Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Rebecca Vázquez

Canóvanas

Summary

Seasoned leader from Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, adept in crisis and risk management. Excelled in vendor relations and federal regulations compliance, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Proven track record in leadership development and strategic acquisitions, demonstrating exceptional negotiation skills and regulatory expertise. Professional experience in the development, implementation, and project management, providing high quality service to citizens. Known for having great leadership, skill in execution of goals and work under pressure.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Relocation and Negotiation Office, Acting Director

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
San Juan
01.2017 - Current
  • Lead the Landslide Emergency Program, STIP program, and Bridges Program in the Right of Way Division, in addition to the regular programs.
  • Being part of the selection committee for consultants in the Agency's Pre-Construction Area.
  • Assist the ROW Director, Executive Director, and Secretary whenever required.
  • Update the federal procurement manual following CFR 49 regulations for acquisition and relocation.
  • Manage the Relocation Program and the Title Studies Section.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
  • Managed budgeting and financial planning processes for the division.
  • Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs and other requirements for projects.
  • Served as a public spokesperson at events or conferences.

Acquisition Director

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
San Juan
03.2013 - 12.2016
  • Provide guidance on the process of land acquisition to those affected by the project.
    Collaborate with the Executive Director and the Secretary of PRHTA in coordinating the activities involved with the Property Acquisition Area.
  • Participate in a public involvement meeting, a public hearing, and an information workshop.
    Coordinate and lead programs in the area, or with other agencies, or municipalities.
  • Prepare periodic and special reports related to the acquisition of properties.
  • Assist in the review of rules and procedures relating to the acquisition of properties.
  • Manage the federal program (CFR 49) and federal funding that uses the Agency for the acquisition and relocation of citizens.
  • Manage the federal program (CFR 49) and federal funding that uses the Agency for the acquisition and relocation of citizens.
  • Developed and implemented strategies for sourcing, negotiating and closing complex acquisitions.
  • Conducted financial analyses of potential acquisition targets to assess their value and viability.

Acquisition Coordinator

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
San Juan
04.2008 - 04.2013
  • Coordinate, at all stages, the acquisition of state and federal projects of the PRHTA in collaboration with various areas, agencies, and public or private entities. These include planning, environmental, design, and construction stages.
  • Act as the group leader in giving instructions for executing functions according to the rules established by the Agency to obtain goals in its five area offices.
  • Conduct studies of costs and/or estimated acquisition, including relocations.
  • Analyze statistics, plans, and proposals for various acquisition projects, and submit recommendations.
  • Evaluate reports, proposals, and submit recommendations on the acquisition phase.
  • Certify compliance with federal regulations of the Federal Highway Administration at all stages of acquisition, including the request for reimbursement.

Relocation Agent

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
San Juan
08.2004 - 04.2008
  • Provide direct service to families displaced from their homes, or businesses affected by the projects of the PRHTA.
  • Conduct, analyze, and interpret the acquisition and relocation plan for each project.
  • Establish interagency links, and make efforts for the benefit of the displaced.

Social Worker

ASPIRA, Loíza, Puerto Rico
Loíza
01.2003 - 08.2004
  • Establish and implement goals with participating families in the program.
  • Provide educational conferences and create programs for adolescents on the prevention of responsible parenthood.
  • Worked collaboratively with other professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses to coordinate care for clients.
  • Maintained accurate records of client progress and interactions according to agency standards.

Education

General Social Science

University of Puerto Rico
Mayagüez Campus
06-2021

Master, (except Thesis) - Urban Planning

University of Puerto Rico
Río Piedras Campus
01-2008

Master of Arts - Social Work

University of Puerto Rico
Río Piedras Campus
05-2004

Skills

  • Actor guidance
  • Leadership development
  • Crisis and risk management
  • Content development
  • Issues resolution
  • Corporate communications
  • Domain of federal regulations as 49 CFR Part 24, "Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition for Federal and Federally Assisted Programs"
  • Rules and regulations
  • Logistics management

Certification

• Social Work – Lic. # 8,034
• MAP 21 certification.
• Introduction to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Transportation Decision-Making.
• Certification in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• USPAP Course
• Income Approach
• General Report Writing and Case Studies
• General Sales Comparison Approach
• General Site Valuation and Cost Approach
• General Market Analysis an Highest and Best Use
• Statistics Modeling an d Finance
• Eminent Domain
• Basic Appraisal Procedures
• Basic Appraisal Principles
• Laws and Regulations
• Application and Use of Financial Calculator HP12 in Appraisal
• Guide for the Residential, commercial and Industrial, Methods and Procedures
• Auditing Right of Way Acquisition for Federal Aid projects
• Introduction to ArcGIS I
• Real Estate Acquisition Under the Uniform Act: an Over View

Languages

Spanish
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Relocation and Negotiation Office, Acting Director

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
01.2017 - Current

Acquisition Director

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
03.2013 - 12.2016

Acquisition Coordinator

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
04.2008 - 04.2013

Relocation Agent

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
08.2004 - 04.2008

Social Worker

ASPIRA, Loíza, Puerto Rico
01.2003 - 08.2004

• Social Work – Lic. # 8,034
• MAP 21 certification.
• Introduction to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Transportation Decision-Making.
• Certification in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• USPAP Course
• Income Approach
• General Report Writing and Case Studies
• General Sales Comparison Approach
• General Site Valuation and Cost Approach
• General Market Analysis an Highest and Best Use
• Statistics Modeling an d Finance
• Eminent Domain
• Basic Appraisal Procedures
• Basic Appraisal Principles
• Laws and Regulations
• Application and Use of Financial Calculator HP12 in Appraisal
• Guide for the Residential, commercial and Industrial, Methods and Procedures
• Auditing Right of Way Acquisition for Federal Aid projects
• Introduction to ArcGIS I
• Real Estate Acquisition Under the Uniform Act: an Over View

General Social Science

University of Puerto Rico

Master, (except Thesis) - Urban Planning

University of Puerto Rico

Master of Arts - Social Work

University of Puerto Rico
Rebecca Vázquez