Dr. Freeman holds a Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences from Walden University (1998); a Master of Science in Public Policy & Management from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU); and two undergraduate degrees in Cognitive Science and History from CMU. She has substantial experience working in and with the US Government, including in the Diplomatic Service when working at the US Consulate in Hong Kong; in the private sector as a multiple firm founder and owner, as well as having worked for large private companies; as an author and publisher of 37 books; and as one of the most frequently engaged Public Speakers for the US State Department in many countries and about many topics for decades.

Dr. Freeman is a current high clearance level holder and Advisor to the US Secretary of Commerce on trade matters and to the USTR’s Trade Representative on trade and Africa. She previously served on the US Export Important Bank’s Advisory Board for two terms and on Advisory Boards of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and US Department of Energy. At the local level, Dr. Freeman previously served two terms on the Charter Commission for Montgomery County Maryland and is currently on the Board of the Glen Echo Park. Previously, Dr. Freeman served as the first Director of the DC Government’s International Development Business Office and as the Chair of the DC Chamber’s International Committee.

Dr. Freeman’s Work Experience in the US Government: Has included positions with the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), where she honed her skills in conducting management audits. With the International Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA), she served as the Private Sector Advisor to OPIC and the US Trade Development Program (later Agency). Subsequently, she served as the Assistant Director for Program, Evaluation, and Planning of the US Trade Development Program and as its Regional Director for Asia stationed in Hong Kong in the Diplomatic Service. Dr. Freeman lived and worked in Hong Kong for 12 consecutive years. In these positions, Dr. Freeman has managed up to 30 staff.

Dr. Freeman’s Private Sector Experience: Has included the position of Senior Consultant with Booz, Allen & Hamilton; as founder of Lark-Horton Global Consulting, the All American Small Business Exporters Association (AASBEA), and Gems of Wisdom Consulting. Dr. Freeman also served as the Chief Compliance Officer for Creative Associates. (2011-2017)

Main Consulting Focus: Dr. Freeman specializes in eight principal areas of consulting in which she has vast experience. They include:

• Risk Management. Recently, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) retained Dr. Freeman and her team to make recommendations for optimizing its enabling support services. For Creative Associates, Dr. Freeman was recently retained to write a manual to explain how to implement international development projects in conflict-affected countries. Assignments related to lowering risk and enhancing risk management is a growing area for the firm and is within the sweet spot of Dr. Freeman’s expertise.

• Retention and Attrition Studies: For the US Department of State, working with Deloitte, Dr. Freeman recently completed a landmark study of the phenomena over the period 2.5 years that entailed comprehensive quantitative studies (case studies, interviews, literature reviews) and quantitative analyses. The study revealed new insights upon which novel and unprecedented recommendations were based. This area is also within Dr. Freeman’s sweet spot, as it allows her to utilize a broad base of the qualitative and quantitative skills she possesses to identify and solve problems.

• Statistical Analyses: Dr. Freeman and her team are able to leverage the latest statistical software and AI co-intelligent approaches to undertake studies such as demand elasticity analysis to assess the demand for the products and services of government agencies that charge fees and studies that entail analyzing US Census and other collected data to glean new perspectives on specific phenomena.

• Compliance Training: As staple of GWCi consultancy, we are frequently called upon to design and deliver training courses to explain laws and regulations that must be complied with pertaining to procurement, finance, HR, and other critical functions. As a former Chief Compliance Officer, Dr. Freeman is knowledgeable about the FAR for contracts, the OMB Guidance for grants, and about agency-specific requirements.

• Exporting: As a “go-to” consultancy in matters pertaining to all aspects of trade…importing, exporting, trade policy, agreements and controls, Dr. Freeman has retained for many assignments to explain what is involved, best practices, and to help firms succeed in trade arena. She has also written a number of books on the topics involved that are highlighted at: gemsofwisdomconsulting.com/books.

For more information, contact Dr. Freeman directly via email: SF@gemsofwisdomconsulting.com