A University of Baltimore alumnus, Rashaun Mercés-Clark is a program manager and administrative officer in the federal government. He reports to the associate director and oversees a tenant portfolio. He overseas the agreements between the government and private entities that provide services to government employees and support research initiatives for the public. He overseas a contract, ensuring adherence to mutual agreements, budget formulation and implementation, resource allocation, and data analysis processes.
Since assuming his position, he has led the re-engineering of an outdoor event approval process (reducing the turnaround time from 7 weeks to 10 days) and automated applications through online platforms (which has enabled concurrent sign-offs and approvals across 10 divisions).
His talent for process efficiency and administrative operations streamlining is also evident in previous roles. Before his current post, he served as a management analyst and risk management lead. His role entailed advising senior leadership on enterprise risks, conducting routine risk assessments, and redesigning the existing risk management program to optimize efficiency. For his contribution, he earned two awards.
In his free time, he is devoted to fitness, chess, and his Catholic faith. A former competitive athlete, he still participates in daily rigorous activities like hiking, running, and strength training. He also advocates for STEM programs in schools.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I may start with conducting statistical analysis of fiscal budget data, then attending lots of meetings, helping junior colleagues conduct budget analysis, managing contracts, etc.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Driving my car to work allows me to think about ideas and creative ways to develop them. Working out is also a way to develop my ideas, all while getting the blood to flow throughout my body.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Although folks have not consistently shown respect for the trades, more people have started showing respect due to job losses and a changing economy.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Reading or going for a walk.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Do the tougher things while you are young because life will make the choices for you as you age.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
People tend to believe that the family structure is not as important as it really is.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Read to learn and understand.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I will read, go for a walk, or listen to music.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being very disciplined, persistent, and always trying to adapt to challenges.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
A close professional friend and I created a shared strategic work plan for the future, but when he died we weren’t able to complete the plan and I feel like I failed that friend. What I’ve learned is to implement your plans as you go, rather than waiting for the perfect time to launch the plan.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Excel, I use it to budget, keep my data organized, and conduct data analysis – even for fun.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Think Big by Dr. Ben Carson. It was sad and very motivational at the same time. He found away to overcome many challenges given his lack of support.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Star Wars series. Lots of creative themes and good acting.
Key learnings
- Discipline, persistence, and adaptability are essential for advancing in a career and overcoming challenges.
- Reading, walking, and reflection are consistent strategies for maintaining focus, generating ideas, and improving productivity.
- Implementing plans incrementally, rather than waiting for the perfect time, ensures progress and reduces missed opportunities.
- Continuous learning—such as investing in new skills like Power BI—can directly lead to impactful, award-winning projects.