Edmund Barber, Experienced Workforce Coordinator | Specialized in Emergency Response, Program Management, & Community Development | Bilingual (Spanish/Engl

About

Versatile and solutions-driven professional with a strong background in emergency management, operations, administrative support, and project coordination. I bring over 10 years of experience supporting cross-functional teams, managing logistics, improving systems, and streamlining day-to-day operations in both government and nonprofit settings. I’m skilled at juggling multiple priorities in fast-paced environments, maintaining clear communication, and delivering high-quality support with a people-first approach. Fluent in Spanish, PMP certified, and experienced working remotely—including internationally—with a passion for process improvement and meaningful impact.

Experience

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Jan 2020 – Present

Remote

Workforce Program Coordinator

As an experienced emergency management professional at FEMA, I’ve led workforce coordination, operational readiness, and disaster response initiatives across multiple regions and events. I’ve managed internal recruiting efforts, onboarding systems, and performance tracking for large-scale incident workforce teams—directly increasing staffing efficiency and readiness. I regularly serve as a key liaison between cadre members, leadership, and external partners, providing expert guidance on policy, deployment processes, and training requirements. In addition to supervising cross-functional teams and conducting data-driven workforce analyses, I’ve deployed to several disasters in leadership roles, supporting field operations and coordinating with state and local partners. I’ve also played a pivotal role in systems testing, resource procurement, and project management—including developing SOPs, SharePoint resources, and new training materials to support FEMA’s mission. My work has consistently improved communication, efficiency, and morale across operational units.

Peace Corps

Jun 2017 – Feb 2019

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Community Health Educator

During my Peace Corps service in Ecuador, I contributed to community development by designing and implementing programs to address health, education, and youth empowerment in a community of over 23,000 people. I conducted a comprehensive needs assessment, surveying over 300 community members and leaders, and produced actionable recommendations that helped guide local projects. I developed and led a Healthy Lifestyles Curriculum, reaching 400 students across five schools, and facilitated a successful youth drug prevention program. I also partnered with local non-profits and community centers to expand outreach and engagement, creating long-term partnerships for sustainable community impact. I played a pivotal role in planning and executing a week-long youth development camp, and led a soccer program aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for at-risk youth. Additionally, I served as Secretary and Treasurer for a peer-to-peer support network, coordinating workshops and logistical efforts for fellow volunteers.

WorkAway

Jan 2016 – Dec 2016

Spain, Italy, Puerto Rico, Colombia

Intercultural Volunteer

During my time with Workaway, I contributed to the growth and development of three hostels and an English Institute by assisting with marketing strategies and business expansion efforts. I implemented new managerial systems, tools, and ideas to enhance operations and streamline processes for small businesses. Additionally, I participated in an immersive Spanish-language experience, further enhancing my communication skills and cultural understanding.

Starbucks

Nov 2014 – Jan 2016

Store Manager

As a Store Manager at Starbucks, I was responsible for managing profit and loss, inventory, sales growth, and customer satisfaction reporting. I oversaw the time and attendance of over 25 employees weekly and reviewed procurement actions for shift managers. By conducting structured observations of work processes and identifying areas for improvement, I developed action plans to resolve issues and enhance team engagement. My leadership contributed to a 30% sales growth for the fiscal year and a 27% improvement in Quality Assurance Safety Standards. Additionally, I mentored and promoted four employees into higher roles, fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

Chili's

Nov 2008 – Nov 2014

Service Manager

At Chili's, I motivated a diverse team of over 60 employees to meet sales and customer service goals. As a District Training Manager for one year, I performed analysis and provided advisory support on the effectiveness of training programs across seven restaurants. I coordinated and facilitated five training sessions involving multiple managers and employees. My recruitment efforts included reviewing over 300 job applications, conducting nearly 200 interviews, and hiring more than 50 employees for both entry-level and managerial positions. I consistently maintained high customer satisfaction, with my store ranking #1 in the district and #15 in the region for customer service in 2014. Additionally, I led marketing and outreach for a new delivery service, and participated as a new store trainer during a grand opening, contributing to the development of over 20 employees.

Refocus, Inc.

Jun 2006 – Nov 2008

Direct Support Mental Health Professional

As a Direct Support Professional at Refocus, I provided high-quality emotional, physical, and medical care to adult and elderly patients with developmental and/or behavioral disabilities in group home and private residence settings. I successfully implemented individualized care plans, leading to measurable improvements in residents' overall quality of life. By applying effective behavior management strategies, I significantly reduced challenging behaviors and fostered a positive atmosphere in the group home. My vigilance in monitoring residents' health contributed to fewer medical emergencies and better overall health outcomes. I supported activities of daily living, empowering residents to achieve greater independence, while actively advocating for their rights and needs to improve access to resources and community integration opportunities. I adhered to HIPAA standards for patient privacy and consistently completed 10 hours of work-related training and certifications each month.

Education

Bristol Community College

College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Spanish 1 & 2

Community College of Rhode Island

Rhode Island College

Jan 2005 – May 2008

Liberal Arts

Edmund Barber

Experienced Workforce Coordinator | Specialized in Emergency Response, Program Management, & Community Development | Bilingual (Spanish/Engl

Skills

Languages