Karla G. Mercado Rivera
San Juan
Summary
Licensed attorney with a proven track record in leading complex legal, financial, and operational projects. Extensive experience managing major government agencies, implementing transformative reforms, and driving efficiency in public procurement processes valued at billions of dollars annually. Skilled in legislative drafting, regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, and strategic oversight of high-stakes initiatives. Recognized for delivering impactful solutions, enhancing transparency, and fostering innovation in both public and private sectors. Adept at navigating high-pressure environments and delivering measurable results with professionalism and precision.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Administrator
General Services Administration
San Juan, Puerto Rico
04.2019 - Current
- Strategic Leadership and Modernization: Directed the implementation of the Joint E-Procurement Digital Intelligence (JEDI) system, the most impactful digital reform in Puerto Rico’s government procurement history, encompassing all agencies, public corporations, and government entities under the Executive Branch.
- Transparency in Public Procurement: Spearheaded the creation of the Unified Procurement Registry (RUS), the first system to publish real-time government acquisitions, enhancing public confidence and ensuring accountability in procurement processes.
- Efficiency Gains: Achieved an 85% reduction in processing times for procurement without compromising transparency, optimizing resources while maintaining compliance with legal frameworks.
- Regulatory Development: Authored and implemented over 20 administrative regulations, including the landmark Government Procurement and Bidding Regulations of Puerto Rico, standardizing procurement processes across the Executive Branch.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Incorporated sustainability principles into government procurement practices, aligning with global trends and ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits.
- Fleet and Asset Management: Digitized fleet management systems, integrating GPS technology for real-time tracking and ensuring compliance with updated regulations for Puerto Rico’s land, maritime, and air fleets.
- Public Sector Innovation: Implemented cutting-edge digital platforms for public bidding and asset management, enabling unprecedented efficiency in government operations.
- Government Spending Analysis: Conducted comprehensive annual expenditure analyses and procurement projections, enhancing budgetary planning and resource allocation across government agencies.
- Leadership in Reform: Successfully restructured the Government Auction Board, enhancing governance, efficiency, and transparency in public bidding processes.
Assistant Administrator of Operations
General Services Administration
San Juan, Puerto Rico
09.2018 - 04.2019
- Operational Oversight: Supervised and managed the administration of all properties under the Executive Branch of the Government of Puerto Rico, including the government vehicle fleet and the Surplus Property Program.
- Procurement Leadership: Directed procurement processes for: Outsourcing fleet management services.
Outsourcing forfeiture services for surplus government property. Centralizing the procurement processes for all property acquisitions by the Government of Puerto Rico. - Cost Analysis and Efficiency: Conducted comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses for ASG’s operational programs, leading to critical decisions, such as the temporary closure of government-operated fuel stations to optimize resources.
- Strategic Planning: Assisted and advised in the reorganization process of ASG, ensuring alignment with legislative mandates and operational goals.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Served as a member of the Investment Act for the Puerto Rican Industry (JIIP), contributing to initiatives that strengthened local industries and economic growth.
Independent Consultant
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
San Juan, Puerto Rico
06.2018 - 09.2018
- Tax Exemption Management: Reviewed, analyzed, and prepared income tax exemption grants, amendments, transfer orders, and control change orders, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
- Regulatory Development: Assisted in the review and update of regulations related to the tourism sector, aligning them with evolving legal frameworks and industry practices.
- Project Coordination: Coordinated and prepared reports for initial meetings with project proponents, facilitating effective communication and alignment between stakeholders.
- Government Liaison: Acted as a liaison between the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and other government agencies, ensuring seamless coordination and compliance with inter-agency requirements.
Independent Consultant
Reichard Escalera, LLC
San Juan, Puerto Rico
09.2017 - 06.2018
- Legal Research and Advisory: Conducted in-depth research on Puerto Rico and U.S. federal laws to provide tailored legal, corporate, and tax advice to clients.
- Tax and Incentives Expertise: Drafted tax exemption decrees, amendments, and clarification orders under industrial and tourism development acts, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
- Policy Development: Reviewed and translated official documents, including Informative Bulletins, Administrative Determinations, and Circular Letters issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury and other government entities.
- Corporate Support: Assisted clients with corporate reorganizations, sales and use tax compliance, excise tax issues, and income tax matters, enhancing their operational efficiency and legal standing.
- Documentation and Negotiation: Drafted and reviewed contracts, legal documents, and memorandums, ensuring clarity and adherence to legal standards.
Professor Assistant
Interamerican University Of Puerto Rico Law School
San Juan, Puerto Rico
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Legal Research and Curriculum Development: Assisted Professor Roberto Abesada in preparing class materials and conducting in-depth legal research on civil tort law, contributing to the development of comprehensive lectures and discussions.
- Publication Support: Researched and drafted two chapters on product liability for a Puerto Rico Tort Law book authored by leading civil law professors.
- Drafting and Editing: Reviewed and edited legal documents, ensuring accuracy and clarity for academic and professional use.
- Classroom Assistance: Supported the professor in classroom activities, including the preparation of case studies and facilitating discussions on complex legal topics.
Financial and Business Consultant; Law Clerk
Correa Business Consulting Group, LLC
San Juan, Puerto Rico
01.2015 - 08.2017
- Business Consulting: Provided comprehensive business, accounting, finance, tax, contract, corporate, and management consulting services to a diverse client base, tailoring solutions to meet specific operational and strategic needs.
- Legal Research and Advisory: Conducted extensive legal research on tax, corporate, and civil matters to deliver informed advice and draft legal memorandums and opinions on issues of medium to high complexity.
- Contract Management: Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated a wide range of contracts, including employment agreements, lease agreements, financial agreements, credit agreements, and management contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Corporate Restructuring: Analyzed corporate structures and provided strategic recommendations to reduce liability for investors and shareholders, enhancing organizational efficiency.
- Financial Analysis: Evaluated financial statements to assess the financial strength of businesses, identifying opportunities for improvement or necessary closures of business divisions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Reviewed business policies and ensured compliance with regulatory, fiscal, and legal standards, aligning client operations with local and federal requirements.
- Trial Assistance: Assisted in trials by managing legal documentation, preparing complaints, answers, and motions, and supporting questioning and witness handling during proceedings.
- Client Representation: Attended meetings with government agencies on behalf of clients, addressing complex matters and ensuring favorable outcomes.
Special Fiscal Agent
Puerto Rico Department of Treasury
San Juan, Puerto Rico
12.2013 - 12.2015
- Criminal Investigations: Conducted in-depth investigations into violations of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, focusing on tax fraud and evasion cases, ensuring rigorous compliance with fiscal laws.
- Financial Analysis and Forensic Accounting: Prepared financial analyses to trace money trails and uncover potential financial crimes, contributing to the resolution of complex tax fraud cases.
- Case Preparation and Reporting: Drafted comprehensive case memorandums and referrals to the Puerto Rico Department of Justice for the prosecution of tax evasion cases.
- Testimony in Legal Proceedings: Provided expert testimony in court on cases where criminal charges for tax evasion were filed, effectively supporting the prosecution’s case.
- Operational Coordination: Collaborated with state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and address suspected cases of tax fraud, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to enforcement.
- Stakeout Operations: Performed field operations, including stakeouts, to gather intelligence and evidence for ongoing investigations.
- Compliance Enforcement: Issued summons for information related to tax fraud investigations, ensuring thorough data collection and documentation.
Tax Auditor
Puerto Rico Department of Treasury
Caguas, Puerto Rico
08.2013 - 12.2013
- Tax Compliance Audits: Conducted audits to assess taxpayer compliance with Puerto Rico tax laws, focusing on underreported income and overstated expenses.
- Adjustments and Notifications: Prepared audit commencement notifications and determined tax deficiencies, ensuring proper adjustments to reported income and taxes owed.
- Stakeholder Meetings: Held meetings with taxpayers to discuss audit findings, negotiate settlements, and ensure understanding of required corrections.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Assisted law enforcement officials in investigations related to financial crimes, providing expertise in tax-related matters.
- Regulatory Enforcement: Ensured compliance with the provisions of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code through thorough analysis and documentation.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Law School
San Juan, PR01.2019
Master's Degree - Finance
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, PR01.2015
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration, Accounting
University of Puerto Rico
Cayey, PR01.2013
Skills
- Leadership and Management
- Government Operations and Administration
- Procurement and Contracting
- Regulatory Compliance
- Strategic Planning
- Legal Expertise
- Financial Analysis
- Problem Solving
- Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Project Management
- High-Pressure Performance
Accomplishments
- Implementation of Puerto Rico’s Government Procurement Reform: Reduced processing times by up to 85% without compromising transparency in procurement processes.
- Real-Time Public Procurement: First jurisdiction in Puerto Rico to publish government acquisitions in real-time, enhancing transparency and public trust.
- Innovative Systems: Implemented the procurement system across the Executive Branch of the government. Digitized the management system for land, maritime, and air fleets. Modernized the system for managing surplus state and federal property.
- Organizational Restructuring: Led the restructuring of Puerto Rico’s Government Auction Board, improving governance and efficiency in bidding processes.
- Financial Management: Conducted annual analyses of government expenditures to ensure better resource allocation. Developed annual procurement projections, enhancing budgetary planning.
- Sustainability: Incorporated sustainability principles into government procurement processes, aligning with global best practices.
- Regulatory Development: Created and enacted over 20 administrative regulations, including the Puerto Rico government procurement and auction reporting system regulation.
- Digital Auctions: Implemented digital platforms for public auctions, increasing accessibility and efficiency in the procurement process.
- Excellence Award: Received from the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association for outstanding contributions to procurement reform and government operational processes.
Affiliations
- Former member of NASHIMBA Association
- Former member of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce
- Former member of ASQ (American Society for Quality)
Licensesandawards
- Admitted to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 02/12/20
- Highest GPA of 2019 class
- Civil Law most outstanding student of 2019 class
Jobrelatedtrainingandcourses
- Auditing Procedures
- Corporate Finance
- Investment Analysis
- Stages of Money Laundering
- Business Reorganization & Financial Restructuring
- Intelligence Fundamentals and Analysis
- Behavior Analysis and Interviewing Techniques
Languages
Spanish
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Deputy Administrator
General Services Administration
04.2019 - Current
Assistant Administrator of Operations
General Services Administration
09.2018 - 04.2019
Independent Consultant
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
06.2018 - 09.2018
Independent Consultant
Reichard Escalera, LLC
09.2017 - 06.2018
Professor Assistant
Interamerican University Of Puerto Rico Law School
01.2017 - 05.2017
Financial and Business Consultant; Law Clerk
Correa Business Consulting Group, LLC
01.2015 - 08.2017
Special Fiscal Agent
Puerto Rico Department of Treasury
12.2013 - 12.2015
Tax Auditor
Puerto Rico Department of Treasury
08.2013 - 12.2013
Juris Doctor -
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Law School
Master's Degree - Finance
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration, Accounting
University of Puerto Rico
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