Jenna Michalik

Senior Grant Manager

Professional Profile

Versatile and results-driven professional with 11 years of experience managing projects related to disaster recovery, federal grants management, FEMA Public Assistance, and residential housing assistance. Creditable history of achievements in directing high performance cross-functional teams, streamlining recovery processes, and driving projects to successful completion. Possess immense knowledge of federal disaster assistance program regulations and guidelines coupled with exceptional analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and research skills. Wide range of hands-on experience (9+ years) managing complex operations in all phases of the FEMA PA Program. Highly flexible and adaptable to new environments, presiding over various roles across numerous federal disasters.

Representative Projects

Guidehouse, Boston, MA (Remote) ­– Mar 2022 to Jan 2024
Advanced FEMA Support Specialist
(PA Policy Expert)

• Delivered advanced FEMA PA technical assistance and disaster recovery consulting services for Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) during DR-4496-MA COVID-19 Pandemic response. Collaborated with MEMA Reimbursement & Documentation Unit team to achieve obligation of funds for over 250 projects surpassing more than $1.2 billion dollars.
  
• Conducted regulatory compliance reviews on FEMA PA COVID-19 Project Applications prior to submission, validating all documentation strictly adheres to Stafford Act, 44 CFR, 2 CFR Part 200, and COVID specific policies.
  
• Completed MEMA closeout reviews for previously obligated projects to ensure audit readiness, identifying and eliminating compliance and eligibility issues in preparation for VAYGO improper payment testing and FEMA final closeout reconciliation.
  
• Facilitated meetings with MEMA RDU Applicants to address identified risks and resolve policy inquiries. Devised risk mitigation strategies to correct and eliminate outstanding issues and improve future project development.
  
• Executed reliable and comprehensive financial system audits for large-complex Applicants, including state agencies, healthcare systems, and private non-profit (PNP) organizations, evaluating records and transactions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established policies and procedures.
  
• Achieved 100% data validation of Applicant provided documentation, verifying calculations, and comparing data with external sources to identify any errors, discrepancies, or irregularities and to affirm the reliability of information.
  
• Reviewed COVID-19 Project Applications for potential duplication of benefits with CARES Act funding, patient care revenue, and insurance proceeds. Evaluated Applicant-provided medical payment reduction methods, confirming all data and analysis elements meet FEMA HSOAC (RAND) requirements and are considered reasonable.

Vanguard Inspection Services, New Orleans, LA – Aug 2021 to Dec 2021­
FEMA Disaster Housing Inspector

• Provided advanced disaster housing inspection services as a consultant for the FEMA Individuals and Households Program (IHP) during DR-4611-LA Hurricane Ida.
  
• Completed residential damage assessments, submitting accurate and detailed reports for real and personal property items eligible for FEMA assistance utilizing ACE4 software.
  
• Strategically engaged in planning and organizing interviews with grant applicants while determining ownership, occupancy, and insurance verification aimed at validating eligibility.

Hagerty Consulting, Pasadena, CA – Mar 2019 to Aug 2021
FEMA Public Assistance Program Delivery Manager (PDMG) 

• Provided expert disaster recovery and project management consulting services for California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to support state-led recovery operations for DR-4407-CA California Wildfires and DR-4431-CA Severe Winter Storms and Flooding.
  
• Administered the development and management of $8+ million dollars in federal grant applications eligible for FEMA PA Hazard Mitigation (HMGP) funding for Los Angeles and Riverside County.
  
• Facilitated Recovery Scoping Meetings with Applicants, devising comprehensive work plans to establish clear timelines, objectives, and performance expectations. Strategically collaborated with Applicants to develop long-term recovery goals based on individual needs and capabilities.
  
• Served as the key liaison for Applicants, providing superior customer service and program policy guidance throughout each phase of the delivery process, ensuring efficient and accurate project development.
  
• Conducted regulatory compliance reviews on Applicant provided financial documentation, including force account payroll, invoices, purchase orders, quotes, proofs of payment, and contracts. Guided Applicants to achieve maximum obligation by proposing financial reporting method enhancements to optimize efficiency and minimize compliance risks.
  
• Developed robust performance metrics system to effectively track and report Applicant progress, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the delivery process.
  
• Developed detailed, accurate, clearly written, and complete Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD), scope of work (SOW), and costs for completed work projects based on Applicant provided documentation.

Atkinson Consulting, San Juan, PR – Jul 2018 to Dec 2018
FEMA Public Assistance Program Technical Specialist and Trainer

• Managed PA field training operations for sector branch, training FEMA personnel on the New PA Delivery Model, Grants Manager and Grants Portal system, and Section 428 Public Assistance Alternative Procedures (PAAP) for DR-4339-PR Hurricane Maria.
  
• Implemented training needs assessment to evaluate skills and development levels of Project Specialist (PDMGs) utilizing a skills matrix to identify performance gaps. Devised targeted training action plans for individuals and groups based on performance needs to address identified improvement areas.
  
• Coordinated with PA Program technical specialists and subject matter experts to strategically develop performance-based training and development systems to meet operational needs and requirements.
  
• Mentored and provided one-on-one guidance to sector-based staff to increase performance levels, resulting in improved efficiency and accuracy in delivering the PA Program.
  
• Delivered classroom training for targeted improvement areas on current 428 curriculum. Utilized webinar series on topics pertinent to the operation to ensure quality training.

Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), Multiple Locations – Sep 2017 to Feb 2018
FEMA Manufactured Housing Unit Inspector         

• Promoted from Project Coordinator to manage all in-plant inspections for the FEMA Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU) program, ensuring quality control, compliance assurance, and conducting system analysis during design and manufacturing processes. Delivered quality technical support services integral in the achievement of FEMA’s objective to provide high-quality, cost-effective MHUs to disaster survivors.
  
• Led in-plant inspections and monitoring procedures for more than 300 manufactured homes at various stages of production, evaluating operations, systems, and constructions to ensure compliance with HUD 24 CFR 3280 – Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards, HUD 42 CFR 3282 – Manufactured Housing Procedural and Enforcement Regulations, Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13D standards.
  
• Reviewed approved MHU designs, quality assurance program manuals, testing protocols, product manufacturer installation procedures, and construction to evaluate manufacturer’s ability to produce FEMA compliant homes.
  
• Researched issues using existing information to the greatest extent possible regarding new technologies, products, components, and designs to determine conformance to industry standards and FEMA requirements, identifying areas of improvement and developing new requirements that lead to better, cost-effective solutions.
  
• Coordinated with production management on a consistent basis to address and communicate quality issues, making recommendations on corrective/preventive actions while devising possible solutions for mitigating future compliance issues.
  
• Analyzed data, providing written technical reports with data interpretation to designated government officials to maximize quality control.

Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), Baton Rouge, LA – Mar 2017 to Sep 2017
Project Coordinator     

• Orchestrated comprehensive building and mechanical system inspections, while managing life safety equipment within the FEMA MHU Fire Safety Tank and Pump Sprinkler System Program for DR-4277-LA Severe Storms and Flooding.
  
• Completed over 600 Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMI) for the Residential Fire Sprinkler System Tank and Pump System (TPS) units within MHUs, addressing compliance concerns and mitigating future issues.
  
• Managed diverse electrical and plumbing testing efforts to maximize and improve distribution system operations, including manual self-tests, bypass valve tests, low pressure tests, and high-pressure tests.
  
• Supervised installation procedures to verify accuracy, generating detailed maintenance and functionality reports.

Vanguard Emergency Management, Multiple Locations – Nov 2016 to Mar 2017
FEMA Disaster Housing Inspector    

• Directed housing inspections as a consultant for the FEMA Housing Inspection Services (HIS) Program across various federal disasters, including DR-4286-SC Hurricane Matthew and DR-4277-LA Severe Storms and Flooding.
  
• Inspected physical interior and exterior of damaged dwellings, drafting full-scale reports of disaster-related property and structural damages based on extensive knowledge of construction techniques.
  
• Collected and report comprehensive data for furnishings, appliances, and structural items eligible for FEMA Housing and Other Needs Assistance (ONA) by utilizing ACE4 software.
  
• Strategically engaged in planning and organizing interviews with grant applicants while determining ownership, occupancy, and insurance verification aimed at validating eligibility.
  
• Assisted supervisor with analyzing and evaluating inspection procedures, recommending areas of improvement in inspection methods and techniques, enhancing the overall quality of field operations.

Tetra Tech (Beck Disaster Recovery), Multiple Locations – Aug 2012 to Nov 2016
Disaster Debris Removal Monitoring Program Specialist     

• Administered superior technical assistance and strategic planning in order to assist state and local governments with managing and documenting debris removal operations eligible for federal funding through the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program. Fulfilled varying roles in all phases of debris management operations including debris collection, transportation, eligibility determination, segregation, staging, reduction, and final disposition.
  

• Data Manager | DR-4285-NC Hurricane Matthew

  • Led the compilation, management, and daily metric reporting of collection and disposal data overseeing quality control initiatives for documentation of debris monitors in field. Trained debris monitors on how to successfully use electronic load ticket system or Automated Debris Monitoring System (ADMS) to document debris quantities and eligibility.

• Project Coordinator | DR-4166-SC Severe Winter Ice Storm

  • Administered candidate evaluation and directed overall hiring process for over 100 local debris monitors. Managed labor and material costs associated with debris monitoring staff needed to complete documentation as necessary to substantiate FEMA PA grant funding. Project appropriated funding for 85,700 cubic yards of debris and monitored the removal of 17,895 hanging limbs and 559 leaning trees.

• Field Operations | DR-1603-LA Hurricane Katrina

  • Coordinated field operations for the FEMA funded City of New Orleans Residential Housing Demolition Program. Ensured accurate documentation of demolition, debris removal, and disposal operations and associated costs critical to verify debris activities are eligible for reimbursement, costs are reasonable, and all work and costs comply with regulatory requirements. Developed best management practices for documenting and monitoring work related to Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) collection, remediation, and disposal, ensuring all operations meet state and local EHP regulatory requirements. Project monitored demolition and debris removal operations for over 900 blighted residential structures.
    
    

• Debris Monitor | DR-4080-LA Hurricane Isaac

  • Accurately generated load tickets for right-of-way debris removal and disposal operations and certified truck hauling capacities. Designated by project management to assist field office staff, administering daily sign-in and sign-out procedures, distributing and tracking field equipment, and validating timesheets. Project successfully managed the removal and reimbursement of over 177,000 cubic yards of debris.

Education

B.S. Organizational Studies, Louisiana State University

Certifications

Active DHS Public Trust Security Clearance, FEMA Badge

FEMA PA Policy Subject Matter Expert with extensive knowledge of Stafford Act, 44 CFR, 2 CFR 200

FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Training Certifications:

IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100

IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS 200

IS-235: Emergency Planning

IS-240: Leadership and Influence

IS-241: Decision Making and Problem Solving

IS-242: Effective Communication

IS-559: Local Damage Assessment

IS-632: Introduction to Debris Operations

IS-633: Debris Management Plan Development

IS-634: Introduction to FEMA’s Public Assistance Program

IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction

IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction

IS-815: A-B-Cs of Temporary Emergency Power

IS-1000: Public Assistance Program and Eligibility

IS-1001: The Public Assistance Delivery Model Orientation

IS-1002: FEMA Grants Portal – Transparency at Every Step

IS-1003: The Exploratory Call, the Damage Inventory, and the Recovery Scoping Meeting

IS-1004: The FEMA Site Inspection Process

IS-1005: Public Assistance Alternative Procedures

IS-1006: Disaster Damage and Developing Project Files

IS-1007: Detailed Damage Description and Dimensions

IS-1008: Scope of Work Development (Scoping and Costing)

IS-1009: Conditions of the Public Assistance Grant

IS-1010: Emergency Protective Measures

IS-1011: Roads and Culverts

IS-1012: Direct Administrative Costs

IS-1013: Costing- Estimates and the Cost Estimating Format

IS-1014: Integrating 406 Mitigation Considerations into Your Public Assistance Grant

IS-1015: Insurance Considerations, Compliance, and Requirements

IS-1016: Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Considerations/Compliance for Public Assistance Grants IS-2002: Introduction to FEMA Operational Planning

IS-2200: Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions

IS-2905: Coordinating Health and Social Services Recovery

Areas of Expertise

• FEMA Disaster Assistance & Public Assistance Program
• FEMA Individuals & Households Program (IHP)
• Federal Grants Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Government Contracting
• Project Management
• Residential Damage Assessment
• Data Validation & Analysis
• Policy Analysis & Development
• Quality Assurance Auditing
• Process Improvement
• Risk Assessment and Analysis
• Training & Development