Melissa M. Rhoad, P.M.P., C.L.I., C.L.A. mrhoad@austin.rr.

com (512)773-2163
4/19/2012 8:45:28 AM Planner for the State of Texas, in Austin with more than five years of experience and relevant education
and experience investigator, paralegal, accounting specialist, marketing and customer service seeking career position with the Urban Design Division for the City of Austin, Texas. Recent successes include the completion of a project to develop the content and structure coordinating and documenting Division planning projects for statewide transportation planning and communications. Project benefits included reliable, easy to follow, content and structure standards (data models) designed to meet regulatory compliance for the purposes of timely submission, review, approval, execution oversight by key stakeholders for the purpose of ensuring continued public support and funding.

Core-Competencies
Project Management * Project Planning, Development and Implementation * Scope Review and Compliance * Plan Evaluation * Prioritize Criteria and Evaluate Plans, Proposals and Budgets * Draft Work Plans, Policies, Procedures * Professional Communications * Assist and Attend Public Speaking & Outreach Events * Task Coordination * Legal Research & Drafting * Interpret and Explain Complex Issues * Create & Deliver Presentations

Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Technology - cum laude, Minor in Marketing UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON - CENTRAL CAMPUS - Houston, TX Post Baccalaureate in General Legal Studies - (Certified Legal Assistant) cum laude UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO - San Diego, CA

Certifications
Project Management Professional Certification | Project Management Institute Certified Lawyers Assistant | American Bar Association Accredited Center for Paralegal Training Certified Licensure Investigator | Council on Certified Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation

Software Skills
Windows XP & 7 * Various Mainframe Apps * MS Office Suites 2003 & 2010 * MS SharePoint * MS Project * MS PowerPoint * Adobe Acrobat for Professionals * Internet *

Recent Professional Experience

2011 to Now WILDFIRE RECOVERY & RESTORATION Responsible for various legal, contract, finance, and administrative activities and tasks for non-profit projects on a temporary basis. Coordinated funding, purchasing, and construction activities with insurer, various building contractors, public and private service providers, volunteers, and sales personnel. Researched information as needed, including contracts, design guides, and specifications. Reviewed analyzed data to discover patterns and/or discrepancies to obtain clarification and complete projects within scope, as specified.

2005 to 2011 TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - Increasingly responsible for coordinating administrative compliance activities for transportation planning projects, work plans, estimated and actual budgets and activities for funding applications, approvals, and reporting to the Planning Division of the Federal Highway Administration, for the purpose of securing state and federal funding for an average of $70 million/annually. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Planner IV - Mar 2007- Dec 2010 - Implemented effective project management tools that reduced project plan production time by 30% for the annual submission and federally approved grant application, while minimizing level of effort by more than 50% for participants needed to coordinate, compile, and deliver annual program plans and reports. Planner III - Feb 2006-Feb 2007 - Simplified understanding of prioritized issues through development and establishment of relevant reference briefs relating federal funding compliance for various entities by applying information mapping methods. Planner II - Jun 2005-Feb 2006 - Provided prompt assistance in editing and drafting work program reports' content and organization for submission and approval of substantial federal aid for statewide planning projects. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: Developed operating procedures for specific program administrative compliance. Assisted in developing division/section budget. Interpreted/explained/enforced policies & procedures, codes, specifications, ordinances, etc.

Earlier Work Experience

2003-2005 TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES Austin, TX Investigator III - Performed, documented, reported, and presented investigations and preliminary conclusions as requested by regulatory boards and committees, for 19 professional licensing programs relating to alleged administrative violations. Attended board, and various meetings to provide relevant advice and assistance, as needed. Investigated complaints to determine validity. Researched information as requested &/or needed. Represented employer through public speaking and presentations before various groups. 1994-2002 OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (and Contract Temp.) - Austin, TX Legal Assistant (Paralegal) I & II and Investigator III - Performed general financial litigation support, including researching state and federal laws, regulations, and court procedures along with drafting legal documents, maintaining official records, and meeting tight deadlines. Researched information as requested &/or needed Wrote/draft legal documents, i.e., contracts, pleadings, motions, amendments, orders, etc 1991-1994 UNIVERSITY AND STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION San Diego, CA Accounting Specialist & Information Specialist Consistently met several daily Federal Reserve deadlines for electronic reporting. Specialized in ACH, ATM and checking daily exception resolution and reconciliation; researched central files upon branch and member requests; resolved ad hoc operational issues with integrity, reliability and accuracy.

.Melissa Rhoad.doc Page 2