CAREER SUMMARY
Proven performance in development and communication of strategic programs and partnerships; understanding the construction Industry and different methods of project delivery; maintaining a network of strong relationships with international, national and state Government officials, Chamber of Commerce, and other trade and advocacy groups including NGOs; creating and communicating organizational strategic plans; understanding the US legislative process and how to influence decision makers; dealing with the media in providing an identified message; development and management of large projects involving construction, Information Technology, security; mediating and resolving the inevitable human conflicts that arise among diverse individuals, groups and organizations affected by major change.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dec 05 – Present Senior Policy Advisor, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld, LLP
Serve as Senior Policy Advisor to a variety of clients, national and international, on strategic planning for business development to include branding and positioning with various international government entities, state governments, US Senate and House, trade groups, NGOs and decision-makers. Counsel senior members of clients involved in construction of large projects on public policy issues and provide recommendations on policy positions and strategies. Position requires a deep understanding of the market, politics, policies, and cultures of clients from various industries to include construction, financial, IT, and environmental.
Recently completed negotiations with both the US House and Senate on legislation passed by the House Appropriation Committee which would have ultimately cost the government millions of dollars and the client their reputation and brand. The client is a large US construction company overseeing the design and construction of major icons in the US.
Assisted a Spanish Private Investment firm in competing for a Public Private Partnership with the state of Florida to build, maintain and operate a $1.8 Billion I-595 road. Provided guidance on partnering agreements with various state officials, the Governors office, contractors, Architects, Engineers, public affairs organizations, trade organizations and local environmental groups. Held various partnering sessions with all members of the team to develop a proposal with the best project delivery method that would provide the most cost effective solution for the State of Florida.
Continue to work on an agreement with the Indian Central Government on behalf of an Environmental firm for the cleanup of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Project (Project HOPE) in India. Project Hope requires constant communication with media, government officials, the World Bank, NGOs, local Indian construction partners, stakeholders and victims of the tragedy to ensure compliance with local, national and international environmental and construction laws while meeting stakeholder needs.
Also currently working with a UK owned Construction Company on developing their strategic plan for business growth in the US to include Public Private Partnerships and work with the Federal and state governments on large construction projects.
Sep 01 – Sep 05 Chief of Staff for the Architect of the Capitol, U.S. Capitol Building, Office of the Architect of the Capitol
Served as the Chief of Staff to the Architect of the Capitol. Responsibilities included assisting the architect in managing a budget of over $1 billion, 3500 employees, day-to-day operations of 13 million square feet of congressional space and over $100 million in construction projects involving unions, trades, Architects, Engineers, Historians, Curators, and Environmentalists. Implemented non-traditional delivery methods for large construction projects to improve timely delivery. Additionally, served as a liaison with all congressional offices, wrote legislation, championed political and public policies, managed the appropriation cycles, and dealt with congressional committees and congressional leadership. Maintained contact with industry leaders and trade groups in construction (AGC, AIA, NCPC), IT and various other disciplines. Coordinated all media and public affairs issues involving the Architect of the Capitol. Testified to both the House and Senate authorization and appropriation committees on budget and special matters relating to issues involving the Architect of the Capitol.
From November 2004 through January 2005, on behalf of the Architect of the Capitol, was a member of the Inaugural Committee managing the logistics of security, construction, seating, and crowd management associated with the Inauguration of President Bush in consultation with the White House and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
Served as the Contracting Officer for the construction of the $550 million Capitol Visitors Center. Dealt with the various Architects, Engineers, General Contractors, media, Congressional committees and leadership, curators, historians and a multitude of interest groups to ensure the design and construction were in keeping with the historic nature of the existing structures and completed in a timely manner as not to effect the flow of visitors to the US Capitol.
Aug 98 – Sep 01 Superintendent, U.S. Capitol Building, Office of the Architect of the Capitol
Served as Superintendent of the U.S. Capitol Building. Duties consist of the management and operation of the U.S. Capitol to include construction of historic spaces within the U.S. Capitol, facility maintenance, 200 person maintenance workforce, property management, space planning, furniture/interior design services, special events, warehouse operations. Dealt with various congressional leadership to ensure their day to day needs are met on the House and Senate floor.
On a daily basis, served as the administrator capital improvement program for the U.S. Capitol Building. Coordinated all work efforts on major capital improvement programs. Worked with advisory committees and leadership on monitoring and providing reports on the capital program. Investigate and evaluate all capital project procurement delivery systems and implement the one that provides the most efficient and cost effective project.
Direct the planning, development, design, contracting, and construction of U.S. Capitol capital projects and establish budgets and schedules for individual projects. Develop and maintain professional relationships with representatives of major stakeholder groups, including congressional leadership, employee organizations, business and labor organizations, and the media.
Oct 96 – Aug 98 DOD, Defense Logistics Agency, Administrative Service Center, Fort Belvoir, VA
Served as Facilities and Technology Manager for daily operations of the HQ Defense Logistics Agency building. Duties consist of the management and operation of 1 million square foot facility to include, Architecture/Engineering design services, facility maintenance, Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, Information Technology helpdesk/facilities helpdesk, maintenance workforce, Information and personnel security, Guard services, dining services, custodial services, conference rooms, property management, space planning, furniture/interior design services, special events, warehouse operations, transportation services, and mail services.
Jan 93 – Aug 98 DOD, Defense Logistics Agency, Administrative Service Center, Fort Belvoir, VA
Served as construction executive for the new Defense Logistics Agency complex. This complex consists of an 800 thousand square foot facility, housing more than 3500 employees. Utilized managerial skills including, technical, operational, contractual, business, human relations and public relations capabilities; technical skills include practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of engineering, including civil, electrical and mechanical. Supervised approximately 60 professionals on the job site from planning/estimating to quality control and assurance. the relocation of all 3500+ employees from Cameron station to Ft. Belvoir. Negotiated all change orders, reviewed payments and ensured that the projects complied with DLA's requirements.
Followed up with a transfer of Cameron Station as part of the Base Realignment and Closure list to private developers. Negotiated lease agreements as well as final transfer to include environmental assessments, cleanup, and review of design. Coordinated with local, state and federal authorities on the proper transfer agreements.
Settled nearly $2 million of outstanding equitable adjustments with contractor.
Sep 88 – Jan 92 Central Intelligence Agency, Washington DC
Assisted in the design, review, and management of all infrastructure projects over the minor construction limit of $1 million. Provided support to various organizations around the world on understanding their infrastructure deficiencies. Interact with CIA facilities management staff to ascertain necessary information regarding development of infrastructure in non-US territory. Review & utilize documentation during inspection process (drawings, studies, maintenance logs, etc.) Develop cost estimates for facilities replacement costs and corrective measures. Document findings using web-based software, and other software applications as necessary. Worked in a team environment or independently.
Mar 86 – Sep 88 U.S. Army Engineering and Housing Support Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Belvoir, VA
Served as a Civil Engineer Intern under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) program working on various military/civil works project under senior engineers. Worked on an intensive intern plan that included night school to finish course work related to the masters programs. Wrote thesis on the condition of infrastructure in Puerto Rico to support development into the year 2000. Assisted in the development of the COE CADD contract and was the point of contact for Corp wide implementation of the Intergraph Microstation System. Assisted in the development of the first “intelligent†facility maintenance systems used by the Army.
EDUCATION
Jun 85 Bachelor of Science, Architectural/Civil Engineering (Structural)
Dec 87 Master of Engineering Administration, Contract Management and Law
Dec 87 Master of Science, Artificial Intelligence (Computer Science)
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Other
Born In Bombay, India. Have lived in various places around the world to include India and the UK. Proficient in Hindi (national language of India) as well as 3 dialects, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Traveled around the world to places such as Panama, Costa Rica, India, Italy, Spain, Austria, France, Germany, Amsterdam, UK, Bangladesh. It has provided me with great insight on the magnificent cultures and people of the world.
Actively support and am very passionate about education. I am currently working with an NGO in India (Chintan) to provide education to wastepicker children.
Top-Secret Compartmentalized Clearance since 1999
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