Roger Kaplan Email & Phone Number

Conducted operational efficiency and other special studies for the Office of Field Operations (OFO), a 28,000-person organization responsible for enforcing trade and travel laws and regulations. Championed an initiative that right-sized hours of operations at 25 border crossings that saved $ millions annually in operational costs and permitted OFO to reallocate officers to other facilities. Spearheaded CBP efforts to reduce wait times at land border crossings and incentivize US citizens to comply with the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.

Led two staff divisions that support the Office of Field Operations (OFO): one responsible for developing and managing organizational policies and the other that performs data-driven analyses that focus on organizational effectiveness, asset utilization, and workload staffing model. Established OFO's first operations research positions and championed data-driven decision making. Conducted the first study in OFO/legacy Customs history that assessed the cost-effectiveness of CBP's 328 ports of entry. Managed congressional affairs, executive correspondence, and Freedom of Information Act programs that support six staff divisions.

Consulted to the Department of Defense on medical imaging and electronic health record systems to facilitate efforts to create an enterprise wide paperless system that interfaces with that of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directed special projects and produces analytical papers, economic assessments and other research products. Provided strategic communications expertise to federal agencies to include strategic plans, congressional liaison, change communications, media engagement, public outreach and stakeholder management.

Directed the communications program for the principal non-government organization in the United States that conducts research directly related to the prevention of cerebral palsy and to the improvement in the quality of life of persons with that disease and related developmental disorders. Established a strategic communications plan to serve as the roadmap for CPIRF efforts to expand stakeholder outreach and to obtain congressional funding for Foundation research and development initiatives. In addition, developed a blueprint for leveraging CPIRF’s web site to increase Foundation visibility, educate the public on CP and mobilize grassroots support for expanded research.

Directed the communications program of and advised on policy and operational issues to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO), the Department of Defense's sexual assault policy office. Planned and executed a strategic communications campaign that enhanced public, media, and congressional confidence and understanding of DoD’s sexual assault program.Prepared speeches, presentations, and congressional testimony for the director and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Served as spokesperson and consulted to DoD Public Affairs and the four Military Services on media issues. Directed a congressional affairs program and conducted outreach to external stakeholders. Performed internal quality assurance reviews and managed the public inquiry program. Designed, launched and managed a well-received web site that provides policy guidance and information that enables individuals and commands to help prevent and respond better to sexual assaults.

Advised the director of VA’s $1.2 billion medical research program, on biosecurity, policy development, and stakeholder relations. Coordinated ORD homeland security initiatives with other federal agencies and consulted on biosecurity issues within VA. Managed a congressional affairs program that was credited with obtaining additional funding during the FY2003 budget cycle and for establishing bipartisan congressional support for VA research. Led a 15-person communications section responsible for publishing a quarterly peer-reviewed medical journal and releasing a variety of information products designed for external and internal audiences.Directed the Gulf War illnesses (GWI) and deployment health research program and its $13 million portfolio in addition to chairing an interdepartmental subcommittee that coordinates GWI research.

Directed the operations of a presidential advisory committee that oversaw Department of Defense (DoD) investigations of possible chemical and biological exposures during the 1991 war against Iraq. Identified restructuring changes that saved $50 million over a five-year period and changing its focus from retrospective studies to optimizing force health protection during future combat deployments.Led an analysis team consisting of health scientists and chemical warfare experts that reviewed DoD studies to verify their accuracy. Directed a communications program designed to assure Congress, the public, veterans and other external stakeholders about the effectiveness of the Board’s oversight activities. Managed the Board’s $1.1 million annual budget and all administrative activities. Resourced all scheduled and unprogrammed requirements while operating 10% below budget each year. Ensured the efficient and complete transfer of Board documents to a presidential library.

Directed Department of Defense policy governing a worldwide, multi-Service program with an overall budget of $168 million. Represented DoD in inter-departmental task forces responsible for obtaining congressional approval of key legislative initiatives such as the Chemical Warfare Convention. Consulted to the Military Services and joint Commands on ethics and public relations issues. Directed the Secretary of Defense’s outreach program to veterans organizations and other national associations whose combined memberships exceeded 10 million.

Mba, E-Commerce

Activities and Societies: Beta Gamma Sigma

Ma, Military History

Bs, General Engineering