At the United States Digital Service (USDS), we partner with public servants across government to address complex challenges and deliver better, more accessible services for the people. We work collaboratively across multiple agencies to reimagine systems and processes, bringing forward best practices from a diverse range of disciplines, including engineering, product, design, procurement, data science, operations, talent, and communications.Key Projects & Impact supported: • Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) ModernizationPartnered with the Bureau of Consular Affairs to enhance the visa application process through an extensive assessment of the CEAC system. Led cross-functional research and analysis to identify improvements in applicant experience, streamline visa processes, and support modernization strategies for legacy technology. • Online Passport Renewal (OPR)Served on a cross functional team on a groundbreaking project to move passport renewals online, enhancing access and convenience for applicants nationwide. This initiative streamlined traditionally paper-based steps, reduced processing times, and improved overall accessibility for U.S. citizens. • Maternity Mental Health InitiativeSpearheaded efforts to expand mental health support for maternity patients, collaborating with healthcare providers and policy experts. This project created a robust network of resources to support mothers and families, addressing a critical need in accessible maternal mental health care.Our team at USDS is driven by a mission to bring the best of technology, innovation, and service to the public sector. Through agile methods, user-centered design, and collaboration, we strive to create government services that are efficient, impactful, and truly meet the needs of the people.

Led an innovative team of federal professionals dedicated to addressing critical cross-agency workforce gaps through advanced training concepts and methodologies. Crafted program experiences with a human-centered design approach, integrated into a comprehensive, year-long curriculum that equipped high-performing GS-15 employees with the skills, mentorship, leadership development, and career growth opportunities essential for advancing to Federal Senior Executive (SES) roles. Provided coaching and mentoring to senior GS leaders across government, focusing on employee and organizational development to enhance their fellowship experience and professional impact. Built partnerships across industry, NGOs, and government to address leadership challenges and foster opportunities for future federal leaders.

Leads educational, executive development and training programs on critical CXO management topics across the federal government providing inter-agency awareness for upcoming leaders. Developed by the federal executive councils, the CXO Fellowship Director provides cross-function leadership growth to federal employees considered next generation of mission-support leaders in government. The CXO Fellowship is an interagency development opportunity for high-performing federal employees in the CAO, CFO, CHCO, and CIO functions of agencies across government. The program is meant to provide fellows exposure to the federal C-suite and gain cross-agency perspective.

Bontrager oversees the success of Blue Star Families Career Programs. Managing a team who designs, implements and evaluates efforts related to Blue Star Families Careers initiatives. This includes SpouseForce, an 8 week Salesforce Admin training for military spouses and wrap around services. (BSF) new Community Careers program which includes,engaging military spouses through outreach, referrals, job placement, building and maintaining partnerships with nonprofits, corporations and government entities in the local community. The Career program also provides national networking events bringing the community and career minded military spouses together to help support building networks for military spouses. All work is driven towards the goal of closing the unemployment and underemployment gap that military spouses experience.

Cultivated relationship with 28 leading companies that committed to hiring Military Spouses. Companies included are: Arise, Adecco, CVS Health, HGS, Kelly Services, Manpower and Volt. Worked with leads in the companies to developed and increase their military spouse hiring initiatives. Supported them with marketing job openings as well as developing strategic plans that would increase their reach to the military spouse population. In addition worked with 26 Military installations in the Southeast region to support their career fair initiatives and build awareness of job openings in their local area, in addition to telework opportunities that meet the needs of the military spouse lifestyle.

The position serves as a Liaison between the Installation Manager and Contract Manager in monitoring the successful implementation of the Army Career and Alumni Program at the Installation level. Performed Trend analyses of data related to meeting the needs of transitioning Soldiers and family members with the implementation of the VOW Act 2011.Collected and analyzed quantitative data to provide to Brigade Command teams. This resulted in information that allowed Commands teams to react and meet timeliness standers set by IMCOM. In addition, developed a strategy to work with command teams at the company level which resulted in timeliness for units to climb from 40% to 85% in a 5 month period.

Played a key leadership role in assessing the need among military families and how the organization effectively can reach Military families that have children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Conducted qualitative research,and developed marketing plans geared toward findings at: Fort Benning, Fort Hood, Fort Campbell, Camp Lejeune, and Fort Stewart. Created a "roadmap" for families on how to navigate the process of getting coverage by Tricare. Developed and foster relationships with key military leaders, community leaders’ advocacy organizations, and parent groups at each military installation in region. Through these efforts was able to increase the client base by 125% within the first 4 months of being in the position. Cultivated relationships with private donors leading to a large grant that served the local community. In addition, assisted with marketing efforts for the organizations CFC campaign resulting in pledges of more than $53,000 in 2010.Developed and Directed Salute to Safety, an event for local first responders to interact with children that have special needs. Families were also able to learn safety tips to keeping their children safe. Each year the event had over 100 attendees. (3 years running.)

As a ACS Mobilization and Deployment Specialist worked under the Army Community Services (ACS) Division chief for the Fort Benning Community. Responsibilities include creating, managing and executing programs that improve the welfare of the Fort Benning military community. Created Family Assistance Plans, implemented and administered support services, and provide premobilization and predeployment services. Instructed, Point of Contact and Family Readiness Leader training. Briefed units prior to deployment, and during redeployment. Strived to ensure families affected by deployment were aware and able to access resources during the deployment cycle. Developed workshops geared towards resources that the Fort Benning community offered.