Gina M. Palacios
Fort Huachuca,AZ
Summary
A dynamic Senior HR and Operations Leader with a 16+ year track record of driving operational excellence and implementing innovative HR solutions in complex global organizations. Proven success in leading large-scale teams (400+ personnel) and directing multi-million dollar projects. Offers deep, hands-on expertise in military HR administration, leveraging advanced HR platforms (IPSS-A, eMILPO, MEDPROS) to manage the full employee lifecycle, from talent strategy to high volume personnel action processing. A trusted advisor to executive leadership on policy, readiness, and team development. Possesses a Master's Degree and an active Top Secret/SCI security clearance, blending strategic vision with meticulous, hands-on execution to drive unparalleled organizational success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior HR & Operations Advisor
U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence
Fort Huachuca, AZ
03.2025 - Current
- Serve as the principal HR and operations consultant to the USAICoE Commandant, shaping policy and strategy for intelligence training institution. Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement. Pioneered the organization’s first-ever digital knowledge management framework, centralizing mission-critical HR and operational files to guarantee 100% operational continuity and mitigate institutional knowledge loss during leadership transitions.
- Architected and implemented a new command-wide Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Quarterly Training Reviews, creating a new benchmark for tracking and evaluating personnel development.
Senior HR & Operations Executive (First Sergeant)
309th Military Intelligence Battalion
Fort Huachuca, AZ
06.2022 - 02.2025
- Provided comprehensive administrative support for all HR functions for a 400-person company, serving as the lead for processing and monitoring personnel actions.
- Expertly utilized IPPS-A (eMILPO and MEDPROS) to process actions, manage personnel data, and ensure medical and administrative readiness for the entire unit.
- Managed the preparation and processing of scheduled award and promotion ceremonies; deconflicted and processed reduction and removal board data for Soldiers on local promotion standing lists.
- Prepared and monitored the status of all requests for military reductions, transfers, and discharges.
- Provided daily administrative support for the review, verification, and maintenance of personnel strength reports (daily, weekly, and monthly), ensuring 100% accountability.
- Documented reportable changes, duty status codes (TDY, leave, AWOL), and other required documentation for transactions in accordance with AR 600-8-6.
- Oversaw the Defense Travel System (DTS) as a Reviewing Official, managing accounts and ensuring timely processing and payment of over $90,000 in travel vouchers for contingency operations.
Senior Organizational Leader (First Sergeant)
24th Military Intelligence Battalion
Wiesbaden, GE
03.2021 - 06.2022
- Directed a full-scale talent acquisition initiative, evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, placing high-caliber individuals into key leadership roles.
- Identified team weak points and implemented mentoring actions to resolve concerns.
- Commanded a $90,000 annual travel budget through the Defense Travel System (DTS), achieving flawless compliance with federal regulations across all global travel actions.
- Leveraged expertise in IPPS-A, eMILPO, and MEDPROS to oversee personnel data management, ensuring the entire unit consistently met all medical and administrative readiness standards.
HR & Operations Manager (NCOIC)
Joint Intelligence Operations Center Europe
RAF Molesworth, UK
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Served as the unit's Equal Opportunity (EO) and SHARP program subject matter expert, ensuring 100% compliance with training and reporting requirements.
- Served as a Defense Travel Service (DTS) Reviewer and Approver, auditing and processing over 320 TDY requests and vouchers for personnel travel.
- Reviewed, edited, and provided guidance for joint-service performance evaluations and awards, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Education
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University
Ranson, WV08-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University
Charles Town, WV01-2018
Skills
- Experience in leadership
- Operational efficiency
- Military HR Systems: IPSA, eMILPO, MEDPROS, Defense Travel System (DTS)
- Personnel Action Processing: Awards, Promotions, Reductions, Transfers, Discharges
- Personnel Accounting & Strength Management: Report Reconciliation, Status Updates (TDY, Leave, AWOL)
- Database & Records Management: ARIMS, Functional File Maintenance
- Administrative Support: Ceremony & Event Coordination, Briefing Preparation
- Pay & Entitlements: Advising on Personnel and Pay Questions
Timeline
Senior HR & Operations Advisor
U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence
03.2025 - Current
Senior HR & Operations Executive (First Sergeant)
309th Military Intelligence Battalion
06.2022 - 02.2025
Senior Organizational Leader (First Sergeant)
24th Military Intelligence Battalion
03.2021 - 06.2022
HR & Operations Manager (NCOIC)
Joint Intelligence Operations Center Europe
07.2017 - 07.2019
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University