SEBASTIÁN E. BATISTA BUSTELO
Trujillo Alto
Summary
Accomplished legal and strategic executive with a proven track record of leadership in disaster recovery, legal counsel, and organizational management. Currently serving as Chief of Staff, Chief Legal Counsel, and Alternate Governor's Authorized Representative at the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3) in Puerto Rico. Extensive experience in overseeing complex legal frameworks, driving cross-functional collaboration, and leading high-stakes negotiations with federal agencies. Adept at navigating federal regulations, particularly the Stafford Act, and ensuring compliance across large-scale recovery initiatives. Bilingual in Spanish and English, with exceptional communication skills and a strong ability to lead diverse teams toward achieving organizational goals.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Staff, Chief Legal Counsel & Alternate Governor’s Authorized Representative
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3)
08.2022 - Current
- Supervise and direct the Legal, Compliance, Closeout, and Administration Departments, ensuring seamless coordination and adherence to legal and regulatory standards across all functions
- Provide executive leadership and strategic direction across COR3, ensuring alignment of all departments with the organization's mission and goals
- Oversee and coordinate the activities of COR3, fostering collaboration and efficiency in achieving recovery objectives
- Analyze the Stafford Act and other relevant legal frameworks, providing strategic legal recommendations to various COR3 departments on project formulation, reimbursement requests, compliance issues, and financial operations
- Advise on laws, regulations, policies, and operational challenges related to the Government of Puerto Rico’s recovery initiatives, ensuring alignment with federal and local requirements
- Lead negotiations with federal agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders to resolve legal disputes, secure funding, and protect the interests of the Government of Puerto Rico
- Lead and manage the procurement process for COR3’s internal Requests for Proposals (RFPs), ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory standards
- Provide expert technical assistance to municipalities, agencies, and private non-profits, guiding them through federal regulations to ensure compliant procurement processes
- Act as a liaison between the Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA, to ensure effective communication and collaboration on disaster recovery efforts
- Participate in congressional visits to provide updates on reconstruction efforts and request support for Government of Puerto Rico initiatives
Closeout Director
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3)
10.2021 - 07.2022
- Managed the COR3 PA closeout operations to achieve record-breaking figures of programmatic progress by addressing a decade-long trend of overdue workload and backlogged projects
- Supervised a team of employees and clearly communicate tasks and delegate assignments, increased productivity, and quality of deliverables
- Established an internal structure to manage open disaster by leading recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts to help ensure equitable and inclusive team growth
- Successfully closed Tropical Storm Otto (DR-1946) and Hurricane Irma (DR-4336 and EM-3384
- Implemented initiatives to close over 500 projects for Hurricane Maria (DR-4339) category’s A&B
- Develop a strategy to begin closeout for Hurricane Maria (DR-4339) permanent work and applicants’ closeout
- Complied with established FEMA Closeout milestones
- Implemented enhancements to the Closeout module in DRS to improve user experience
- Provided guidance to Municipalities, Agencies, and Private Non-Profit Organizations to comply with all FEMA Closeout regulations
- Oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational management of the Closeout department by supervising and monitoring workflow to assure maximum productivity and making sound decisions on resource allocations
- Demonstrate the ability to handle complex situations and carry COR3’s public policy
Senior Legal Advisor
Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF)
12.2020 - 10.2021
- Drafted and reviewed contracts, program guidelines, and requests for action, for the Corona virus Relief Fund Disbursement Oversight Committee approval for various initiatives including CARES and ARPA Act program
- Prepared contract review letters for the Financial Oversight and Management Board of Puerto Rico
- Provided legal counsel on federal and local laws to municipalities, agencies, hospitals, and non-profits, ensuring compliance for federal funding eligibility
- Verified compliance with federal regulations for municipalities, agencies, hospitals, and non-profits, facilitating access to federal funds
Deputy Legal Counsel
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3)
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Drafted and reviewed contracts, memos, papers, appeal recommendations, Request for Proposals, and Request for Actions to seek approval from the Board of the Authority for COR3’s contracts, budgets, organizational structure among others
- Prepared COR3’s contract review letters for the Financial Oversight and Management Board of Puerto Rico
- Assisted in the development and oversight of COR3’s strategic goals, operating procedures and budget planning processes
- Supported the General Counsel in the oversight of the day-to-day administrative and operational management of the legal department by supervising and monitoring workflow to assure maximum productivity and making sound decisions on resource allocations
- Coordinated responses to Municipalities, Agencies, and Private Non-Profits with COR3’s internal departments
- Provided legal advice regarding Federal and Local law, and FEMA Appeals for subrecipients
- Verified Municipalities, Agencies, and Private Non-Profit Organizations compliance with applicable Federal Regulations to receive federal funds
- Oversaw the time extension request process from the subrecipients
- Supervised established work line with AAFAF to assure that all COR3’s contracts comply with state local law
- Demonstrated the ability to handle complex situations and carry COR3’s public policy
Attorney
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3)
02.2019 - 12.2019
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents including contracts, memos, and appeal recommendations for COR3
- Prepared the documents for the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority Board of Directors, ensuring all materials were meticulously drafted for approval
- Engaged in the preparation and review of COR3’s Request for Proposals
- Providing expert assistance to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and organizational objectives
- Conducted legal research and provided advice on federal and local law, ensuring compliance for subrecipients receiving federal funds
- Managed the review and tracking of extension requests, establishing effective processes for handling Period of Performance extensions
- Served as a key advisor to COR3's Directors and Sector Leads, delivering crucial insights and support to ensure their adherence to FEMA regulation
- Collaborated with AAFAF to ensure all COR3 contracts complied with state and local laws
Attorney
Attorney at Law, Sebastián Batista Bustelo, Esq.
08.2018 - 01.2019
- Represented clients in criminal, civil, and administrative cases, providing comprehensive legal advice and representation
- Managed a diverse caseload, delivering practical and effective legal solutions for clients
Disaster Assistance Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
12.2017 - 07.2018
- Served as the primary point of contact for disaster assistance applicants, providing expert guidance on eligibility and application processes
- Conducted detailed case reviews and was recognized as a subject matter expert in Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
Attorney
Espada, Miñana & Pedroza Law Offices
07.2017 - 08.2017
- Prepared statement of claims, client interviews, analyzed discovery productions and prepared discovery responses
Education
J.D. -
Pontificial Catholic University of Puerto Rico
Ponce, P.R.12.2016
Bachelor of Criminal Justice -
University of Puerto Rico
Carolina, P.R.05.2013
Skills
- Effective Communication
- Collaborative Leadership
- Advanced Problem Solving
- Bilingual Proficiency
- Technical Proficiency
Baradmission
Puerto Rico Supreme Court, 21194
Professionaloverview
Accomplished legal and strategic executive with a proven track record of leadership in disaster recovery, legal counsel, and organizational management. Currently serving as Chief of Staff, Chief Legal Counsel, and Alternate Governor's Authorized Representative at the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3) in Puerto Rico. Extensive experience in overseeing complex legal frameworks, driving cross-functional collaboration, and leading high-stakes negotiations with federal agencies. Adept at navigating federal regulations, particularly the Stafford Act, and ensuring compliance across large-scale recovery initiatives. Bilingual in Spanish and English, with exceptional communication skills and a strong ability to lead diverse teams toward achieving organizational goals.
Timeline
Chief of Staff, Chief Legal Counsel & Alternate Governor’s Authorized Representative
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3)
08.2022 - Current
Closeout Director
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3)
10.2021 - 07.2022
Senior Legal Advisor
Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF)
12.2020 - 10.2021
Deputy Legal Counsel
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3)
01.2020 - 12.2020
Attorney
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3)
02.2019 - 12.2019
Attorney
Attorney at Law, Sebastián Batista Bustelo, Esq.
08.2018 - 01.2019
Disaster Assistance Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
12.2017 - 07.2018
Attorney
Espada, Miñana & Pedroza Law Offices
07.2017 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Criminal Justice -
University of Puerto Rico
J.D. -
Pontificial Catholic University of Puerto Rico
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