Emilija Kusakatova

About Emilija Kusakatova

At the heart of my work is a belief that clear systems and strong relationships make the hardest challenges solvable. For 15+ years, I’ve built a career at the intersection of policy, people, and process, helping organizations move from ideas on paper to real results in the world, while providing trusted operational and executive-level support to senior leaders navigating complex priorities.I’ve led $50M+ USAID portfolios, cut executive clearance times by 40%, and advanced U.S. government efforts on forced labor and trafficking, including compliance under the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act. Abroad, I’ve managed multi-country initiatives, directed election monitoring operations with 12 teams and 50 staff, and vetted recipients of U.S. security assistance. In parallel, I’ve supported senior leaders through high-level coordination, briefing preparation, and front-office operations. Along the way, I’ve learned that impact comes not only from good systems, but also from genuine connections with the people who use them.I’m passionate about process improvement and transparent governance (yes, I get a little nerdy about workflows and dashboards). What excites me most is seeing how clearer systems and stronger collaboration build trust and lasting change, especially when strong executive support enables leaders to focus on mission-critical decisions.My expertise spans program management, ESG and human rights due diligence, grants overview, research, analysis, reporting, and cross-sector partnerships, backed by my CAPM certification. I’ve been recognized for translating complexity into workable plans, anticipating leadership needs, aligning executives and field teams, and delivering programs that meet compliance standards while staying on time and within scope.Having lived and worked across Eastern Europe and Eurasia, I’ve learned to adapt quickly and thrive in unfamiliar environments. I am fluent in Macedonian, Serbian, and Croatian, with limited proficiency in Romanian and Russian, language skills that help me bridge across cultures and sectors, and support diverse leadership teams effectively.Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep working where policy meets practice—whether with government, contractors, or private-sector partners committed to raising standards, improving compliance, and making systems work better for people, through both strategic program execution and high-level administrative leadership support.

Experience

1. Senior Executive Assistant

   Ardent Eagle Solutions

   Feb 2026 — Present

   Contracting for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

Education

• Institute of Economics, Skopje, Macedonia

  Master in Business Administration, International Management

• St. Cyril and Methodius University Skopje, Macedonia

  Bachelors in Business Administration

Skills

• Management
• Networking
• Program Evaluation
• Non-Governmental Organizations (Ngos)
• European Union
• Conflict Resolution
• Public Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Project Management
• Grant Writing
• Project Planning
• Policy Analysis
• Community Development
• Government
• Capacity Building
• Training
• Volunteer Management
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Program Management
• Training Delivery
• Communication
• Grant Administration