Angelica Salgado

I started working in the Chicago Regional office as a Transportation Program Specialist in 2007. I started working with the Office of Planning and Program Development where my major duties and responsibilities were closely working with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. I reviewed State grants for programs in the Rural Area Formula Program (Section 5311), Job Access and Reverse Commute (Section 5316), Elderly and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) and New Freedom formula funds (Section 5317). I Also worked with the Small and Large urbanized in Wisconsin ensuring that their grant funding for Urbanized Area formula program (5307) was successfully awarded for the fiscal year. My duties and responsibilities included the following wile managing these recipients.

• I facilitated meetings with state program coordinators Director's and grant managers in small and Large urbanized transit agencies to discuss program objectives and strategies for the fiscal year.
• Assisted in the preparation of grant applications for funding initiatives.
• Identified opportunities for improvements in existing processes or policies related to grant management.
• Monitored budget allocations for each program to ensure that carry over and lapsing funds were obligated in a timely manner ensuring compliance with fiscal and program requirements.
• Tracked changes in policy that could affect current or future programming initiatives.
• Compiled reports summarizing progress towards goals and objectives of the initiative.
• Acted as a liaison between management and stakeholders regarding updates on progress made towards program goals.
• Provided technical support on program initiatives and requirements to participants and answered related questions.

I have worked as the Tribal Transit Liaisons, in Region V since 2008 to present. Over the years my role has changed in managing grants for the tribes in the Office of Planning and Program Development and now working with the Office of Financial Management and Program Oversight, where I manage tribal grants from cradle to grave. I have worked with the Tribal program from its discretionary program to moving on to formula funds. I worked closely with the Tribes managing their grant program and ensuring that we obligate and award their funds in a timely manner. I have worked with the tribes to ensure that new staff is trained on our FTA program and policy requirements. This is a very timely process as in tribal governments they tend to have a high turn over in staff. I have learned throughout the years to manage a positive attitude to continue to do a great job, as some tribes do not have the resources to hire staff to complete work initiatives.

I have worked closely with FTA contractors to complete Tribal Transit Assessments and traveled to assist in the Assessments, reviewed and completed reports for approval of Senior management.

I've also participated through the years on reviewing competitive grants for the Tribal Transit program, where I participated as the lead reviewer on several reviews throughout the years. I have participated and presented at the Tribal Transit conferences on program requirements. In the Region I established Tribal quarterly meetings where we established a platform for the tribes to share ideas and identify opportunities for improvement.

I currently work under the Office of Planning and Program Oversight, where I manage grants for Indian recipients, small and medium urbanized areas. I ensure that funds are obligated in a timely manner and participate in oversight activities. Other duties as required are as follows:

• Facilitated meetings with stakeholders to discuss program objectives and strategies.
• Developed and implemented program plans to ensure achievement of goals.
• Assisted in the preparation of grant applications for funding initiatives.
• Provided technical support to staff to ensure recipients are following program policy and requirements.
• Compiled reports summarizing progress towards goals and objectives of the initiative.
• Provide guidance and monitor performance indicators associated with the project when conducting NEPA review for projects.
• Identify opportunities for improvements in existing processes or policies related to program management. I developed a plan for recipients to complete at the beginning of the fiscal year to program their grants for review, ensure STIP/TIP, planning requirements are met or amended, ensure that recipient are aware of carryover funds and lapsing funds. Recipients are also to list grants that ready to be closed and identify a closeout date. Recipients should also indicate if NEPA review will be required for the current fiscal year.
• Organize every fiscal year the Indiana recipient training conference and other special events as part of programming efforts for grant management and oversight, review of grant plan for the fiscal year, grant amendments, budget revisions, new grants v.s. grant amendments and closeouts. Recipients complete this plan to forecast projects and required activities for the year.
• I also participate in the Triennial review process, reviewing Draft and Final reports. Work with the recipient to addressed deficiency found and ensure that recipient works to be compliant.

I served in the capacity as the Administrative Officer from January 1999 to April 2007. I worked closely with the Regional Administrative and the Deputy Regional of the Chicago Regional Office to ensure the office was handled efficiently.

• I prepared administrative budgets in Travel, Office Supplies, and Training by collecting data and inputting information into spreadsheets to ensure that the office stayed within budgetary constraints. I supported senior leadership during executive decision-making process and recommended corrective actions and improvements to budgets.
• I Coordinated travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, car rental reservations, and ground transportation. I reviewed office staff travel authorizations and reimbursement vouchers for approval of Senior management.
• Provided administrative support to department staff including typing letters and reports; preparing mailings; photocopying; collating; faxing; scanning documents.
• Processed/reconciled invoices and payments using accounting software programs to ensure payment of materials and supplies.
• Maintained inventory of office supplies ensuring stock levels were sufficient for daily operations.
• Sorted incoming mail for distribution to appropriate personnel.
• Ensured compliance with all organizational policies and procedures relating to administrative operations.
• Developed administrative processes to achieve organizational objectives and improve office efficiency.
• Distributed memos and updates to apprise departments and divisions of corporate objectives and developments.
• Provided secretarial and office management support while building cooperative working relationships.
• Tracked and submitted employee timesheets to prepare for payroll processing.
• Planned staff and training meetings and scheduled conference rooms.
• Answered incoming calls promptly and professionally; provided callers with accurate information or directed them to appropriate departments and personnel when necessary.
• Prepared and distributed agendas, minutes, presentations and other related materials for meetings.