Imelda (Mel) B. Dayao-Garcia serves as a Lead Human Resources Specialist in Strategic Outreach and Recruitment (SOAR) in the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS). She also served in DCPAS as a Civilian Transition Programs Administrator in the Workforce Shaping Office. Ms. Dayao-Garcia’s career includes over 28 years of Human Resources (HR) experience in private industry and federal government. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Administration from Saint Leo University and a Master’s Degree in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University. Ms. Dayao-Garcia entered federal service as PALACE Acquire intern with Department of the Air Force and served at various levels in DAF prior to her assignment to the Department of Defense. In the span of her career, she served as a Recruiter, Recruitment and Placement Specialist, Classification Specialist, Employee and Labor Management Relations Specialist and Program Manager for a variety of civilian personnel programs.

Ms. Dayao-Garcia is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Department of Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Air Education and Training Command Civilian Personnel Senior Program Manager Award, HQ AFPC General Robert J. Dixon Personnel Award, and Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Award. She also completed professional military education (PME) courses to include the inaugural Air Force Air and Basic Course for entry-level civilian employees and military officers, and the Air Force Air Command, and Staff College for intermediate level military officers and civilian personnel.