Michael Buchman Email & Phone Number

Augusta, Georgia, United States

Serves as the Military Service Business Lead for the Veterans Experience Office (VEO), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Responsible for planning, coordinating, developing and establishing enterprise-wide initiatives and programs that support Veterans and their families. Develops and communicates procedures, strategies and standards of program initiatives. Works with internal and external VA affiliated partners in identifying and documenting their business requirements. Responsible for collaborating with Information Technology (IT) resources to design and develop IT resources to address stakeholder requirements. Integrates future plans into deliberate operations and contingency planning. Establishes and maintains close and continuous liaison with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other unified and specified commands in identifying gaps of data between the DoD and VA. Determines program emphasis and operating guidelines and communicates agency policies and priorities throughout the organization. Renders technical advice and assists with the development and implementation of Special projects, policies and programs. Serves as primary lead for multiple cross-functional joint planning groups to formulate and develop special projects. Business Lead for the Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Identity Repository (VADIR), which is the authoritative source of Military Service information within VA. Responsible for resolving data quality and data sharing issues using automation resources. Directly support and report to the Health Executive Council (HEC), Benefits Executive Council (BEC), and the Joint Executive Council (JEC) as part of the Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) and collaborative initiatives between VA and DoD. Analyses and proposes new and innovative ways to resolve or improve major areas of concern or issues.

State Of Georgia And East Side Of South Carolina

Served as a Field Consultant, with an area of responsibility covering central and southeastern Georgia responsible for working with the District Veterans Experience Officer (DVEO) Relationship Manager (RM) to build and maintain meaningful relationships with and across VA facilities traveling within a designated Area of Responsibility (AOR). Further served as a lead on managing the adoption of consistent, repeatable processes and Veteran Experience-designed solutions to be implemented at VA facilities driving positive day-to-day interaction with Veterans, their family and caregivers. Represented the RM in supporting local issues for escalation and resolution across business lines to ensure that VA works together seamlessly as a cohesive organization centered on the Veteran. Identifies process improvement needs and develops best practices, project plans and proposals to address process gaps. Collaborated with the Relationship Manager to develop project and program management implementation processes to leverage best practices in order to deliver a consistent Veteran-Centered experience. Incumbent is relied upon to exercise independent judgment, design, and initiative in analyzing requirements, establishing priorities, allocating resources, and formulating recommendations for turn-key processes and/or solutions. Acted as a change management agent and communicated extensively with the field on MyVA DVEO program guidance on leveraging process improvements to best serve Veterans. Utilized retail/multi-retail experience and/or skills to provide feedback on impact of prototype/plans. Utilized industrial engineering practices to optimize the customer experience to be Veteran-Centric at VA facilities. Supported the Relationship Manager in maintaining working relationships with stakeholders holding opposing points of view and conflicting interests in facilitating the development of an improved Veteran Experience.

1550 Gadsden Street, South Carolina 29201

Administered and managed the economic development activities and marketing efforts for the State of South Carolina. Monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of various economic development programs and efforts. Researched, analyzed, coordinated, oversaw and, as required, integrated aspects of the work of others into studies of current programs and future operations to develop comprehensive and detailed strategic and long-range plans. Reviewed and evaluated economic development proposals for feasibility and funding consideration. Researched sources of possible federal and state funding affecting local goals and objectives. Provided assistance in resolving problems encountered by establishing businesses and prospects. Planned, developed and administered programs essential to the mission of a business or agency that affects a large number of people on a long term or continuing basis. Provided information and/or made presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans. Prepared grant proposals, applications and contracts required for community services. Worked with the South Carolina Department of Commerce to formulate and implement marketing and business attraction strategies. Monitored legislation and regulations relating to economic development, and report findings to the appropriate impacted parties. Attended professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of economic development. Provided support, guidance, and advice to the Executive Director; acted on behalf of the Executive Director, in her absence. Provided extensive input into the development of strategic plans, business process reviews, and other change management initiatives, to ensure consistency and integration with overall business transformation and integration initiatives.

Columbia, South Carolina Area

Served as the Business Services Senior Consultant for the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. Planed and executed statewide Rapid Response events aimed at providing reemployment services for dislocated workers affected by a layoff or closure. Other duties included being the project leader for Continental Tires recruitment and hiring of new employees. Managed a group of six proctors who administer assessments to applicants of Continental Tire. Reviewed applications, conducted interviews, proctored assessments, and referred qualified applicants to Continental Tires for pre-hire training and employment. Development Dimensions International, Inc. (DDI), Train-the-Trainer Certified for Continental Tires.Accomplishments:• DDI, Train-the-Trainer Certified – trained three new proctors to facilitate a Team member Career Battery (TMCB) Assessment and an Automated Production Simulation (APS) Assessment for Continental Tires• Assumed control as the project leader for Continental Tires as the project was in jeopardy of being moved to another agency; resulting in the development of policies, training and certification of staff, and aligning resources to meet Continental’s recruitment and hiring goals• Instituted a streamlined process in which applications are reviewed, interviews scheduled, assessments conducted, and referrals made to Continental for pre-hire training and employment; resulting in making Continental’s recruitment goals two months ahead of schedule

Columbia, South Carolina Area

Provides information about programs, services and referrals provided by South Carolina Works (SC Works) partners. Interprets and applies governmental laws, rules, regulations and initiates actions in a way that the public perceives as fair, objective and reasonable. Gathers, interprets, and documents information to assist clients in identifying employment goals, experience, desires, needs, education, interests, skills/abilities, and barriers to employment. Interviews clients and evaluates work history and education for employment opportunities. Assesses and interprets employment and economic data regarding labor market conditions, occupational demand, wages, etc. Informs, educates, and coaches clients about the options available in meeting individual employment goals and training needs. Assists customers to obtain and maintain individual employment and/or training goals. Provides group presentations on job search techniques. Updates and maintains electronic records the South Carolina Works Online Services (SCWOS). Provides reemployment services to workers that have been laid off such as resume writing and Unemployment Insurance claims.

Columbia, South Carolina

Led the Business Services Department at the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce which included the management of four federal and one state funded program. The Business Services Department's organizational structure has 45 employees and three mid-level managers. The four federal programs include the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Federal Bonding Program, Rapid Response, and the Trade program. WOTC is a tax credit for businesses who hire employees with barriers to employment and who hire veterans. The Federal Bonding Program provides Fidelity Bonding insurance coverage to high risk individuals. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, and administered by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. This insurance policy protects the employer in case of loss of money or property due to employee dishonesty. It is like a “guarantee” to the employer that the person hired will be an honest worker. Rapid Response (RR) is a pro-active, business-focused, and flexible strategy designed to respond to layoffs. Rapid Response (RR) is designed to provide early intervention assistance to businesses faced with closures or layoffs, and can provide customized services on-site at an affected company, accommodate any work schedule, and assist companies and workers through the transitions associated with job loss. The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program is a federal program that assists US workers who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade. The TAA program seeks to provide these trade-affected workers with opportunities to obtain the skills, resources, and support they need to become reemployed. Finally, SCOIS is a State funded Career Development System and is primairly used in grades 6-12 for career development. Some of the tools associated with SCOIS are virtual job shadowing and an Individualized Graduation Plan (IGP).

Columbia, Sc

Managed and directed the day to day operations of a large Basic Training Battalion. Responsible for a dining facility, multiple budgets totaling over a million dollars, administrative, logistical, operations and training of a Battalion sized element consisting of 1400 Soldiers in training, 135 Cadre, and 24 million dollars worth of equipment and supplies. Developed working relationships with installation agencies which improved the organizations quality of life. Developed numerous standard operating procedures and policies that regulated day to day tasks and projects; resulting in utilizing less resources, maintaining optimal efficiency, and improved morale in the organization. Assumed command and control of the organization in the commander’s absence. Provided direct guidance and oversight in the management and execution of multiple budgets totaling over a million dollars without exceeding the budget and meeting all resourcing requirements for the organization, resulting in more efficient and effective utilization of limited financial resources. Led a staff consisting of an HR Department, Operations Section, and Logistics Department, through mission analysis, developing courses of action, preparing decision briefs, and influencing supervisors decision. Set tasks for staff, set realistic suspense’s, monitored their progress until completion, and held staff members accountable for failure to meet mandated suspense. Facilitated and coordinated a staff communications network that allowed basic training family members and dependents to engage with the command team and track their Soldiers progress throughout their training on social networking sites and through live broadcasting forums. Routinely selected for and excelled at investigating crimes, typically reserved for more senior leaders; interpreted laws, regulations, precedent decisions and policies to advise top management officials on corrective actions.

Columbia, Sc

Managed and directed the day to day operations of a large Basic Training Battalion. Responsible for a dining facility, multiple budgets totaling over a million dollars, administrative, logistical, operations and training of a Battalion sized element consisting of 1400 Soldiers in training, 135 Cadre, and 24 million dollars worth of equipment and supplies. Authored several polices and procedures which standardized recurring projects and tasks; resulting in improving efficiency and maximizing manpower. Met undesirable behaviors and performance levels with immediate action and resolve. Served as the senior advisor to the Family Readiness Group. Independently drafted and implemented standard operating procedures to simplify day to day operations and establish a standard by which success is measured; sharing with colleagues to ensure best processes were accomplished and duplication of effort was eliminated. Collaborated with engineers and contractors during the renovation of the battalion, included relocating, redesigning, and rebuilding the headquarters and dining facility at a cost of 7 million. Established a staff communications network (formal & informal) that created a feedback system which facilitated coordination and cooperation while ensuring performance standards were reached and unit Soldiers needs were met. Recommended measures for improving coordination among subordinate units, and control measures needed to reduce operating costs without impacting overall operations, while eliminating or minimizing the potential for fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement and inefficient use of government resources. Stayed abreast of the various planning efforts and training programs and provided guidance to the different program managers concerning basic policy, directives, etc. Worked within tight deadlines, some of which were unpredictable due to changes in budget and manpower schedules and by short notice of requests to satisfy Congressional inquiries.

Harrisburg, Pa

Harrisburg Recruiting Company, Harrisburg, PABalanced mission with a positive command climate for Soldiers and their family members. Managed prospecting and processing performance and conducted analysis preparation of the workload environment. Established contacts with local schools, business leaders, and civic leaders. Developed recruiting operation plan and assessed the plans effectiveness based on results. Briefed plans to supervisors and executed their intent. Established contacts with local schools, business leaders, and civic leaders. Developed plans and operations to recruit Army shortfalls. Briefed plans to supervisors and executed their intent. I was highly successful and exceeded all recruitment missions and goals. Developed and enforced a monthly Recruiting Operations Plan using historical data and SWOT Analysis resulting in achieving 165% recruiting mission accomplishment. Developed and enforced a High School Recruiting Program that saw a 29% increase in senior contracts and a 13% increase market share over the previous year and other services. Developed a detailed concept and plan for the integration of active Component Soldiers and Civilians as part of the Army’s Recruiting strategy for 2007 and beyond. This resulted in more efficient and effective utilization of limited resources, especially personnel, while obtaining a higher quality of recruiting initiatives.

Fort Gordon

Achieved recognition by making the Commandant's List (Top 20%). Honed skills as a signal corps officer. Participated in the Pathfinder Program in which I served as a mentor to 12 junior signal corps officers.

Wurzburg, Germany

Commanded a strategic Signal Company with a unique mission in Germany. The unit was spread over a 3,000 square mile radius that operated separate information management nodes. I developed training schedules, approved promotions, managed a 200k budget, established policies and procedures for the unit.

Kitzingen, Germany

Commanded a tactical signal company in combat. Developed systems in a combat environment involving the following functions: administrative, logistical, and maintenance. Managed a budget of 300k. Set the conditions for a unit of 100 Soldiers to survive in combat by providing all classes of supply. Developed plans to redeploy the unit back to germany. Responsible for providing communications to Battle Commanders in a combat zone spreading over 22,000 kilometers. Provided direct support for the 101st Airborne Division. Developed systems in a combat environment involving administrative, logistical, and maintenance. Managed a budget exceeding 300k. Set the conditions for a unit of 142 Soldiers to survive in combat. Developed and initiated redeployment plans, returning the unit back to Germany. Maintained a property book in excess of $36 Million Dollars without incident. Supervised the preparation, coordination, and implementation of contingency plans and programs, to include mobilization, deployment, force protection and other contingency planning and readiness reporting. Received broad policy and program guidance from the Commander. Independently planned and carried out duties, determining the scope and objectives of assignments and resources required, and applied originality, insight, and creativity in the identification and resolution of problems and the development of programs and policies

Tikrit, Iraq

Served as a Battle Captain in combat and provided staff support to the commander. Developed plans and operations for the unit. Oversaw the execution of mission analysis and military decision making process. Involved in coordinating staff meetings and providing input to the commander.

Kitzingen, Germany

Managed a fleet of 135 vehicles. Developed plans and maintenance schedules. Organized higher level maintenance support and authorized canibalizations as necessary. Maintained a 95% operational readiness rate throughout my tenure. In 2004, won the United States Army European Command Army Maintenance of Excellence Award (Medium Category) and runner-up for Department of the Army Maintenance of Excellence Award (Medium Category).

Kitzingen, Germany

Served as a platoon leader in Mosul, Iraq. My platoon was the only platoon away from higher headquarters. My platoon was spread over 4,000 square miles in central Iraq. Primary mission was to provide communications support to the combatant commander. I developed plans and executed missions as directed from higher command. Provided all classes of supply and support for my Soldiers totaling 55.

Hohenfels, Germany

Managed a communications section that provided direct maintenace support to the Battalion. Developed plans to provide communication support in a training environment.

Mba, Business Administration

Bs, Area Studies

Activities and Societies: Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity, Gamma Sigma Alpha National Greek Honor SoceityMinor in Information Systems Minor.

Aa, Area Studies