Mark Barner Email & Phone Number

Denver, Colorado, United States

Serves as Director of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, State Systems Office (SSO). Leads and supports a team of high performing staff in their monitoring and oversight responsibilities for the Advanced Planning Document (APD) process in providing Federal oversight of State agency SNAP and WIC information systems' planning, procurement, development, and implementation activities. Actively supports and pursues the achievement of FNS Priority Objectives to strengthen management operations and develop a strong and engaged workforce. Effectively manages resources, uses technology to improve program delivery and communications, and builds cross-cutting relationships to address challenges throughout the work of the SSO. Provides training, guidance, and technical assistance to support states' success. Actively engages in cross-agency and cross-departmental peer relationships to promote increased efficiency, consistent Federal policy, and improved customer service.

Denver, Co

Assigned to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, State Systems Office, Washington DC. Performs as a Management Analyst and Advanced Planning Document (APD) expert, responsible for analytical review, approval and oversight activities for all submissions by States, Territories, and regional offices. This involves working with other FNS offices, State agencies, and contractors for oversight of planning, designing, development, testing and implementation of State MIS or EBT projects; monitoring WIC and SNAP State agency planning for MIS and/or EBT development, providing guidance and advice on technical aspects of MIS or EBT systems; implementation of regulations and policy guidance; review of documents such as Requests for Proposals, contracts, service agreements, functional requirements, detailed designs, test plans, etc., provides training and technical assistance to State and other cooperating agencies; and assists in resolution of problems interfering with the delivery of program services. Reviews and recommends approval/non-approval of State initiated APDs. The APDs detail planning for new automated systems and modifications to existing systems that administer and operate FNS programs at the State level. Prepares reports and correspondence as the agency representative for the APD Oversight Committee; and maintains liaison with FNS Regional Offices concerning activities involving both the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the APD Committee meetings. Monitors FNS projects to insure conformance to the users' specifications or plan of operation as set forth in work/planning sessions, formally transmitted requirements or operating guidelines. These plans and activities may include a very high degree of complexity, and have a substantial impact on agency activities and budget considerations. Prepares monitoring reports, which accurately identify any deficiencies and recommends solutions for problem areas.

Denver, Co

USDA Food and Nutrition Service, State Systems Office, Washington DC. Performs as a Lead Management Analyst and Advanced Planning Document (APD) expert, responsible for analytical review, approval and oversight activities for all submissions by States, Territories, and regional offices. Actively supports and pursues the achievement of USDA management initiatives and acts as team lead on various projects, effectively utilizes resources, uses technology to improve program delivery and communication, and builds cross-cutting relationships to more effectively address challenges, throughout the work of the SSO. Activities include Federal oversight of State agency computer systems’ planning, procurement and project management, providing training and technical assistance. Engages in cross-agency and cross-department peer relationships to promote increased efficiency, consistent Federal policy, and improved customer service.Assists the SSO Director and guides team members in carrying out the goals of the SSO Strategic Plan. Trains, coaches and supports team members in the planning and execution of individual and team tasks. Effectively works with State agencies and coordinates with staff in the regions, in other divisions of the agency, and other federal agencies to improve outcomes, communication, and accountability in the oversight of State agency automation projects. Ensures initiatives and products are verified for accuracy in advance of submission and are appropriate for the end user. Displays an ability to identify and solve problems creatively, so that high risk situations are averted or managed. Proven awareness of strategic partnerships in development of work products, ensuring that FNS goals are met while maintaining and promoting key relationships which support consistent and effective Federal policy and guidance. Takes lead for special projects and team assignments for alignment with SSO objectives.

Denver, Colorado

Assigned to the Mountain Plains Region of USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Performs necessary duties relating to the research, design, development, testing, and implementation, etc. of assigned functional responsibilities including MIS or EBT proposals and projects. This involves working with other FNS offices, State agencies, and contractors for oversight of planning, designing, development, testing and implementation of State MIS or EBT projects; monitoring WIC State agency planning for MIS or EBT development, providing guidance and advice on technical aspects of MIS or EBT systems; implementation of regulations and policy guidance; review of documents such as Requests for Proposals, contracts, service agreements, functional requirements, detailed designs, etc., providing training and technical assistance to State and other cooperating agencies; evaluating administration and operation of programs; and assisting in resolution of problems interfering with the delivery of program services. Coordinates activities necessary for project completion, to ensure States incorporate all technical requirements and specifications related to MIS or EBT projects. These coordination activities involve a wide variety of stakeholders, both internal and external to FNS to include the retailer community, third party processors/banking entities and MIS or EBT contractors. Responds to requests for clarification of program rules and regulations and other requirements, including research, analysis, and written/oral communication of guidance. Compiles data, prepares trends analysis, identifies areas of potential concern, and proposes actions to senior and/or management staff on selected aspects of program operations using data collected from in-house sources or while on-site.

Provides built asset data analysis and training. Performs data analysis on various management information systems (MIS) utilized by Air Force Clients. Builds reports to extract data and performs data analysis on preventative maintenance and asset inventory management programs. Identifies areas of improvement by analyzing estimated hours versus actual hours spent on maintenance. Assists clients with updating program to align maintenance requirements with manufacturers specifications. Utilizes process analysis to identify areas of improvement in asset inventory management. Provides hands-on training to maintenance managers and technicians in utilizing the preventative maintenance system to achieve the most effective results to be in compliance with Air Force programs and policies. Provides reports, metrics and briefings detailing results achieved based on before client visit and after client visit analysis. Project Management Professional certification obtained in July 2009.

M.S., Information Resource Management

Activities and Societies: Sigma Iota EpsilonPublished Thesis: A Comparative Usability and End-User Satisfaction Analysis of Two GIS.

B.S, Management Studies

Education record