Laura Shin Aum

About Laura Shin Aum

A strategic and impactful leader with extensive experience at the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, and the White House adept at leading cross-functional teams and delivering results across a broad range of change management issues. Understands the unique needs of public sector customers, with varied experience in local and federal government managing partnerships, programs, technology, legal, operations, and policy. Proven track record of seamlessly adapting to diverse subject matter, project types, and responsibilities. Delivers results by carefully assessing the operating landscape, whether addressing customer needs with a Salesforce system; convening government, industry, and civil society partners to address pandemic and economic recovery issues; or leading agency AI stakeholders to develop government AI use cases for a pilot project. Advocate for rapid adoption of AI in the workplace balanced by safe use. A strong listener, communicator, and connector with a qualitative and quantitative approach, prioritizing data-driven processes and strong stakeholder engagement. Inaugural Director of the Office of Regional Coordination at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a position established pursuant to the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 (15 U.S.C. 9501 et. seq.), focused on business development for partners across the country.ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND KEY CONTRIBUTIONS• Saved 90 days and over $1M on a $2M Salesforce contract implementing a 5-day fast-track Paperwork Reduction Act solution, utilizing Power BI, conducting due diligence on the invoicing process, and negotiating with Salesforce/Accenture development contractors for MBDA programs.• Led a stakeholder engagement and data-driven process with internal stakeholders, external grants recipients, and economists to update a regional map of MBDA offices, resulting in the creation of five regions and options for three cities.• Led a cross-functional team at the U.S. Department of Commerce to develop a process for identifying Generative AI pilot projects, resulting in a regulatory-compliant intake form and an HR pilot project focused on generating position descriptions.• Oversaw the management of a $2M contract with a Salesforce scrum team, licenses, and training team at the MBDA for performance management system priorities.

Experience

1. Senior Advisor to the Chief Administrative Officer (HR and Operations)

   USPTO

   Aug 2025 — Present · Alexandria, VA, US

   Spearheading the adoption of AI technologies within HR and operations, enhancing organizational efficiency.• Strengthening performance, accountability, and management for the 13 USPTO business units through utilizing an AI assistant, dashboards, and data systems such as USAPerformance.gov. • Reducing organizational timelines and streamlining processes and standard operating procedures (e.g. reduced the timeline to develop certain policies by 27%).• Modernizing systems and processes by developing and incorporating technologies and applications (e.g. developing a tracking approval system for the policy approval process).• Leading one of the world\'s largest workplace charitable giving campaigns through the Combined Federal Campaign at the USPTO.

Education

• U.S. Department of Commerce

  Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program

  2017

• Southwestern Law School

  J.D., Law

• UC San Diego

  Teaching Credential, English

• UC San Diego

  B.A., English Literature