Kimberly N. Hamler Berry
Baker
Summary
An Disaster Recovery Specialist with over 15 years of experience in team leadership and disaster recovery. Dependable and outgoing with proven skills in recovery, housing, hazard mitigation, and community development. Excellent time management with the ability to quickly and permanently resolve problems. Team oriented with great communication skills and effective in training, motivating, and project managing. Provide extensive knowledge, experience, and technical competence in dealing with Federal regulations, specifically including the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA), the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (SRIA), and the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA), Post DR 4559 & 1607 (Hurricane Laura & Rita) , Covid 19 School Safety Grant-DR 4779,DR 4786,DR 4784, ,DR1791 and DR 1786 (hurricane Ike & Gustav and Great Flood of 2016.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
ELIGIBILITY REVIEW SPECIALIST
Insight Global(PCG)
09.2024 - 10.2024
- Assist with access applications using a proprietary software to complete application review
- Follow up on missing pieces, if any
- Review eligibility forms & verify eligibility
- Cross-check documents
- Organize tasks and files systematically
- Check for completeness and accuracy of work
- Document all processes and outcomes clearly
GRANT SPECIALIST
AG WITT, LLC
12.2022 - 08.2024
- Assisted the Client in the administration of the FEMA Public Assistance Program, or other funding streams in support of the Client’s grant recipients and sub-recipients
- Conducted a detailed reconciliation review of grant application documentation for accuracy, completeness and correctness
- Validated all data contained within the required program documents and ensure that all files are maintained in compliance with federal, state, local or tribal policies and regulations
- Developed reports and analytics
- Participated in meetings with FEMA or other agency staff and grant recipients
- Created and maintain tracking spreadsheets and databases
- Utilized automated file-sharing platforms, convert hard copy files to automated format
- Prepared and submit required reports and documentation to federal agencies in compliance with grant terms
- Developed Scope of Work (SOW) for the school Safety grant
- Completed quarterly grant reports to the Program Manager
- Ensured compliance with FEMA and State Agency PA guidelines necessary for reimbursement
- Reviewed and resolved applicant and federal Request for Information (RFI)
- Provide Technical Assistance to both applicant and sub-applicant clients on PA Procurement procedures based on 2CFR 200
- Monitored contract performance and compliance, including subcontractor agreements and deliverables
- Facilitate communication between contractors, vendors, and project teams to resolve issues and maintain project momentum
- Developed protocols to assist applicants and sub-applicants with PA compliance and close out request
- Collaborate with departmental stakeholders to understand grant requirements and objectives
- Prepared grant proposals, applications, and supporting documentation in accordance with federal guidelines and deadlines
- Evaluated and assist in the formulation, execution, and closeout of FEMA PA Emergency and Permanent Work Project Worksheets (PWs)
- This will involve expertise in cost estimating, developing detailed damage descriptions and dimensions (DDDs), technical assistance, and project scopes of work (SOW), and cost estimates (CEs)
- Evaluated and recommend potential alternate and/or improved projects
- Evaluated the appropriateness of the use of FEMA programs, including the Section 406 Public Assistance Program
- Developed a process/system to efficiently submit Federal grant applications, identify eligible projects, capture costs, prepare cost reports, reconcile invoices, and closeout projects
- Prepared first and second appeals, and arbitration, and Prepare projects for audit and respond to audit findings as requested
PREPAREDNESS OFFICER 2
GOVERNMENT OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
12.2020 - 05.2022
- Monitored and evaluate disaster program operations to ensure accountability state and federal regulations to maximize resource for survivors
- Worked with local voluntary organizations and committees
- Provided the necessary documentation for tracking the applicant progress
- Served as an advanced staff specialist on local, state and federal housing programs, and works to guide survivors and stakeholders in maximizing housing resources for individuals and communities
- Identify solutions to support the barriers/concerns that may be delaying the Permanent Housing Plan (PHP) progress
- Researched, comply and analyst data relative to specialty areas in order to maximize benefit in the utilization of federal, state and local resources
- Worked with local, state and federal resources to build housing capacity throughout vulnerable storm impacted areas within the state
- Assisted and support the State Housing Disaster Task Force on strategies and outcomes to strengthen networks and resources for utilization
- Aligned disaster preparedness and housing priorities/information with agencies and organizations to support citizens with Access and Functional Needs, and assists with guiding their recovery plan and linkages to appropriate services
- Served as catalyst to work with Federal and State partners to identify eligibility of applicants and matches resources accordingly, and advocates on their behalf
HAZARD MITIGATION -GRANT SPECIALIST/CASE MANAGER
HGA
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Participated in meetings with Grantees and sub-recipients to establish initial assessment of proposed projects and activities to explain HUD entitlement and disaster program rules and regulations
- Assisted in preparation of project descriptions and initial and final applications for funding
- Assisted Grantees and sub-recipients with compiling HUD program required documentation and complying with all HUD requirements
- Supported development of action plans, consolidated annual performance and evaluation report (CAPER), and consolidated plans
- Assisted with review and oversight of funded projects through project closeout
- Process applications, reviews supporting documentation and determine eligibility for programs
- Communicated with the applicants regarding the status of their application, requests for additional information, or problems that may arise in conjunction with the application
- Verified income, assets and liabilities by comparing and analyzing items and collateral to documentation
- Reviewed documentation and financial control information and collecting, analyzing and summarizing data
- Generated program documents and schedule closings/acknowledgment of grant award meetings
- Coordinated with applicants to resolve issues impacting previous and/or future grant disbursements
- Processed applications in accordance with Program policies, procedures, and business processes
- Supported day-to-day project management activities and other case tasks as directed
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST MHU TECHINCAL MONITOR-(LOGISITICS)
FEMA
11.2016 - 11.2019
- Reviewed completed Site Inspection Requests
- Ensured that Manufacturing Housing Support Specialists issue Site Inspection Request in HOME
- Identified available commercial and group sites within reasonable commuting distances of displaced survivors
- Coordinated permit compliance, permit fees and inspection activities
- Coordinated with electrical utility companies to activate electrical service connections for FEMA manufactured housing units
- Served as liaison between the agency and private contractors
- Conducted work performed by the contractors with the Hazard Mitigation Department
- Monitored contractors’ progress in performing tasks, compiles inspection reports and recommends contract terminations
- Monitored the installation, RFO, deactivation of Manufactured Housing Units
- Monitored microbial inspections analysis and recommendations
- Inspected ongoing contractors’ maintenance
- Continued communication with occupants to ensure satisfaction
- Compiled, organized, and maintenance all FEMA forms pertinent to Manufactured Housing Units
- Assisted in the direction and management of FEMA Corps team members daily assignments
Accounting Specialist & Logistics Coordinator
Rescar, Inc. (Exxon Mobil Corporation Baton Rouge Polyolefins)
02.2012 - 09.2016
- Implemented process improvements for greater accounting and supply chain efficiency
- Calculated discounts, percentage allocations, and credits, and negotiated payment terms with suppliers
- Verified funds received and account balances and coordinated accounts payable invoices
- Reviewed month-end balance sheets, reconciled variances, and resolved billing and invoice issues
- Maintained tank car welding and leak test certifications, and ensured compliance with AAR and Federal Railroad Administration safety and operational rules and regulations
- Managed payroll, filing, scanning, and manual and electronic data
DR-1603 GRANT CLOSE OUT ANALYST-(HMGP & PA)
Shaw Group, Inc. Office of Community Development
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Maintained compliance with federal and state rules, regulations, and procedures, particularly for grant funds
- Reviewed homeowner documentation, and submitted it for GOHSEP and FEMA approval
- Ensured excellent customer service standards and professionalism throughout the execution of all duties
- Enforced and ensured adherence to regulations governed by the Stafford Act regarding Disaster funding
- Maintained program compliance and made corrective action where necessary
- Performed monitoring and auditing activities as required
- Supported reporting requirements of the State as the grantee
- Assisted the Program Director with the delivery of the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission of the project
- Provided Technical Assistance to both applicant and sub-applicant clients on HMA Procurement procedures based on 2CFR 200
- Created and developed applicant files
- Met applicants face –to-face through site visits to collect program documentation and for the purpose of weekly project reporting metrics
- Effectively made financial determinations regarding funding and/or payouts
- Assessed applicant information to ensure sufficient compliance
- Reviewed program applications to determine program eligibility based on federal
- Assist in identifying, developing and evaluating opportunities for hazard mitigation projects to reduce or eliminate risk from future events (both Sections 404 and 406)
- Develop hazard mitigation proposals (HMPs), and if needed benefit-cost analysis (BCA), to protect damaged elements and facilities from future damage
- Prepare hazard mitigation proposals, grant applications, BCA, and other services related to the HMGP, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, and other mitigation programs
POST-KATRINA-EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST -MANUFACTURED HOUSING UNIT SUPPORT SPECIALISTS(IA)
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
01.2007 - 11.2009
- Functioned as the first point of contact for the Gulf Coast Recovery Formaldehyde Project
- Managed daily workflow processes, and provided internal and external technical and customer support
- Tracked work orders through completion, and escalated issues as needed
- Prepared paperwork and work orders, and assisted in applicant deployment
- Conducted physical interior and exterior inspections of damage dwellings
- Specifically list of all disaster related losses and photograph damaged property
- Verified ownership and occupancy
- Monitored the installation, RFO, deactivation of Manufactured Housing Units
- Monitored microbial inspections analysis and recommendations
- Inspected ongoing contractors’ maintenance
- Continued communication with occupants to ensure satisfaction
- Compiled, organized, and maintenance all FEMA forms pertinent to Manufactured Housing Units
- Assisted in the direction and management of FEMA Corps team members daily assignments
- Support community relations functions and outreach, and support efforts to provide disaster survivors with guidance on eligibility and the application process for Federal, State, and local assistance programs
- Work as an advocate of disaster survivors and bring to the attention of FEMA any misunderstandings or problems an applicant may have involving any aspect of eligibility, funding, or the programs in general
- Provide technical assistance related to all aspects of Federally-funded shelter and housing or home repair programs, including IHP Programs (Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Rental Assistance, Direct Temporary Housing Assistance, and Permanent Housing Construction), Sheltering and Temporary Power (STEP), and HUD Disaster Housing Assistance Programs
POST KATRINA- DOCUMENT CONTROL SPECIALIST
CH2M HILL, (HKA Enterprises Inc)
09.2005 - 12.2006
- Managed day-to-day work flow processes
- Resolved and document all escalated applicant inquires and/or expedited requests
- Primary Point of contact for IA(Individual Assistance) departments leads
- Responsible for the management of data and control of in-house and contractor document deliverables, utilizing the electronic document management systems
- Tracked and expedited documentation
- Performed the Document Control function within the validated Master Control system
- Responsible for coordinating document change orders (DCO), facilitates review, approval, and retention of Risk Management documents
- Converted existing documents into the standard format as needed
- Reviewed document content with associated documents to ensure accuracy and alignment
- Created and maintain appropriate files and reports in support of these initiatives
- Reviewed new documents (procedures, work instructions, standard work, Control Plans for compliance, assign control numbers, update revision history and upload into the document control system (SAP)
Education
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
University of Phoenix
Baton Rouge, LA01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Criminal Justice
Southern University A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA01.2005
Skills
- Procurement
- Logistics Management
- Customer Service
- Project Outreach & Development
- Emergency Management
- Account Payables
- Individual Assistance
- Training and Professional Development
- Public Speaking & Presentations
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
- Public Assistance
- IS-100,200,700&800
- MS Office Suite
- IBM
- MAC
- Windows
- Quick books
- TWIC
- OSHA
- SAP
- Citrix Payroll System
- SharePoint
- Adobe
- Peachtree
- EMGRANTS PRO
- NEMIS
- LAHMG
- FRATTS
- WIP
Timeline
ELIGIBILITY REVIEW SPECIALIST
Insight Global(PCG)
09.2024 - 10.2024
GRANT SPECIALIST
AG WITT, LLC
12.2022 - 08.2024
PREPAREDNESS OFFICER 2
GOVERNMENT OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
12.2020 - 05.2022
HAZARD MITIGATION -GRANT SPECIALIST/CASE MANAGER
HGA
01.2020 - 12.2020
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST MHU TECHINCAL MONITOR-(LOGISITICS)
FEMA
11.2016 - 11.2019
Accounting Specialist & Logistics Coordinator
Rescar, Inc. (Exxon Mobil Corporation Baton Rouge Polyolefins)
02.2012 - 09.2016
DR-1603 GRANT CLOSE OUT ANALYST-(HMGP & PA)
Shaw Group, Inc. Office of Community Development
01.2010 - 12.2011
POST-KATRINA-EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST -MANUFACTURED HOUSING UNIT SUPPORT SPECIALISTS(IA)
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
01.2007 - 11.2009
POST KATRINA- DOCUMENT CONTROL SPECIALIST
CH2M HILL, (HKA Enterprises Inc)
09.2005 - 12.2006
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Criminal Justice
Southern University A&M College
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