Adam Christensen
Papillion,NE
Summary
Resourceful and self-directed leader with 20 years of experience in organizing, managing, and delivering cross-functional projects. Demonstrated ability to influence and guide at the executive level, while also executing complex analyses to support strategy in fast-paced and evolving environments. Skilled in building relationships and influencing others, with a growth mindset and strong communication skills that enable effective summarization and presentation of information to diverse audiences.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Missile Defense Assistant Program Manager
US Strategic Command
06.2023 - Current
- Site lead for Ballistic Missile Defense as principle watch stander supporting communication of critical information to support Combatant Commander and senior civilian leadership decision cycles.
- Contributed to long term planning for Missile Defense System IT support to CDRUSSTRATCOM.
- Develop training plans and certification requirements to stand up additional watch stations ensuring flow of information to leadership.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and standard processes.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes, enhancing overall program effectiveness and results.
- Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle operational demands.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing complex projects, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding quality standards.
- Provided guidance and mentoring to junior staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged growth and learning.
- Mentored junior members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for operational functions.
- Improved internal processes through thorough review, resulting in a reduction of wasted time and resources.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for direct reports, providing constructive feedback for continuous professional growth.
- Led crisis-management efforts during unexpected challenges; mitigating potential negative impacts on operations.
- Coordinated outreach efforts to raise awareness about the program''s offerings within the command
- Established clear performance metrics for all aspects of the program, enabling informed decision-making based on measurable outcomes.
- Ensured long-term program sustainability by regularly evaluating progress against strategic goals, adjusting tactics as needed to maintain momentum and achieve desired results.
Weapons Officer/Instructor
Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit
05.2020 - 06.2023
- Lead and manage 96 instructors, 30 courses of instruction and over $41 million of training equipment to ensure training of fleet Sailors to support national tasking
- Certified lead instructor for Tactical Tomahawk Watch Officer, and Cruise Missile Command Course, teaching post baccalaureate level students on all aspects of Tomahawk Weapons system tactics and employment.
- Championed cross-functional collaboration between teams, resulting in increased information sharing and coordination during critical missions.
- Served as a subject matter expert on weapons systems, providing invaluable insights during high-level briefings and strategy sessions.
- Streamlined weapons inventory management, resulting in accurate tracking and reduced redundancy.
- Spearheaded the implementation of new technology, improving communication among team members during operations.
- Mentored junior officers in leadership development programs, fostering a culture of growth within the unit.
- Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
- Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
Assessments Coordinator
Navy Operational Support Center Kitsap
02.2019 - 05.2020
- Enhanced assessment processes by implementing efficient data management and analysis techniques.
- Contributed to strategic planning initiatives, integrating evidence-based approaches derived from comprehensive assessment analyses.
- Organized professional development workshops, equipping staff with the necessary skills for effective assessment implementation.
- Managed diverse assessment projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and objectives.
- Streamlined reporting processes, ensuring timely submission of accurate and relevant data to stakeholders.
- Strengthened communication channels between stakeholders through regular updates and presentations on assessment outcomes and progress.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement within the institution by promoting best practices in programmatic assessments.
- Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
- Established and updated objectives and tools for overall program and each department to enhance operations.
Officer in Charge
Coastal Riverine Squadron 11
09.2016 - 05.2020
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring smooth execution of tasks and timely completion of projects.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships among team members and promoting open communication channels.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration, leveraging diverse expertise to optimize problem-solving capabilities within the unit.
- Recognized for exceptional leadership skills, receiving multiple commendations for outstanding performance as Officer in Charge.
- Established and improved relationships with civilian and governmental agencies including tribal agencies that ensures adequate flow of information and proper planning throughout
- Resolved complex issues through critical thinking and effective communication with stakeholders.
- Handled administrative requirements, maintained records and submitted operational reports.
- Communicated with command centers to develop and execute tactical plans.
- Trained and mentored personnel in combat operations and tactics.
- Developed SOPs for weapon handling and safety procedures, leading to a decrease in accidents and incidents.
- Guaranteed strict accountability by safeguarding weapons and ammunition, accounting for equipment valued at $1 million.
- Implemented new tracking system for inventory of weapons and communication devices, significantly reducing verification errors by 25%.
Chief of Staff and Operations Officer
Commander Destroyer Squadron 50, Commander Combined Task Force 152
09.2014 - 06.2016
- Provide oversight to coalition maritime operations throughout the Arabian Gulf, ensuring adequate flow of resources and information to accomplish the mission
- Attended meetings to make informed decisions, provide administrative support and evaluate progress toward goals and objectives.
- Coordinated with Coalition partners to ensure needs are met, and exercises and training needs are developed to further their operational capacity, in direct support of US national policy
- Enhanced coalition partners capability by providing training on proper operations center management, operational control of maritime forces as well as US counterterrorism policies
- Increased engagement with Coalition partners bringing in additional forces for training and exercises that previously had not participated including Oman and Qatar.
- Mentored and developed junior staff members; fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within the organization.
- Coordinated command-wide events, fostering a strong sense of community among staff
- Identified opportunities to streamline processes and improve office operations and efficiency.
- Maintained equipment at operational readiness annually.
- Coordinated and led meetings to inform management and stakeholders of operational challenges and suggested improvements.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
Chief Engineer
USS John S McCain DDG 56
05.2013 - 08.2014
- Ensured consistent underway on time by adroitly managing 40 Sailors in the safe operation of engineering plant, including 4 gas turbine engines, 3 gas turbine generators and support equipment
- Provide oversight to maintenance and operational programs to ensure all operational tasking can be met
- Enforced organizational rules and incorporated policy changes into departments' day-to-day activities.
- Reduced equipment downtime through proactive preventive maintenance and timely repairs, ensuring smooth operations.
- Ensure safety of all operational machinery spaces, conducting regular audits of command safety
- Improved budgetary efficiency to support maintenance and repair requirements ensuring ship met all required tasking.
- Mentored junior engineers, providing guidance on best practices and technical expertise for professional growth.
- Oversaw facility inspections to identify areas of concern or opportunities for improvement in infrastructure management.
- Optimized workflow by identifying bottlenecks and reallocating resources accordingly for improved efficiency.
- Optimized performance of facility machinery through calibration and repairs.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop project scopes, objectives, timelines, and deliverables in alignment with business goals.
- Created detailed reports on engineering activities and findings.
- Collaborated with other departments to facilitate successful project completion.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Deputy Knowledge Management Officer
Commander, US FIFTH Fleet
07.2011 - 07.2012
- Collaborated with IT teams to develop custom solutions that addressed unique knowledge management challenges within the organization.
- Developed comprehensive documentation for each stage of the production process, contributing to organizational knowledge management efforts.
- Protected company intellectual property, implementing robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access or misuse.
- Co-lead for Continuity of Operations planning team, ensuring command ability to function at alternate sites in case of emergency including server backups and IT solutions.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of current knowledge management practices, identifying areas for improvement and potential solutions.
- Implemented a knowledge management system to centralize information resources for easy access by the support team.
- Supported end-user access requirements by establishing compliant systems and effective access policies.
Assistant Professor Naval Science
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC)
03.2009 - 07.2011
- Lead instructor for four courses in the NROTC program teaching Operations management, and navigation to approximately 40 students each quarter
- Mentored and advised Freshman class each year on strategies to be successful in college and laying the foundation for successful Naval career
- Efforts led to increased retention and greater than 90% success rate of first term college students
- Recruiting Officer, responsible for managing recruiting budget and ensuring all recruiting goals were met and quality students were brought in and retained
- 100% of students recruited received an NROTC scholarship by the end of their 2nd year in the program, an unprecedented rate.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Evaluated student performance through comprehensive assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing targeted feedback for growth.
- Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
- Increased academic achievement by providing one-on-one mentoring and support to struggling students.
- Proctored exams and provided remediation for learning improvement goals.
- Strengthened relationships with colleagues by participating in collaborative projects and research endeavors.
Division Officer
United States Navy
07.2005 - 03.2009
- Led project teams in delivering high-quality results under tight timelines, demonstrating strong organizational skills and adaptability.
- Conducted regular evaluations of team performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing actionable solutions.
- Performed regular sailor evaluations.
- Built high-performing teams through careful selection of personnel and ongoing coaching/mentorship efforts.
- Streamlined operational processes for increased efficiency and productivity within the division.
- Qualified Surface Warfare Officer, Engineering Officer of the Watch and Surface Warfare Coordinator significantly ahead of peers.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and support for their professional development.
- Coordinated cross-functional efforts to drive overall command success, effectively managing competing priorities for optimal outcomes.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new sailors, ensuring a strong foundation of skills and knowledge.
- Coordinated activities of subordinate personnel to support mission success.
- Ordered, unloaded, sorted and tracked supplies and equipment needed for unit activities.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA09.2021
Certificate in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt -
Villanova University
Villanova, PA12.2019
Certificate in Joint Professional Military Education -
Naval War College
Newport, RI10.2018
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Political Science, History and Anthropology -
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR06.2011
Bachelor of Science – History -
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR06.2005
Skills
- Work Coordination
- Report Writing
- Strategic Planning
- Innovation and Creativity
- Budgeting and finance
- Training Management
- Influencing skills
- Knowledge management
- Workforce Planning and scheduling
- Attention to Detail
- Requirements Analysis
- Quality Assurance
Outside Activities
- Guest Lecturer, Oregon State University Political Science February 2020: Maritime Counter Terrorism Strategy
- Co Author: Maritime Maneuvers: Navigating Irregular Warfare in Yemen’s Civil War. Irregular Warfare Initative, Dec 2023
- 200 hour volunteer Habitat for Humanity Kitsap County
Service Schools
- Command Control Battle Management System Situational Awareness Users Course, 09/2021
- Joint Military Deception Course, 05/2022
- Defense Operational Security Planner 05/22
- Integrated Air and Missile Defense Planner Course, 12/2019
- Surface Warfare Officer Department Head 05/2013
- Combat Systems Officer Track II, 10/2012
- Electronic Key Management System, 06/2005
Timeline
Missile Defense Assistant Program Manager
US Strategic Command
06.2023 - Current
Weapons Officer/Instructor
Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit
05.2020 - 06.2023
Assessments Coordinator
Navy Operational Support Center Kitsap
02.2019 - 05.2020
Officer in Charge
Coastal Riverine Squadron 11
09.2016 - 05.2020
Chief of Staff and Operations Officer
Commander Destroyer Squadron 50, Commander Combined Task Force 152
09.2014 - 06.2016
Chief Engineer
USS John S McCain DDG 56
05.2013 - 08.2014
Deputy Knowledge Management Officer
Commander, US FIFTH Fleet
07.2011 - 07.2012
Assistant Professor Naval Science
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC)
03.2009 - 07.2011
Division Officer
United States Navy
07.2005 - 03.2009
Master of Business Administration -
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Certificate in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt -
Villanova University
Certificate in Joint Professional Military Education -
Naval War College
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Political Science, History and Anthropology -
Oregon State University
Bachelor of Science – History -
Oregon State University
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