Donna Bethge
Millersville
Summary
Dynamic program specialist with proven success in grant administration, budget justification, and policy development, driving impactful health promotion initiatives and funding strategies. Successfully managed multi-state grants, ensuring compliance and enhancing outcomes through innovative solutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Analyst, OHIC
Administration for Community Living, HHS
Washington
10.2024 - Current
- Managed a portfolio of grants spanning five states for three Medicare assistance programs: State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Program (MIPPA).
- Ensured proper utilization of Federal cooperative agreement funds, provided technical assistance, and tracked compliance with required grant reporting.
- Assessed grantee program challenges, and developed innovative solutions to enhance outcomes.
- Coordinated efforts with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to enhance support for Region 3 Medicare program grantees.
- Operationalized Program Funding Plan by drafting funding forecasts and Notices of Funding Opportunity for federal grants to be awarded in each state for Medicare assistance programs. Oversaw an equitable merit review process for applications received, and compiled grant award recommendations. Completed all actions required for successful grant award.
- Oversaw coordination of logistics for national New Director Training meeting and National Training Conference serving grantees from all 50 states.
- Secured Contract Officer Representative certification and managed Logistics contract for national training meetings.
Program Specialist, ONHPP
Administration of Community Living, HHS
Washington
10.2020 - 10.2024
- Served as Subject Matter Expert for Falls Prevention program with $7.5M annual budget.
- Drafted annual federal budget justification, synthesized data, and addressed Congressional inquiries on program impact.
- Developed funding plans aligning with departmental objectives and maximizing impact of health promotion programs.
- Expanded Falls Prevention program awareness through strategic implementation and partnership development.
- Managed National Falls Prevention Resource Center, ensuring data collection and resources remained accessible.
- Led planning for National Falls Prevention Summit 2024, recruiting experts and coordinating diverse stakeholder participation.
- Collaborated with multiple federal agencies to enhance awareness and leverage resources for Falls Prevention initiatives.
- Managed portfolio of grants across Falls Prevention, Chronic Disease Self-Management Education, and Nutrition Innovations. Ensured proper utilization of Federal funds from Notice of Award through closeout report. Evaluated program challenges and developed innovative solutions to enhance outcomes.
Program Specialist
Baltimore County Department of Aging
Baltimore
01.2020 - 09.2020
- Supported Program Coordinator in delivering evidence-based health promotion programs in Baltimore County and senior centers, including AMP, SO, CDSMP, and DSMP.
- Researched and cultivated partnerships with community locations to enhance program implementation for older adults.
- Finalized course content, scheduled guest experts, facilitated registration process, and prepared necessary materials for program execution.
- Drafted contracts and memorandums of agreement to formalize partnerships, serving as liaison between Department of Aging and community contacts.
Program Specialist
Calvert County Office on Aging
Prince Frederick
03.2011 - 09.2018
- Organized specialized activities within County programs for older adults, enhancing educational and recreational offerings.
- Implemented physical fitness programs tailored to participants, including special populations, while evaluating program effectiveness.
- Joined forces with Aging Division team to promote awareness and increase participation in state and federally funded programs for older adults such as State Health Insurance Program, SMP, and tax preparation.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of regulations and policies to ensure compliance with administration protocols.
- Oversaw development and management of program contracts to deliver essential services for senior population.
- Managed a team of four staff members, overseeing programming, office support, staff training, and food service operations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Organizational Management
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KYSkills
- Program management
- Budget justification
- Policy development
- Grant administration
- Data synthesis
- Funding allocation
Timeline
Program Analyst, OHIC
Administration for Community Living, HHS
10.2024 - Current
Program Specialist, ONHPP
Administration of Community Living, HHS
10.2020 - 10.2024
Program Specialist
Baltimore County Department of Aging
01.2020 - 09.2020
Program Specialist
Calvert County Office on Aging
03.2011 - 09.2018
Bachelor of Science - Business Organizational Management
Northern Kentucky University