Halena Graham
Laurel
Summary
Results-oriented Administrative Specialist skilled in recruitment strategies and policy writing. Enhanced organizational effectiveness through strong communication and personnel management. Implemented compliance oversight measures that improved efficiency in administrative processes and strengthened interdepartmental relationships.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative Specialist
Department of Homeland Security
Bolling AFB
01.2025 - 10.2025
- Executed administrative programs for the Office, enhancing recruitment, staffing, onboarding, purchase card management, training coordination, asset management, facilities management, and procurement processes.
- Analyzed, developed, and implemented internal administrative policies, procedures, and management processes of the Office through independent reviews, coordination with internal and external offices, and research and analysis.
- Consulted with management on administrative programs and assessed business needs and requests.
- Researched management and administrative issues, informing strategies for hiring initiatives and property inventory management.
Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Placement)
Veterans Benefits Administration-HRC Denver
Denver
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Advised on recruitment, placement, position classification, and management aligned with Strategic Human Capital Plan (SHCP), supporting organizational goals.
- Oversaw civilian personnel actions, ensuring compliance with regulations and organizational standards.
- Applied qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to identify and address workforce issues, enhancing organizational effectiveness.
- Applied OPM pay setting policies for pay situations regarding highest previous rate, special salary rate, movement from one pay system to another, and movement from one geographic location to another.
- Utilized an automated personnel system such as HR Connect, Monster Hiring Management, USA Staffing.
Administrative Specialist
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Government National Mortgage Association, Ginnie Mae
Washington
04.2023 - 10.2023
- Prepared and maintained employment records for hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, and promotions using human resources management system software to support organizational staffing needs.
- Managed and tracked activities, deadlines, and responsibilities for special projects to ensure timely completion.
- Posted vacancy announcements on agency's LinkedIn to attract qualified candidates.
Administrative Officer
Food and Drug Administration
Silver Spring
09.2021 - 04.2023
- Advised management on administrative processes (e.g. correspondence management, procurement, purchasing, and travel).
- Executed administrative functions for training, time and attendance, and procurement.
- Prepared travel authorizations and travel vouchers in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations mandated by Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Guided staff on complex international and domestic travel entitlements, ensuring compliance and clarity in travel policies.
- Provided employees with guidance on work-related and administrative issues to enhance their understanding and performance.
- Identified and recommended methods to improve operational efficiency, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Independently responsible for planning and organizing a variety of projects that met the organization needs for manpower reports and assignments.
- Maintained effective working relationships inside and outside the immediate organization.
- Contributed insights to management decisions in assigned program areas, enhancing decision-making processes.
- Demonstrated leadership through participation in activities, which promoted and supported a collaborative environment.
- Awarded two awards for providing exemplary leadership and commitment to the program mission of the Oncology Program Operations and the Oncology Center of Excellence for fiscal year 2022.
Program Support Specialist
Food and Drug Administration
Silver Spring
06.2020 - 09.2021
- Applied analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to complex issues concerning efficiency and effectiveness of program operations.
- Applied analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature.
- Interpreted pertinent laws, regulations, policies, and precedents which affected the use of program and related support resources in organizations.
- Conducted interviews with supervisors and employees to gather insights on organizational missions, functions, and work procedures to inform program improvements.
- Delivered comprehensive office management and operational support to senior executives, including planning, organizing, and coordinating administrative functions such as correspondence, reports, and travel logistics.
- Managed calendars to facilitate meeting arrangements and effectively resolve scheduling conflicts.
- Prepared travel authorizations and travel vouchers in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations mandated by Health and Human Services (HHS).
Secretary
Defense Commissary Agency
Charleston
05.2018 - 06.2020
- Coordinated communication between commissary and customer service representatives to resolve payroll issues efficiently.
- Received telephone calls, greeted visitors and determined where callers/visitors/inquiries should be directed.
- Ensured the proper in-processing of new employees and out-process of departing employees.
- Resolved employee personnel issues as the liaison between the commissary and HRSP.
- Worked with assigned staffing specialist to complete the steps necessary to fill store-level positions.
- Oriented new employees and kept them informed on personnel status changes, information, and regulations regarding administrative procedures.
- Managed service call back and hurricane rosters for efficient operations.
- Purchased various equipment, supplies, and services through the use of a purchase card.
- Addressed shipment, payment, and other discrepancies to support procurement programs and ensure operational continuity.
- Monitored purchase requests and active and delinquent invoices, and processes receipts.
- Answered management questions, regarding the availability of candidates.
- Developed and implemented a document workflow system to streamline access to commonly used administrative forms for employees.
- Received a 5.0 performance rating of excellence, in providing stellar customer service within the areas of human resources and administrative support for the 2019 appraisal period.
Program Specialist
Food and Drug Administration
Silver Spring
04.2014 - 07.2017
- Coordinated travel arrangements, managed leadership's calendar, and utilized automation systems to streamline correspondence processes.
- Planned and coordinated travel, accommodations and transportation for senior officials and special guests.
- Created comprehensive travel folders for each traveler, including necessary documents and responsibilities, ensuring compliance with the FTR (Federal Travel Regulation).
- Collaborated with senior officials on management and meeting planning, coordinated policy activities, analyzed logistical issues, and recommended solutions to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Tracked pending action items and confirmed staff responsibilities and timelines for completion.
- Reviewed employee time and attendance leave requests to ensure accuracy and alignment with the Agency policies and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
- Developed internal operating procedures to ensure efficiency and consistency with administrative and office procedures.
- Quarterly received outdated accountable property and disposed of them in accordance with FDA's Property regulations.
- Received QSI (Quality Step Increase) for the 2016 Performance Year for outstanding performance within my administrative office.
Skills
- HR systems utilization
- Personnel administration
- Payroll and benefits administration
- Recruitment strategies
- Compliance oversight
- Policy writing
- Budget management
- Risk assessment
- Task coordination
- Client support
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Personnel management
Timeline
Administrative Specialist
Department of Homeland Security
01.2025 - 10.2025
Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Placement)
Veterans Benefits Administration-HRC Denver
10.2023 - 03.2024
Administrative Specialist
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Government National Mortgage Association, Ginnie Mae
04.2023 - 10.2023
Administrative Officer
Food and Drug Administration
09.2021 - 04.2023
Program Support Specialist
Food and Drug Administration
06.2020 - 09.2021
Secretary
Defense Commissary Agency
05.2018 - 06.2020
Program Specialist
Food and Drug Administration
04.2014 - 07.2017