Bernard Harper Jr
Oxon Hill,United States
Summary
Professional with robust experience in executive support, offering strong organizational and communication skills. Proven ability to streamline administrative processes, manage schedules, and coordinate high-level meetings. Keen focus on teamwork and adaptability, ensuring seamless operations and effective problem-solving. Recognized for confidentiality, reliability, and proactive approach to handling evolving business needs.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Support Specialist
Headquarters, United States Air Force (Pentagon)
Washington, DC
01.2025 - Current
- Coordinated executive schedules, ensuring optimal time management and prioritization of daily tasks.
- Streamlined communication between departments to enhance project collaboration and information flow.
- Developed comprehensive reports and presentations, supporting strategic decision-making for senior leadership.
- Managed confidential documents with discretion, maintaining compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
Protocol Specialist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Washington, DC
05.2023 - 12.2024
- Implement the protocol program that effectively supports the Commanding General, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Staff, and nine Divisions.
- Provide expert technical guidance and advice on the coordination and synchronization of requirements to support protocol events and activities as well the principles, methods, practices, and techniques associated with the execution of the program.
- Utilize comprehensive understanding of USACE organizations, programs, missions, and functions, knowledge of analytical and evaluative techniques, and keen awareness of organizational as well as military and civilian relationships between USACE and the Department of the Army, the Joint Staff, the Department of Defense, other government agencies, and foreign countries to shape advice and inform execution.
- Planned, coordinated, and executed high level military and civilian, foreign and domestic visits, functions, ceremonies and special events hosted by the senior U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leadership.
- Work closely with customers to provide appropriate guidance on established requirements (i.e., receiving lines, flag display, seating arrangement, VIP courtesies, invitations and RSVP, ticket sales and money collection).
- Coordinated and executed the planning and implementation of special events (i.e., Castle Ball, Engineer Muster, Army Birthday celebrations, press conferences, Leader Emeritus Events, luncheons, and dinners).
- Ensured the proper use of Official Representation Funds and applies the guidance set forth in Army Regulation (AR) 37-47 pertaining to ratios of Authorized and DoD guests.
- Support the Chief of Engineers by executing Ceremonies, Special Events and Protocol Training in identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the need for protocol training in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- This is a federal job
- Hours per week: 40
- Pay Plan: GS - General Schedule (Ch. 51, 5 U.S.C.)
- Grade: 12
- Accomplishments: 2023 - Army Achievement Medal
- Related Skills: Skills with computers and programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint
- Briefs Senior Leaders, General Officers and Dignitaries
- Time and Project Management skills with multiples events
- Utilize Oral and Written Communications skills
- Attention to Detail
- Organizational
- Negotiation
- Developed and implemented protocols for project management and stakeholder communication.
- Facilitated training sessions to enhance team understanding of regulatory compliance and procedures.
Deputy Commander, 72 Force Support Squadron (GS-13 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
Oklahoma City, OK
11.2020 - 09.2022
- Provided leadership, management and advocacy for all aspects of 600 personnel and 39 services programs in support of 90,000 customers.
- Directed manpower, personnel and services for 8,400 military and dependents, 16,000 civilians, 7 Senior Military Leaders and 77 unit commanders.
- Readied 15,000 personnel, 35 aircraft, $13.5 billion in assets for 7 wings which was vital in C2, ISR and air-refueling mission capability in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom Sentinel.
- Served as Base Mortuary Officer.
- Served as Director, Personnel, Readiness and Manpower at US Embassy Islamabad.
- Led beddown of 107 member Personnel Recovery Task Force retrograde out of Kabul, Afghanistan during Operation ALLIES REFUGE, directly contributing to the evacuation of 122,000 Americans and Allies from Afghanistan, the largest air Non-Combatant Evacuation in the United States history.
- Hours per week: 50
- Accomplishments: 2020 Air Force Materiel Command's General Curtis E. Lemay Award as Best Large Force Support Squadron
- 2021 Air Force Materiel Command's General Curtis E. Lemay Award as Best Large Force Support Squadron
- 2020 Air Force Material Command's Best Civilian Personnel Flight
- 2021 Air Force Material Command's Best Civilian Personnel Flight
- 2021 Air Force Material Command's Lieutenant General Norm Lezy Award for Best Force Support Squadron Deputy Commander
- Related Skills: Analyzed and evaluated DoD and SECAF level program directives and policy.
- Handpicked by Installation Commander to assemble a team of subject matter experts to achieve DoD and SECAF level program directives and policy.
- Worked with installation public affairs on strategic communications to achieve DoD, SECAF and Installation Commanders objectives.
- Specialized experience with procurement and negotiation of food service contracts.
- Specialized experience with building maintenance and contractual services for utilities.
- Specialized experience with oversight of lodging facilities and embassy beddown of deployed personnel during Afghan evacuation mission.
- Specialized experience with managing squadron vehicle fleet.
- Member of task force for Tinker Air Force Interstate 40 relocation project (negotiation of relocation of facilities)
Congressional Liaison (GS-13 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
Washington, DC
12.2017 - 11.2020
- Action officer in 7 person branch responding to over 4,000 yearly Congressional inquiries on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Chief of Space Operations.
- Oversaw Wounded Warrior Fellows Program.
- Resolved constituent inquires for White House and Members of Congress through drafting and editing responses to ensure quality and consistency.
- Coordinated with Secretariat, Air Staff, OSD and other government agencies to research inquiries and provide approved responses.
- Developed and maintains relationship w/House Members and Personnel Staff and informed on Air Force issues and justified program.
- Hours per week: 50
- Accomplishments: 2019 1st Qtr Office of the Secretary of the Air Force - Legislative Liaison Team of the Quarter
- 2020 2nd Qtr Office of the Secretary of the Air Force - Legislative Liaison Team of the Quarter
- 2020 Office of the Secretary of the Air Force - Legislative Liaison Team Award
- Related Skills: Piloted 1st joint base service transfer in DoD and coordinated congressional notices, culminating in $645M in assets to Air Force portfolio.
- Led air and ground motor pool logistics support to CODEL to Regan National Defense Forum which enabled key interface for 150 strategic level leaders.
- Oversaw air and ground motor pool logistical support for short notice Speaker of the House travel and led 68 CODELs attending Rep John Lewis' funeral.
- SecAF pick as Air Force Association Conference planner. Linked 20 general officers, 107 Congressional Staff which synced Air Force and Space readiness, acquisition and lines of effort needs with congress.
- Led House Armed Services Committee Retreat hosted by Acting Secretary of Defense which provided scope on Joint Military Operations, modernization and space strategy.
- Led a team on Air Force Central Command Area of Responsibility Tour and assembled strategic messaging through public affairs of 90 media products produced with a 4 million global reach.
- Orchestrated Acting Secretary of the Air Force Congressional Lunch that ensured strategic messaging and appropriations to Congress through the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Lines of Effort.
- Planned for Chief of the Staff of the Air Force Area of Responsibility Tour that consisted of 11 base tours, 11 middle east countries and meeting with the King of Jordan which included air and ground motor support.
- Engineered 75 Air Force Central Command Commander visits with 30 nations in support of 130 key leader and senior leader engagements to include President of Afghanistan and 8 Ambassadors to enhanced regional security which included air and ground motor pool support.
- Specialized Experience as Trip Planner for 3-star general (Commander, Air Force Central Command) and staff.
- Facilitated communication between Congressional offices and Air Force leadership on key issues.
- Developed and maintained relationships with legislative stakeholders to promote Air Force initiatives.
Protocol Staff Officer (GS-12 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
Mons
11.2015 - 11.2017
- Planned, coordinated and executed all aspects of sponsored VIP visits to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.
- Coordinated briefing, conferences, ceremonies, honor guards, receptions, formal events/functions hosted Senior Staff.
- Responsible for United States visits to Supreme Allied Commander - Europe and coordinated with United States National Military Representative on all protocol activities.
- Served as focal point on protocol matters with Heads of State, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretaries, Ministers and Ambassadors.
- Hours per week: 50
- Accomplishments: 2017 2nd Qtr Staff Officer of the Quarter
- Related Skills: Led high visibility DV functions and hosted general officers and ambassadors while showcasing NATO mission
- Executed Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe 50th anniversary celebration.
- Led key visit of former Ukraine President and aided in developed of the Ukraine Crisis Management Operations Center
- Extensive knowledge of personal security and force protection procedures
- Worked with foreign nations in international political affairs
- Provided expertise on unique customs and courtesies of the international community
- Strong organization skills
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and mission effectiveness.
- Developed comprehensive training programs to improve staff performance and readiness.
Sustainment Services Flight Commander (GS-12 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
Osan, South Korea
11.2014 - 11.2015
- Led the Air Force's 4th largest Sustainment Services flight consisting of 532 personnel and covers fitness, food, lodging, club and quality of life programs for 9,000 military and military families.
- Managed 19 facilities with over $90M in equipment/assets and $23M budget in support of 76 wing, joint and tenant units.
- Drafted and implemented sustainment services policy and enforced quality control and inspection standards for flight operations.
- Planned and conducted live and virtual entertainment programs
- Executed theater and entertainment activities to include knowledge of promotional/publicity materials.
- Operated administrative systems and technology to effectively accomplish the mission.
- Applied analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification and validation of military entertainment requirements.
- Hours per week: 60
- Accomplishments: 2014 Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year
- 2015 Pacific Air Forces Command, Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, 1st Qtr
- Related Skills: Delivered emergency lodging during Typhoon which housed 94 members.
- Oversaw a lodging operation which led to $790 in revenue with 25,000 guests.
- Transformed Officer and Enlisted Club operations with updated programming that generated $239K in net income and $24K in special events.
- Guided Air Force recognized and unique Resiliency Center project and executed $950K in Appropriated and Non-Appropriated funded construction.
- Produced #1 Pacific Air Force military food program to include 138 military, 3 dining facilities, $32M in assets with 868K healthy meals provided.
- Provided support for Secretary of the Air Force and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff DV visit.
- Hosted United Service Organization (USO) tour through logistical support.
- Led mission planning and execution for diverse air operations, ensuring strategic objectives met efficiently.
- Supervised and trained personnel on advanced flight operations and safety protocols, enhancing team readiness.
Manpower and Personnel Flight Commander (GS-12 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
Minot, ND
08.2011 - 11.2014
- Led 53 military personnel, 21 civilians and 9 contractors while serving 12,000 people in DoD's only dual-wing, nuclear-capable base.
- Provided personnel and administrative support to DoD largest Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) encompassing two wings with 3.3K military authorizations.
- Hours per week: 60
- Accomplishments: 2012 Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year
- 2012 Air Force Global Strike Command Company Grade Officer of the Year
- 2012 "Excellent" Air Force Mortuary Affairs Compliance Inspection
- 2013 Air Force Global Strike Command Manpower and Organization Program of the Year
- 2013 Air Force Global Strike Command Commander in Chief Excellence Award
- Related Skills: Managed 40-member "Dignified Transfer" team for fallen US Ambassador to Libya hosted by President of the United States and Secretary of State while assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO).
- Led 151 inbound "Dignified Transfers and trained/briefed 1.2K sister service General Officers, Commanders, and Honor Guard team members at AFMAO.
- Provided instrumental management at Dover Mortuary during "no-fail mission to 986 families.
- Executed OSD non Concurrent Travel Program by coordinating housing, lodging, assignments for 1,249 military.
- Tackled chronic civilian personnel manning shortages with Headquarters Air Force by executing $750,000 in recruiting and retention incentives for civilian members.
- Fulcrum for 91 manpower study affecting 34 worksites and 371 positions which properly aligned $31.1M in resources.
- Coordinated training programs for personnel, enhancing team readiness and operational effectiveness.
Chief, Readiness Flight and Honor Guard Officer in Charge (GS-11 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
Randolph AFB, TX
08.2008 - 08.2011
- Managed unit's most diverse section to include honor guard, mortuary affairs, and installation personnel readiness and provided support to 4,500 active duty, 40,000 retirees, and military families.
- Developed and implemented deployment process and programs supporting military and civilians during contingency and crisis operations.
- Provided Manpower, Personnel and Services inputs and coordination to installation contingency plans and programs.
- Oversaw installation force accountability team of 40 military through the management of search and recovery team operations.
- Hours per week: 60
- Accomplishments: 2009 President, Company Grade Officer Council
- 2009 Air Education and Training Command Company Grade Officer of the Year.
- 2010 Selected as Randolph Ambassador, served in one year position as a community relations representative, hosting 60 events during San Antonio's Fiesta celebrations, to include 3 major parades, private VIP receptions to strengthen vital military-civilian relationships.
- Related Skills: Handpicked as safety team lead for Air Education and Training Command Symposium which consisted of 60 General Officers and 3,700 patrons.
- Showcased the base's 2,000 Airmen, 11 major weapons systems, and over $1B in Air Force assets to over 50 distinguished joint, NATO and coalition leaders, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and French Minister of Defense.
- Provided problem solving solutions during emergency beddown to secure the safety of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and staff following multiple insurgent rocket attacks on Kandahar Airfield.
- Specialized experience in coordinating cargo airlift with Logistics Readiness Squadron as Personnel Deployment Function, Officer in Charge.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Social Science, Geography
Troy University
Troy, AL, United States05.2008
Associate's degree - Disaster Preparedness
Community College of the Air Force
Montgomery, AL, United States05.2003
Skills
- Event planning expertise
- Effective cross-cultural communication
- Skilled in leading meetings
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Proficient in organization techniques
- Detail-oriented analysis
- Adaptability in dynamic environments
Affiliations
- Boy Scouts of America - Assistant Scoutmaster
- Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity - Life Member
- Military Officers Association - Life Member
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated - Treasurer
Certification
Executive Diploma in Protocol Basics, International School of Protocol and Diplomacy, Brussels, Belgium 2016
Executive Diploma in Protocol Applied, International School of Protocol and Diplomacy, Brussels, Belgium, 2016
Timeline
Executive Support Specialist
Headquarters, United States Air Force (Pentagon)
01.2025 - Current
Protocol Specialist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
05.2023 - 12.2024
Deputy Commander, 72 Force Support Squadron (GS-13 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
11.2020 - 09.2022
Congressional Liaison (GS-13 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
12.2017 - 11.2020
Protocol Staff Officer (GS-12 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
11.2015 - 11.2017
Sustainment Services Flight Commander (GS-12 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
11.2014 - 11.2015
Manpower and Personnel Flight Commander (GS-12 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
08.2011 - 11.2014
Chief, Readiness Flight and Honor Guard Officer in Charge (GS-11 Equivalent)
United States Air Force
08.2008 - 08.2011
Associate's degree - Disaster Preparedness
Community College of the Air Force
Bachelor's degree - Social Science, Geography
Troy University
Job Related Training
- Executive Diploma in Protocol Basics, International School of Protocol and Diplomacy, Brussels, Belgium 2016
- Executive Diploma in Protocol Applied, International School of Protocol and Diplomacy, Brussels, Belgium, 2016
Additional Information
Top Secret Clearance