Monica Garcia
Littlerock
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in grant compliance and risk assessment at LAHSA. Proven ability to lead teams, develop policies, and negotiate contracts, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency. Expertise in project management and analytical problem-solving, successfully implementing compliance protocols and training programs. Strong communication and negotiation skills foster relationships that drive organizational success.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Director, Grants Management and Compliance
LAHSA
Los Angeles
03.2021 - Current
- Led team in grant compliance audits, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
- Oversaw Monitoring and Compliance Division, aligning strategic goals with LAHSA's objectives.
- Reviewed and negotiated contracts to include relevant grant compliance requirements.
- Developed and implemented pass-through risk assessment and monitoring protocols for LAHSA.
- Directed monitoring reviews, managing process development, reporting, and corrective action planning.
- Designed and delivered training on contract management and monitoring techniques for staff.
- Established policies and procedures to swiftly address compliance issues within the Division.
- Provided regular compliance operations reports to senior management for progress tracking.
Manager- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
Los Angeles
09.2020 - 02.2021
- Led Compliance Unit, finalizing remote monitoring reviews for FY 20-21 to ensure regulatory adherence.
- Participated in contract negotiations, incorporating essential grant compliance requirements.
- Conducted 85% of exit conference meetings during remote monitoring visits, offering feedback to subrecipients.
- Contributed to strategic planning and established monitoring priorities for FY 21-22.
- Served as Subject Matter Expert, developing compliance controls and procedures for the department.
- Designed training materials and instructional videos to enhance team performance during reviews.
- Compiled comprehensive reports identifying trends to inform future monitoring plans.
Compliance Advisor- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Assisted the Associate Director in overseeing the Compliance Monitoring unit.
- Provided regular compliance reports to senior management.
- Led subrecipient compliance efforts, ensuring adherence to all relevant laws and regulations.
- Conducted risk assessments and financial viability reviews, identifying potential compliance vulnerabilities.
- Developed and implemented corrective action plans to address compliance concerns.
- Acted as a liaison during audits, ensuring the successful delivery of required documentation.
Senior Specialist- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
Los Angeles
04.2020 - 08.2020
- Ensured subrecipient compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations through monitoring programs.
- Developed monitoring tools and conducted risk assessments for LAHSA-funded agencies.
- Collaborated across departments to mitigate risks and enhance regulatory compliance.
- Led efforts in identifying compliance vulnerabilities through financial viability reviews.
- Implemented corrective action plans to address identified compliance concerns.
- Acted as liaison during audits, successfully delivering required documentation.
- Provided technical assistance to enhance compliance practices among subrecipients.
Supervisor- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
Los Angeles
01.2017 - 04.2020
- Supervised three Subrecipient Program Monitors to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Led program monitoring to verify adherence to Federal, State, and Local regulations.
- Developed monitoring tools and conducted risk assessments for LAHSA-funded agencies.
- Collaborated across departments to mitigate risks and enhance compliance measures.
- Conducted financial viability reviews, identifying compliance vulnerabilities.
- Implemented corrective action plans to rectify compliance issues.
- Served as liaison during audits, delivering required documentation efficiently.
Program Monitor- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
Los Angeles
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Conducted comprehensive monitoring of sub-recipient programs to ensure record accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Prepared detailed documentation outlining programmatic findings and compliance status.
- Proposed enhancements to systems and procedures aligned with funding requirements.
- Performed facility reviews to verify adherence to LAHSA's minimal shelter guidelines.
- Supported Supervising Sub-Recipient Fiscal Monitor in executing site and desk monitoring reviews.
- Assisted in compiling monitoring findings, finalizing reports, and communicating results for procedural improvements.
- Conducted risk assessments post-monitoring to identify and mitigate potential liabilities.
- Utilized HMIS reports for agency performance evaluation and provided guidance on HMIS utilization.
Education
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Business Administration
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN12-2026
MPA - Business Administration
Palmdale, CA
01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Ashford University
San Diego, CA01.2011
Skills
- Project management and policy development
- Grant compliance and risk assessment
- Team leadership and training delivery
- Contract negotiation and budget development
- Recruiting and interviewing
- Analytical thinking and problem solving
- Fiscal oversight and database management
- Communication skills and technical expertise
- Strategic planning
- Systems development
Activities
At LAHSA, I led the creation of the Annual Monitoring Plan and Annual Risk Assessment for four years, showcasing my strategic planning and risk management skills. I effectively guided cross-functional teams to enhance program and fiscal compliance and operational efficiency. My role involved spearheading process improvements and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders. Additionally, I presented findings and recommendations to senior management, stakeholders, and the public, demonstrating my advanced communication skills. These experiences highlight my leadership capabilities and impact on organizational success.
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Certification
County Contract Monitoring and Compliance
Affiliations
Board Member (For-Profit Corporation)
CCBMA
2024–Present
Provide strategic oversight and fiduciary governance
Advise executive leadership on growth and operations
CCBMA
2024–Present
Provide strategic oversight and fiduciary governance
Advise executive leadership on growth and operations
Timeline
Associate Director, Grants Management and Compliance
LAHSA
03.2021 - Current
Manager- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
09.2020 - 02.2021
Compliance Advisor- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
09.2020 - 12.2020
Senior Specialist- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
04.2020 - 08.2020
Supervisor- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
01.2017 - 04.2020
Program Monitor- Monitoring and Compliance
LAHSA
01.2014 - 12.2016
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Business Administration
Capella University
MPA - Business Administration
Palmdale, CA
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Ashford University