Alexander Keller
Niceville,FL
Summary
Lieutenant Colonel with 20 years at the helm of defense acquisitions, focusing on cutting-edge air-delivered weapons systems. Leadership spans from early-stage science and technology to overseeing complex acquisition programs, managing budgets over $3.5B. Drove the adoption of agile frameworks in defense projects, leveraging a Scrum Master certification to significantly enhance efficiency and project outcomes. Renowned for strategic foresight, navigated international military relations, ensuring robust foreign military sales. Now seeking to apply extensive experience in a senior strategic role within the defense industry to propel innovative defense solutions forward.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief, Aerial Targets Branch
Eglin AFB
Eglin AFB, FL, USA
05.2024 - Current
- Revamped an underperforming aerial targets team, achieving full operational capability and setting industry benchmarks for turnaround times
- Successfully negotiated for the Next Generation Aerial Target, marking a pivotal advancement in target acquisition technology
- Leadership revitalized the team and enhanced the strategic capabilities of missile development testing
- Implemented new training programs that improved team readiness and technical proficiency
Director of Strategic Program Management
Eglin AFB
Eglin AFB, FL, USA
06.2023 - 05.2024
- Directed strategic execution for a $100B portfolio, ensuring alignment with long-term defense objectives while managing high-level stakeholder engagements
- Pioneered cross-departmental collaboration, significantly reducing project timelines through strategic alignment
- Led a major joint weapon systems review, directly impacting future combatant command strategies
- Established new metrics for project success that were adopted across the organization
Development/Production | Squadron Commander (Materiel Leader)
Eglin AFB
Eglin AFB, FL, USA
06.2020 - 06.2023
- Led the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile initiative, managing a diverse team to exceed production targets by 65%
- Secured the crucial DX rating from the Secretary of Defense, ensuring priority in resource allocation for national defense
- Strategic oversight included streamlining production processes that set a new standard for efficiency in missile production
- Initiated a cross-functional integration project that improved interdepartmental cooperation and project delivery rates
Chief, Foreign Military Sales
US Embassy
Amman, Jordan
10.2019 - 06.2020
- Steered a comprehensive 5-year FMS strategy, enhancing U.S.-Jordan military cooperation through $669M in asset acquisitions
- Leadership in security program reviews ensured seamless coordination across multiple government entities
- Developed new protocols for case management, which significantly reduced processing times for military sales
- Efforts led to a marked improvement in the interoperability of allied forces
Principal Advisor to Director, Global Power Programs
Pentagon
Pentagon, USA
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Advised on the strategic direction of a $100B portfolio, influencing global operational capabilities through effective policy and program analysis
- Facilitated critical communications between the Pentagon, Congress, and media, enhancing transparency and support for defense initiatives
- Crafted strategic messages that shaped public and legislative perception of defense spending
- Initiated a review process that optimized resource allocation across programs
Department Manager | Program Element Monitor
Pentagon
Pentagon, USA
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Orchestrated the funding strategy for advanced weapons, ensuring alignment with national security priorities
- Involved detailed budget justifications to Congress, significantly influencing defense procurement policies
- Pioneered a cost-saving initiative that was later adopted department-wide
- Efforts directly contributed to securing additional funding for critical defense technologies
Advanced Development Program Manager
Eglin AFB
Eglin AFB, FL, USA
02.2014 - 06.2017
- Led R&D efforts for next-generation air-to-air systems, achieving a 50% reduction in testing times and $7M in savings
- Spearheaded an anomaly resolution project that fixed a critical datalink issue in record time, saving months of potential delays
- Leadership in technology integration set new standards for missile system upgrades
- Mentored junior engineers, significantly enhancing the team's capability to handle complex technical challenges
Education
Master of Art & Science - Military Operations
USAF Air Command & Staff College
Montgomery, AL01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Tampa
Tampa, FL01.2005
Skills
- Scrum Master
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Organization and Time Management
Education | Certifications
- Master of Art & Science, Military Operations, USAF Air Command & Staff College, 2012
- Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, University of Tampa, 2005
- Scrum Master Certification, Scrum Alliance, 2023
- Advanced Program Manager Certification, Defense Acquisition University, 2022
- Foundational Level Engineering & Technical Management, Defense Acquisition University, 2022
Military Training
- Space 200, 2013
- Advanced Orbital Mechanics, 2009
- Satellite Vehicle Operator, 2006
Timeline
Chief, Aerial Targets Branch
Eglin AFB
05.2024 - Current
Director of Strategic Program Management
Eglin AFB
06.2023 - 05.2024
Development/Production | Squadron Commander (Materiel Leader)
Eglin AFB
06.2020 - 06.2023
Chief, Foreign Military Sales
US Embassy
10.2019 - 06.2020
Principal Advisor to Director, Global Power Programs
Pentagon
07.2018 - 06.2019
Department Manager | Program Element Monitor
Pentagon
07.2017 - 06.2018
Advanced Development Program Manager
Eglin AFB
02.2014 - 06.2017
Master of Art & Science - Military Operations
USAF Air Command & Staff College
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Tampa