - Current
Oversee Disaster Relief Funds of legal and disaster-related records to ensure compliance with federal regulations, including 2 CFR Part 200, 44 CFR, the Payment Integrity Information Act, and OMB Circular A-123 Appendix C.
Provide technical guidance to staff and leadership on federal regulations, Public Assistance policy, and emergency management procedures to support disaster operations and decision-making.
Analyze policies and procedures to identify gaps, recommending improvements to enhance program effectiveness and minimize risk.
Collaborate with FEMA Headquarters, Regions, and technical specialists to resolve compliance issues and clarify policy or procedural questions related to disaster recovery grants.
Conduct technical advisor (TA) analysis to first-level reviewers and ensure compliance and financial integrity.
Test transaction samples for accuracy and compliance using VAYGo protocols to prevent improper payments and ensure audit readiness.
Utilize FEMA's Grants Manager system to extract and organize data, prepare test scripts, and maintain records in the Test Plan Book.
Lead discussions on drawdowns and disbursements with FEMA HQ, regional contacts, and recipients to resolve discrepancies and ensure proper fund usage.
Evaluate recipient documentation to identify trends and provide targeted technical assistance to improve program performance.
Led peer (POC) and second-level reviews for transactions across FEMA Regions #2 and #7, enhancing the effectiveness of first-level reviewers and driving the successful completion of projects valued at over $1.5 billion.
Managed and led testing efforts for over 30 high-value projects across FEMA Regions #2, #3, and #7 in Fiscal Years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, overseeing financial testing compliance for projects exceeding $1 billion.
Developed and implemented Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG) that improved the efficiency and quality assurance (QA) of first-level reviewers, streamlining operational processes.
Contributed to a cross-functional legal taskforce by drafting a comprehensive document detailing procurement documentation requirement for State, Non-State, Tribal, and Private Non-Profit entities, along with applicable thresholds.
Construction Account Manager
D. Hayes, LLC
Guaynabo
01.2021 - 05.2022
Analyzed construction projects management data, cost, schedule, and risks to assess progress and identify any deviations from project objectives.
Identified and assessed solutions to address issues and challenges effectively.
Engaged in discussions with project managers regarding the formulation of operational requirements.
Managed and executed construction project budgets, conducting cost analyses, and reviewing purchase orders, invoices, and supplier contracts.
Conducted weekly report reviews to pinpoint issues and identify opportunities that enhance business unit success factors.
Generated written reports to leadership to deliver comprehensive status updates. Ensured the punctual and successful delivery of project timelines.
Assessed programs for quality assurance and quality management to ensure organizational compliance with rules, regulations, and best practices.
Cultivated and nurtured strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.
Hosted company meetings to ensure compliance in implementing CDBG-DR program guidelines vital for the operations team.
Construction Quality Control Manager
H&E Homes and Construction, LLC
San Juan
06.2018 - 01.2021
Managed the Quality Control (QC) on construction projects, ensuring compliance to the Federal contractual obligations of FEMA's Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP), Permanent Housing Construction (PHC), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Recovery programs.
Verified the compliance of all received products and materials with project standards, guaranteeing the integrity of the project.
Directed and reviewed the documentation and physical inspection of workflow processes to maintain the highest quality standards.
Reviewed blueprints, sketches, and other program required plans to ensure compliance with applicable construction project building codes and regulations.
Conducted on-site visits to inspect construction sites, ensuring timely progress completion and adherence to quality standards.
Monitored the performance of quality control systems to optimize their effectiveness and efficiency.
Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders.
Led a team of over 20 QC crews across Puerto Rico, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, overseeing their project documentation and performance while reporting to stakeholders to ensure project compliance.
Supervised subcontractors, utilizing detailed progress reports to identify deficiencies and provide necessary support to comply with established deadlines.
Increased the expansion of project assignment operations from 7 to 35 working sites, resulting in effectively enhancing workload management, company growth expansion, and optimizing resource allocation.
Junior Operations Manager
Xperts, Inc. (Contractor for USACE)
San Juan
02.2016 - 06.2018
Supported a team of four Zone Engineering Managers around the island, facilitating progress reports to effectively control debris removal and hauling operations, ensuring adherence to schedules and budgetary constraints.
Executed human resources and operational management responsibilities, including interviewing, recruiting, coaching, and training personnel in accordance with field and quality control guidelines.
Determined staffing requirements to meet the operational demands of each project, ensuring a seamless workflow and optimal resource utilization.
Monitored site performance and promptly implemented corrective actions as necessary to maintain operational efficiency.
Ensured the implementation of safety-specific training at each project site, in strict compliance with OSHA requirements.
Managed the procurement of supplies and equipment required for all project sites, optimizing resource allocation.
Conducted site inspections and audits to guarantee adherence to quality and safety standards.
Oversaw the maintenance of all necessary logbooks, timesheets, and tracking documentation at each project site.
Provided support to manage a multifunctional team encompassing construction oversight of Zone Engineers, Hauling and Debris Removal Brigades, Temporary Disposal Sites Foreman, overseeing the comprehensive scope of operations during the project implementation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Debris Removal operations and management contract that historically recorded over 6,000,000 cubic yards of debris collected in 55 municipalities of Puerto Rico.
Coordinated contractor meetings with local and federal government officials, including City Mayors, FEMA, and USACE representatives to provide logistics recovery effort strategies for municipalities affected by Hurricane Maria's aftermath throughout the island.
Education
Juris Doctor - Law
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
Ponce, Puerto Rico
05.2026
International Commerce Diploma -
Universidad De Almería
Almería, Spain
07.2016
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management, Civil Engineering
Ana G. Méndez University, Turabo
Gurabo, Puerto Rico
06.2016
High School Diploma - U.S. Army JROTC
Caguas Military Academy
Caguas, Puerto Rico
07.2011
Skills
Federal Regulations & Compliance: In-depth knowledge of federal guidelines (2 CFR Part 200, 44 CFR, Payment Integrity Information Act, OMB Circular A-123)
Audit compliance procedures and risk assessment strategies
Policy analysis and procedural improvement recommendations
Grants Management & Financial Analysis: Administration and oversight of Disaster Relief Funds and federal disaster grant payments
Financial testing methodologies (eg, VAYGo protocols) and data analysis
Proficiency with FEMA’s Grants Manager system for data extraction, test script development, and record maintenance
Project & Operations Management: End-to-end project management including budget oversight, cost analysis, and schedule management
Development and implementation of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG) to enhance quality assurance
Quality control processes in construction environments, including on-site inspections and documentation review
Technical Guidance & Documentation: Providing technical advisory support and training on federal regulations, Public Assistance policies, and emergency management procedures
Drafting comprehensive documentation, including technical analyses and procurement requirements
Leveraging data to develop actionable insights and drive operational improvements
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Effective interpersonal communication and team collaboration across cross-functional units
Leading discussions with internal teams, FEMA Headquarters, regional contacts, and external partners
Public speaking and conflict resolution to facilitate informed decision-making
Strategic Leadership & Process Improvement: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational efficiencies
Proven track record in process reengineering, evidenced by the development of Standard Operating Guidelines and enhanced quality assurance processes
Experience mentoring staff and managing high-value projects to optimize resource allocation and performance
Professional Certifications And Training
Program Management - Advanced, 06/2024, Defense Acquisition University (DAU), Virginia, USA
Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM), 04/2024, Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI), Washington, DC, USA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-Hour Construction & 10-Hour General Industry, 12/2023, Pure Safety - OSHA Campus, Maryland, USA
Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C Level l), 10/2023, Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI), Washington, DC, USA
Real Estate Broker, License #20905, 11/2019, Career Real Estate College, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Personal Information
Citizenship: U.S. CITIZEN
Timeline
Senior Grants Management Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
05.2022 - Current
Construction Account Manager
D. Hayes, LLC
01.2021 - 05.2022
Construction Quality Control Manager
H&E Homes and Construction, LLC
06.2018 - 01.2021
Junior Operations Manager
Xperts, Inc. (Contractor for USACE)
02.2016 - 06.2018
Juris Doctor - Law
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
International Commerce Diploma -
Universidad De Almería
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management, Civil Engineering
Program Specialist (Human Resources Liaison) at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/ Denver Federal Center Bldg 710AProgram Specialist (Human Resources Liaison) at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/ Denver Federal Center Bldg 710A
External Affairs Specialist at Department of Homeland Security Agency Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Region IXExternal Affairs Specialist at Department of Homeland Security Agency Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Region IX