Accomplishments & Achievements
Professional CERTIFICATIONS AND BOARDS
LLE CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC IS SELF-CERTIFIED WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB) ANDECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (EDWOSB) WITH THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
LLE CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC IS A CERTIFIED DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE) AND SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (SBE) WITH S.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (SCDOT), 2013
LLE CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC IS CERTIFIED WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS WITH GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF SMALL & MINORITY BUSINESS ASSISTANCE (OSMBA), 2013
LLE CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC IS A LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (LBE) WITH THE CITY OF COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
LLE CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC IS A SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (SLBE) WITH RICHLAND COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA
Professional BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND APPOINTMENTS
RICHLAND COUNTY BUILDING CODES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
CITY OF COLUMBIA BUILDING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPEALS
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MINORITY CONTRACTORS (NAMC) SOUTH CAROLINA,
FORMER PRESIDENT ANDBOARD MEMBER
ENGENUITY SC BOARD MEMBER
CAROLINA ALLIANCE FOR TECHNOLOGY (CAT) ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER
MIDLANDS REGIONAL EDUCATION CENTER (MREC) ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER, RICHLAND COUNTY APPOINTED,
BUSINESS LEADER, S.C. DEPT. OF COMMERCE
MIDLANDS EDUCATION AND BUSINESS ALLIANCE (MEBA) BOARD MEMBER
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA NOTARY PUBLIC, COMMISSION AND APPOINTMENT, EXPIRES APRIL 28, 2025
CREDENTIALS
LICENSED STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL CONTRACTOR (GC), OCTOBER 2010
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER (CM) CERTIFICATE IN STATE OF SC, OCTOBER 2010
CONSTRUCTION QUALITY MANAGEMENT FOR CONTRACTORS (CQM-C)CERTIFICATE FROM THE
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX – Phoenix, Arizona
Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership Candidate, 2009 – present
All But Dissertation (ABD) – All course work completed
Dissertation: “”
CONCORD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW (ON-LINE)– Concord, California
Juris Doctorate Candidate, January – December 2004 (Emphasis on Construction Law)
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY– Fort Jackson, South Carolina
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Awarded 2001
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA– Columbia, South Carolina
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Resources Management and Psychology, Awarded 1998
MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE– Columbia, South Carolina
Associate in Engineering Technology Degree in Architectural Engineering Technology, Awarded 1994
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
WOMEN’S PRESIDENT ORGANIZATION (WPO), MEMBER-AT-LARGE
VISTAGE, COLUMBIA, SC MEMBER
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITY PROJECT (WEOP), MEMBER
WOMEN IMPACTING PUBLIC POLICY (WIPP), MEMBER
CAROLINA ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS (CAGC), MEMBER
INTERNATIONAL FACILITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (IFMA), MEMBER
COUNCIL OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITY PLANNERS INTERNATIONAL (CEFPI), MEMBER
PROJECT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE (PMI) COLUMBIA CHAPTER, MEMBER
SOCIETY OF HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (SHRM), NATIONAL MEMBER
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 SMALL BUSINESSES PROGRAM– Babson College (Boston) (Certificate November 2014)
KAUFMAN FOUNDATION FASTTRAC ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM– Midlands Technical College in partnership with City of Columbia (SC) Office of Business Opportunities (Certificate April 2014)
NXLEVEL ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING PROGRAM– Benedict College Business Development Center (SC)
for Incubator Tenants (Certificate, 2011)
AWARDS
Greater Columbia Community Relations Council Milton Kimpson Community Service Award, June 2019
South Carolina Technical College Outstanding Alumni of the Year, Midlands Technical College, February 2019, www.sctea.org
City of Columbia (SC) Proclamation for Need-A-Lift Transportation Services, LLC, Spring 2018
2016 Enterprising Women of the Year Award, Presented by Enterprising Women Magazine, www.enterprisingwomen.com
OnPoint! Deserving DIVA 2015, Presented by OnPoint! With Cynthia Hardy at the Women’s Empowerment (http://onpointwithcynthia.com/)
SC Leading Lady 2015, Presented by Dr. Jacquetta Chatman, MOBB, Inc. (Mothers of Black Boys, Inc.) (http://www.mothersofblackboys.org/)
Midlands Women on the Move 2015, Presented by Vanessa Bussey, BlindSpot Art (http://blindspotart.com/)
Professional EXPERIENCE
LLE Construction Group, LLC
Construction, Facility, and Project (CFP) Management Services
Columbia, SC
President/CEO February 2011 – present
Projects:
Richland County School District One
Awarded Construction Management (CM) Services Contract Partnering with Cumming Construction Management as a
Small, Women, Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (SWMBE)
Scope of Services: Manage Multimillion dollar Construction and Renovations of the Stadiums Projects to include
selection of Architect Team.
New Stadium at Keenan High School
New Stadium at Dreher High School
Memorial Stadium
Bolden Stadium
Lower Richland Stadium
A.C. Flora High School
Columbia High School
Eau Claire High School
Richland County School District One
Facilities Assessment Contract Partnering with Parsons as a Small, Women, Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (SWMBE)
Scope of Services: Complete a Facility Assessment of all (over 50 buildings) for Richland County School District One. LLE Construction Group, LLC Owner, Lasenta Lewis-Ellis, was a member of the team who completed the assessment in 2009 while employed with ENVIRO AgScience, Inc.
University of South Carolina (USC) Columbia
Awarded a two year Professional Services Indefinite Delivery Contract (IDC) for Indefinite Delivery Small Contract for Construction Management
Benedict-Allen Community Development Center
Provide Consulting & Trainingto include Job Readiness Training and assisting participants with computer literacy, resume building, and other job readiness training.
Richland County School District One
Awarded three consecutive contracts to provide Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) for Construction and Maintenance Services
Completed various renovations and facility maintenance related projects, to include (but limited to):
Interior renovations, removal and/or installation of new fencing and security gate control systems; bleachers; blinds; demo and/or build new walls, install doors and frames; landscaping; site clean-up; office goods moving; janitorial services; window cleaning services; pressure washing; construct new tennis courts; erosion control on sites; install new tennis courts windscreens; parking lot resurfacing and striping; LED lighting projects; painting; flooring; electrical; plumbing; HVAC; installation of new shelving; signage; installation of dance floor; etc. (and any other construction and/or facilities maintenance work required).
Carolina School for Inquiry (CSI)
Provide Facility Management Services (Facility Study and Assessment)and Renovationsfor local Charter School, April 2013 to 2016.
Master Builder Constructors, Inc. (MBCI)
Provide Quality Control (QC) Management Servicesto include:
Develop Quality Control Plan for MARFORRES LAV Cover Project, McCrady Training Center, Eastover, SC (March 2013)
Develop Quality Control Plan for McEntire JNGB, Repair Aircraft Parking Apron, Eastover, SC (June 2012)
Quality Control Management, Shaw AFB BRAC Construct Force Main & Lift Station (August 2011 until January 2012)
Perkins Contractors and Engineers (2011 until 2013)
Provide Project Management Servicesto include constructing and managing various local renovations, maintenance, and construction projects to include:
St. John Baptist Church New Family Life Center
South Carolina Community Bank and properties in their portfolio
Lighthouse Learning Center(Community Housing Development Organization) (2011)
Provide Residential Renovationsfunded by the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Renovated three (3) residential properties located in the Orangeburg, SC area.
General Services Administration (GSA)
Install Security Windows at the Social Security Administration, Strom Thurmond Building. (2011)
Need-A-Lift Transportation Services, LLC
“Safe, Reliable, and Trusted” Transportation
Columbia, SC
President/CEO June 2015 – June 2019
Services:
Provide transportation to and from school, afterschool, and summer camps, programs, and activities for our youth. We partner with school districts, private and charter schools, non-profit organizations, government agencies and programs, and corporations to provide transportation as needed to internships, employment, errands, tutoring, athletic programs and events, etc.
ENVIRO AgScience/LBLC, Inc.
Construction Management Division
Columbia, SC
Project/Construction Manager (October 2004 – January 2011)
Projects:
Richland County School District One
$9 million Additions and Renovations – Heyward Career & Technology Center
$15 million Additions and Renovations – St. Andrews Middle School
$15 million Additions and Renovations – W.A. Perry Middle School
$10 million Additions and Renovations – W.G. Sanders Middle School
$18 million Additions and Renovations – Columbia High School
· Facility Study – in partnership with PARSONS, INC., completed a facility study of Richland School District One facilities throughout the district which consisted of evaluating and documenting the current condition of the facilities in a effort to develop a maintenance and renovation/construction project agenda
Richland County School District Two – $23 million Construction of new Elementary School 18 (Currently seeking LEED Silver)
Shaw Air Force Base – Landscaping project for the new Deployment Center
Shaw Air Force Base – $6.5 million Construction of new Fitness Center Addition (Currently seeking LEED Silver)
South Carolina State University – Administrative Manager for Grounds Maintenance Contract
Responsibilities consisted of:
Managed construction budgets from $6.5 million to over $20 million per project.
Managed all project efforts with Owner, Architects, Engineers, State Inspectors, State, City, and Federal Government requirements, Contractors, Subcontractors and all parties involved in the construction projects.
Managed, coordinated, and supervised the construction process from the conceptual development state through final construction on a timely and within budget basis.
Managed all administrative functions of construction to include, development of scope of work (with Owner), review and processing of Request for Information (RFI) and Submittals.
Processed all financial transactions of the contracts to include reviewing, approving, and processing of invoices and pay applications, change orders (Request for Proposals – RFP), etc.
Reconciled project funds (state, federal, city, etc.), research errors, and ensure corrective action.
Processed Davis-Bacon Weekly Certified Payrolls.
Collected, assimilated, and ensured accuracy of financial data submitted by the local emergency management agencies.
Provided technical assistance in reviewing all plans, specifications, and other project documents to ensure contractors and subcontractor’s workmanship is in accordance with plans, specifications, addendums, and any other contract documents.
Provided technical assistance as needed to ensure construction site adheres to OSHA standards, School District Safety Program, State Office of School Facility requirements, State Fire Marshal requirements, etc.
Proficient in reading and interpreting plans, specifications, submittals, etc. for conformance to design standards and building codes and regulations. Proactive in providing corrective measures and resolving issues within the project.
Conducted minority and small business related outreach programs to ensure minority and small business participation in construction projects.
Prepared and solicited proposals and bids (submit advertisements for construction related projects); conduct bid opening process; once bids are awarded, prepare contracts and distributes Notice of Awards and Notice to Proceeds. Coordinate and conduct Pre-Construction and Project Management meetings.
Pre-Bid/Pre-Construction Phase:
Prepare front-end documents to the specifications
Conduct Constructibility Review of Design Documents (DD)
Coordinate client/end-user facility requirements
Facilitate Pre-Construction Conferences & Bid-Openings
Prepare award recommendations to clients
Construction Phase:
Monitor the progression of construction projects
Manage and update construction schedule, as needed
Facilitate site meetings
Management construction budgets
Negotiate and execute change orders
Review & log Submittals
Monitor contracts and invoices, i.e., testing company, architect, contractors, consultants, etc.
Manage occupied facilities during renovations and coordinate facility moves
Coordinate installation of DATA/Phones/Security, etc. for clients
Maintained a working knowledge of all appropriate statutory and regulatory items pertaining to construction and management to ensure compliance.
Ensured compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and EM 385-1-1 Safety and Health Requirements Manual.
Conducted job site review to monitor project progression to include audit site safety, review project schedule and production, and discuss and resolve any project related issues.
Recruited and trained (if necessary) new hires in the construction and project management divisions; conduct background checks and drug screenings; issue personal protective (safety related) equipment to new hires prior to reporting to construction sites.
Prepared and submitted all required correspondences, cost reports, etc. as required by the Owner.
Audited all employee timesheets, outside contract labor, and subcontractors for conformity and accuracy. Completed Certified Payrolls.
Accountable for preparation and processing of company invoice in the WAWF (Wide Area Work Flow) government system.
South Carolina State University
Office of Facilities Management
Orangeburg, SC
Manager of Environmental Health and Safety (April 2003 – September 2004)
(Manager of Staff Development and Training)
Manage facility and construction renovations projects to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Conduct project evaluation in developing planning and scheduling of construction
Provide detailed project estimates to support cost submitted by contractors
Provide detailed analysis of cargo instructions in association with contracted rates
Accountable for verifying contractors pay applications and invoice submissions and ensuring accuracy prior to processing for payment.
Prepare project punch list and conduct final inspection of facility and construction related projects.
Review, comment, and submit to the Architect/Engineer for review, approval, and processing of close-out documentation for all facility and construction related projects.
Provide technical assistance as needed on the Work Order system to include establishing project requirements based on facilities, maintenance, and construction needs.
Implement the new Health and Safety program and manual.
Provide technical assistance and coordinate training of staff, management, and public on Microsoft Suite in partnership with Orangeburg- Calhoun Technical College.
Develop training presentations and establish new training sites and schedules.
Attend the OSHA Boot Camp Training in Hilton Head, SC.
AMC Theatres, Inc.
Facility Manager (October 1997 – February 2003)
Managed all operational functions of the theatre to include:
Human Resources Management – responsible for hiring, training, disciplining, and terminating employees and supervisors (coordinators)
Facilities Management – ensure the facility is clean, safe, and reparable for our customers at all times
Concessions Management – conduct inventory and order concession supplies for the theatre
Financial Management – manage all financial transactions, deposit funds at the local bank, and ensure safe balanced daily
Accountable for managing the annual facility and maintenance budget, documenting all projects completed each year, and establishing capital improvement projects scope of work and budgets.
Accountable for the Preventive Maintenance (PM) program for the Columbia, SC site.
Perform as Lead Manager in completing the Annual Fixed Asset Inventory process worth millions of dollars and the year-end close-out of fiscal facility budgets, inventory, and projects.
Responsible for working and traveling with the Information Technology Department opening new theatres throughout the United States and overseeing the installation of the Radiant Systems Point-of-Sale System.
Midlands Technical College
Department of Developmental Studies
Adjunct Professor (May 2002 – present)
College 103 – College Skills: topics include career planning, study skills, stress and time management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.
S.C. State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Human Resources Department
Human Resources Coordinator (Internship) (February 1999 – April 1999)
Reviewed Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) guidelines and drafted new Authority policy.
Provided technical assistance to the Director of Human Resources on developing internal training procedures for new supervisors.
Developed and organized filing system for Human Resources (HR) Consultant Newsletter.
Assisted with implementing the tracking system with Legal Department of all current Human Resources issues through Legislation.
Assisted with revising the Human Resources Policies and Procedures for Authority.
University of South Carolina, Columbia
Office of Facilities Management – Design & Engineering Department
Project Coordinator (January 1995 – September 1997)
Responsible for contacting university departments regarding renovation and maintenance requests and ensuring adequate funding is available for proceeding with projects.
Create in-house CAD documents of projects for submission to construction team.
Provide detailed cost breakdown to university departments for review and payment of requested projects.
Produce monthly update status reports of all projects progression.
Accountable for project coordination and completion, to include verifying invoices.
Midlands Technical College
Administrative Support (July 1993 – January 1995)
(Work-Study to Part-Time Employment)
Provided administrative support, such as maintaining phone lines; responding to customer requests; typing; filing; scheduling advisement appointments; completing class registrations (enrolling students); present seminars (which I continue to do annually) to participants on goal setting, motivation and determination; etc.
S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control
Palmetto Health District
Procurement
Student Intern Part-Time Employee (June 1988 – December 1992)
Assisted with completing purchase orders, inventory, and all other duties necessary in assisting in the procurement of resources for Palmetto Health District; such as office supplies; office, maintenance, and clinical equipment; furnishings; services; etc.
Assisted in other various departments with general office administration to include Vital Records, Home Health, Family Planning, and Women-Infants-Children (WIC).