Bryan Knowles Email & Phone Number

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Partner with and provide strategic guidance and advice to the Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO) and Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration (ASA) concerning all facets of human resources (HR) and personnel management across the Department. Direct and coordinate high priority, strategic initiatives, audits, and projects involving multiple divisions on behalf of senior leadership to address operational challenges and realize efficiencies.Acted in senior position providing strategic guidance and advice to the CHCO, ASA, and DASA concerning human capital policies, programs, and operational aspects across USDA.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

As Principal Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the National Finance Center (NFC), provided expert guidance on human capital management, performance management, labor and employee relations, statutory compliance, agency litigation, and sensitive personnel issues for OCFO, which is comprised of four component organizations employing approximately 1,250 staff dispersed across New Orleans, LA; Kansas City, MO; Ft. Worth, TX; and Washington, DC.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

As Director of the Employee and Labor Relations Division (ELRD) and senior leadership member of the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM), administered HR policies across USDA under the direction of the CHCO. Supervised a team of 15 specialists with a $2.6 million budget and directed delivery of operational services, including employee relations (ER), labor relations (LR), and litigation representation, to Staff Offices comprising 5,000 employees. Provided overall Departmental leadership and policy development for employee and labor relations units across USDA, ultimately impacting 95,000 employees.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Term-limited appointment to Senior Executive Service reporting to the CHCO and advising the ASA and Office of the Secretary on impacts of Sequestration. • Led the creation of USDA-wide administrative furlough policy; advised agency leaders and HR officers regarding statutory requirements for furloughing employees in “lapse in appropriation” and “save money” scenarios. Tracked identified impacted workforces and calculated durations of furloughs necessitated by funding shortfalls.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

During temporary detail, maintained programmatic operations during time of transition with departure of two division directors and addition of new functional responsibilities. • Led the daily operations of employee and labor relations services on matters related to conduct, performance management, and collective bargaining. Advised the CHCO concerning the visibility, benefits, and importance of robust ER and LR programs and devised plan to consolidate the disciplines into one division.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Prepared legal memoranda on topics including Foreign Service Grievance Board process and jurisdiction, impact and implementation bargaining of VERA/VSIP opportunities, petitions for representation and unit clarification, and resolving Fair Labor Standards Act violations. Performed AHRs of CBAs negotiated by agencies and unions. Staffed the Deputy Secretary and USDA executives at monthly National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations meetings; served on OPM groups; and wrote submission for report to the President on the efficacy of 5 U.S.C. § 7106(b)(1) bargaining pilot programs.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Negotiated CBAs and MOUs with federal agencies and developed effective working rapports with agency staff and senior management to reach agreements. Provided technical advice and counsel to union chapters; represented the union in arbitration hearings before third party neutrals, which involved oral argument and post-hearing briefs; and engaged in motions practice before the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Analyzed proposed federal regulations and drafted comments for OPM’s consideration in the administrative rule making process.

High School Diploma

Doctor Of Law - Jd

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, English And History