
Chrystin McLelland
Personal Profile
Chrystin McLelland is a graduate of the Gonzaga University Masters program in Organizational Leadership with dual concentrations in Global Leadership and Strategic & Organizational Communications. A 20-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Chrystin has extensive experience in leadership development and mentorship, having served in a variety of leadership roles throughout her career. She is passionate about helping others grow and develop and has made it her mission to share her knowledge and experience with others.
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As an avid traveler, Chrystin has had the opportunity to explore many different cultures and environments, both for business and pleasure. In the military, Chrystin co-authored several white papers and has presented case studies at international conferences highlighting the work she has done. As part of her graduate studies, she studied leadership topics in both Florence and Belgium. She was selected to participate in the Brussels European Forum, bridging the divide between spectator and actor in deepening her knowledge of how the Council of the European Union, NATO and the G20 operate and influence policy, decision making and lives across the globe. As a member of the simulated Foreign Affairs Council, she played a key participant role in the demanding council, tackling the most challenging matters facing the EU today and in the future.
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She has a deep appreciation for the diverse perspectives and experiences that come with travel and believes that exposure to different cultures and ways of thinking is essential for effective leadership, especially in a globalized world where connections are bringing people, cultures and economies closer every day.
In addition to her military service and travel experience, Chrystin is currently writing a book on leadership based on her experiences and graduate studies. She is excited to share her insights and knowledge with others and is committed to helping individuals and organizations develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed in today's complex and rapidly changing world.

2023
Gonzaga University
Spokane, Washington
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
Dual Concentration in Global Leadership and Strategic & Organizational Communication
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Member Alpha Sigma Nu
Program focus on development of strong, ethical leaders for today's fast-paced and complex global work environment. Focus on development of advanced leadership practices through critical, strategic and creative thinking. Adaptation to different cultural contexts and meanings in unfamiliar environments with increased self-awareness and cultural sensitivity. Examination of communication as a keystone of organizations, including study of relevant theories and best practices in strategic communication as well as skills for problem identification, guiding change and communicating creative solutions.
2017
American Military University
Charles Town, West Virginia
Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies
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With Honors
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Member, Golden Key Club
Course of study examined the complex relationship between science and public policy utilizing both the natural and social sciences. Course content included: Environmental policy and analysis both national and international; Environmental management issues; Stewardship of natural resources; Pollution management; Fish and wildlife management; Hazardous materials. Specific theories in social issues from environmental perspectives, barriers to sustainability and responsible development and impacting development of and compliance with environmental regulations.​
Scrum is a framework utilized for the development of intricate projects by employing the Agile project management approach. The role of the Scrum Master involves facilitating effective communication and collaboration between project leaders and team members in order to achieve successful project outcomes.
2020 - 2022
Scrum Product Owner Certified (SPOC)
Credential ID: 001132894
The role of a product owner in the Scrum framework entails the responsibility of ensuring the overall success of a project. The primary responsibility of the product owner includes the management and optimization of the product backlog, with the overarching objective of maximizing the value derived from the product. The Scrum framework is an Agile technique that enhances team communication and self-organization.
2017 - 2021
Course Developer
U.S. Coast Guard
The Course Developer Course (CDC) has been specifically created to provide aspiring course developers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize a structured instructional design approach in order to produce, revise, or enhance a learning course. The primary emphasis lies on the diverse activities encompassed within the analysis, design, development, execution, and assessment of training programs. The repertoire of techniques and abilities encompasses the capacity to accomplish many tasks, including: conducting and validating task analyses, reviewing and creating job aids, identifying and formulating performance objectives and targets populations; conducting formative evaluation of training and learning materials, the collection and use of feedback. Certification also includes the ability to develop performance-based tests and relevant practice opportunities; derive content for a unit of instruction; formulate instructional strategy; the design and creation of educational resources, such as curriculum outlines, student guides, job aids, and instructor guides. Multiple focus on development of learning tools for in person, self-paced and online learning.
2007 - 2021
Instructor
U.S. Coast Guard
The Instructor Development Course (IDC) is designed to enhance trainers' instructional and training abilities by providing them with a performance-based, trainee-centered curriculum presented through a variety of teaching techniques. The IBSTPI (International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction) Instructor Competencies form the basis for all training and presentation materials developed. Certification includes the following: multi-dimensional methods of instruction; classroom setup for optimal learning; instructional techniques and delivery; instructional technique and design in accordance with Adult Learning Principles; presentation skills; effective question techniques; use and development of instructional media; giving and receiving feedback; sustaining student motivation; learning environment management; interactive training techniques and best practices; and the continuous solicitation and utilization of feedback.
FEMA ICS Incident Commander
U.S. Coast Guard
The Incident Commander (IC) directs operations and allocates resources to keep the command structure manageable and give each aspect of incident management the attention it needs. The need for an organizational manager becomes increasingly apparent as situations grow more complicated, challenging, and costly. Consequently, the Incident Commander in ICS handles the organization rather than the incident itself, especially in more extensive incidents. The Incident Commander is responsible for the Command function as well as the following: delegating authority to and managing separate organizational levels within the ICS structure, with sole responsibility for the tactical direction and control of resources; providing logistical support to the incident organization; planning services for ongoing and future activities; assessing and recording costs, keeping track of time spent on tasks, and keeping track of purchases; acting swiftly and effectively when a crisis arises.
FEMA ICS Operations Section Chief
U.S. Coast Guard
2009 - 2021
When there is an incident, the Operations Section Chief is in charge of overseeing all tactical operations. Among the Operations Section Chief's primary functions are the following: managing and ensuring the safety of tactical operations; creating the operations portion of the Incident Action Plan (IAP); supervising the execution of the operations portion of the IAP; determining the need for and managing resources to support tactical operations; creating and managing current, future, and emergent operational tactics; and collaborating closely with operations, support, and planning personnel, as well as other agencies and involved parties.
2009 - 2021
FEMA ICS Planning Section Chief
U.S. Coast Guard
The chief of the Planning Section is in charge of incident planning. Information on the current situation and the state of available resources is gathered, assessed, and processed by the Planning Section under the supervision of the Chief of the Planning Section. The INcident Action Plan (IAP), formal briefings, and map and status board displays are all methods of disseminating data. The Planning Section Chief is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to: collecting and managing all incident-relevant operational data; supervising preparation of and input to the IAP; developing necessary plans (traffic, medical, communications, etc.); holding and facilitating meetings; compiling and displaying incident status; establishing information requirements, specialized data collection (e.g., weather data collection and reporting); providing alternatives and periodic predictions; and coordinating the IAP.
Office2019:
Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MSWord
Microsoft
2019
The Microsoft Certification Program is structured on job functions and the associated knowledge and abilities in the IT industry. It displays competence in the specific, practical abilities required by employment in recognized industries. The ability to adapt to new situations and problems in the corporate world is demonstrated through certification.
Education
Professional Certifications
2020 - 2022
Scrum Master Certified (SMC)
Credential ID: 001132894
2015 - 2021