Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Kelli Williams

Columbia

Summary

Organized and dedicated administrative and security professional with multifaceted military and international development experience. Skilled in personnel security and industrial security operations, including clearance investigations, cross-departmental coordination, and sensitive information management. Proven ability to streamline processes, enhance compliance, and improve operational efficiency. Holds an active Top Secret security clearance and seeks to grow expertise and advance within industrial security.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Personnel Security Specialist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
03.2024 - Current
  • Independently manages assigned clearance investigations for Secret and Top Secret cases, driving each ticket from initiation to resolution for new hires and existing staff, while proactively identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and improve compliance.
  • Evaluates and provides authoritative guidance on SF-86, SF-86C, and related clearance documentation; proactively advises staff to ensure accurate, complete, and compliant submissions to DCSA.
  • Oversees and optimizes the development, accuracy, and long-term maintenance of cleared staff personnel security (PERSEC) records, while leveraging multiple enterprise tools such as ServiceNow, SIMS, AIVI Self-Reporting Tool, DISS, SharePoint, OnGuard, LiveScan, to streamline workflows and reporting.
  • Counsels employees on complex government requirements for self-reporting, establishing procedures that strengthen compliance under the continuous vetting program.
  • Serves as primary liaison to DCSA, interpreting evolving policies, and driving organizational compliance with self-reporting mandates.
  • Develops and leads comprehensive project plans, schedules, and status reporting for PERSEC initiatives; aligns laboratory-wide practices with federal standards from NISPOM, DoD directives and recommends adjustments for efficiency and compliance.
  • Partners directly with APL’s TSX department to streamline onboarding security processes; lead efforts that improve cycle time, strengthen compliance, and enhance the overall experience for new hires from pre-onboarding through Day 1 and beyond.

Operations and Admin Deputy Manager

Dexis Consulting Group
03.2023 - 03.2024
  • Led the development and execution of Operations team workplans, managing time-sensitive initiatives and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Partnered with project teams and senior leadership to refine and implement cross-departmental policies, processes, and strategic initiatives that improved operational efficiency.
  • Directed Operations and Quality Management System (QMS) functions, producing monthly corporate and project management reports and ensuring adherence to organizational standards.
  • Enhanced corporate knowledge management by improving intranet functionality and implementing knowledge-sharing practices to strengthen organizational effectiveness.
  • Oversaw corporate-level procurements and vendor management, negotiating agreements and ensuring cost-effective, high-quality service delivery.
  • Managed and resolved Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) requests for former Afghanistan project staff, collaborating with Governance and HR to ensure compliance and timely resolution of complex cases.
  • Served as facility administrator, overseeing security access protocols for staff and vendors, and implementing improvements to strengthen facility operations.
  • Managed executive, operations, and International SOS expense reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payments through the Online Accounts Payable system.
  • Planned and coordinated corporate events, leading logistics and execution to foster organizational culture and stakeholder engagement.

Office Administrator

Panagora Group
12.2020 - 03.2023
  • Delivered cross-functional operational and HR support, proactively driving task and project completion across multiple teams to ensure organizational objectives were met.
  • Partnered with executive leadership to design and execute corporate events, aligning logistics with strategic goals and enhancing employee engagement.
  • Streamlined supply chain and inventory management for office and IT resources by forecasting needs, implementing just-in-time ordering, and ensuring efficient allocation of materials.
  • Implemented a hybrid work initiative, piloting and deploying a desk booking system that increased office presence by 25% within one year and improved workspace utilization.
  • Analyzed and reported on exit interview trends, translating data insights into actionable recommendations that informed leadership decisions on organizational change and retention strategies.
  • Led elements of the new-hire onboarding process, coordinating executive orientations, overseeing benefits administration, and ensuring compliance and accuracy in personnel records management.

Petty Officer Third Class

United States Navy
07.2015 - 07.2020
  • Directed daily administrative operations for the base housing unit, ensuring seamless coordination of services and compliance with organizational policies.
  • Leveraged JPAS to independently validate security clearances for all unit visitors and contractors, safeguarding mission readiness and access control.
  • Maintained and safeguarded personnel records, while providing high-level administrative and clerical support to senior leadership to optimize decision-making.
  • Performed technical maintenance and troubleshooting on hydraulic steam catapult systems aboard an aircraft carrier, ensuring system reliability and mission success.
  • Delivered armed security operations for over 3,500 personnel aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, protecting assets, enforcing security protocols, and mitigating risk in high-stakes environments.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Cybersecurity

American Military University
11.2026

High School Diploma - undefined

Atholton High School
Columbia, MD

Skills

  • Project Management & Process Coordination in HR and Operations
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office & Security Clearance Systems
  • Developed skillset within the DoD and International Development sectors
  • Analytical Problem Solving & Risk Assessment
  • Compensation, Benefits, & Onboarding Administration
  • Cross-Department Collaboration & Effective Communication

Timeline

Personnel Security Specialist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
03.2024 - Current

Operations and Admin Deputy Manager

Dexis Consulting Group
03.2023 - 03.2024

Office Administrator

Panagora Group
12.2020 - 03.2023

Petty Officer Third Class

United States Navy
07.2015 - 07.2020

High School Diploma - undefined

Atholton High School

Bachelor of Arts - Cybersecurity

American Military University

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