Paula Palacios

About Paula Palacios

Strategic operations and administrative leader with 20+ years of experience directing large-scale programs, cross-functional teams, and complex operations across government, defense, and international environments. Proven ability to lead enterprise planning, optimize operational processes, manage multimillion-dollar programs, and deliver results under high-pressure, time-sensitive conditions. Adept at executive engagement, stakeholder management, and translating strategic objectives into executable operational plans.Specialties: Operations Management & Strategic Planning, Program & Project Management (PMP), Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration, Budgeting, Auditing & Resource Allocation, Process Improvement & Operational Optimization, Human Resources & Workforce Supervision, Government & Regulatory Liaison, Risk Management & Compliance, Data Analysis, Reporting & Performance Metrics, International & High-Visibility Event Coordination

Experience

1. Bilateral Affairs Officer and Humanitarian Assistance Program Manager

   Texas Military Department

   Apr 2024 — Present · Santiago, CL

   United States Embassy Santiago Military Group\'s operational lead managing international military, humanitarian, and executive-level engagement programs across multiple U.S. and foreign government stakeholders.Priorities:Direct planning and execution of international operations and engagement events annually, includingexecutive-level key leader engagements, subject matter expert exchanges, and multinational exercisesManage end-to-end program operations, including budgeting, logistics, international travel, contractingcoordination, and compliance reportingLead the Humanitarian Assistance Program, overseeing all phases minimal cost projects annually plusmulti-year initiatives, coordinating funding, execution timelines, and performance outcomes withUnited States Southern Command and Chilean government agenciesServe as lead advisor for Defense Consultative Committee (Office of the Subsecretary ofDefense- level) Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Response subcommitteeAct as primary liaison for high-profile international aircraft and personnel participation in airshows,exercises, and exchanges coordinating complex logistics across agencies and organizationsKey Results:Successfully orchestrated public diplomacy events with executive level principals including Ambassadors,Government Officials, General and Flag Officers from the United States and Chilean Armed ForcesCompleted 35 events in fiscal year 2025 growing state partnership portfolio to largest in the regionImproved program execution efficiency through standardized planning and coordination processesLed inter-agency coordination to bolster regional goals and complete 43 humanitarian assistance projects valued at more than 1 million dollarsManaged concurrent international initiatives with zero compliance issuesStrengthened bilateral partnerships through reliable, on-time operational deliveryLiaised coordination of more than 150 personnel, 40 exhibitors, and 5 aircraft during FIDAE 2024

Education

• Park University

  Bachelor of Science, Management

  2003 — 2007

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S), Criminal Justice

  2004 — 2007

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.S.), Human Resources

  2010 — 2012

• Austin Community College

  Associate of Science (A.S.), Microcomputer Applications

  2011 — 2015

• Park University

  MBA, Business Administration

  2009 — 2010