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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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