BLAKE CUSHING
Lorton,VA
Summary
Dynamic Program Manager with over 15 years of proven in complex global projects. Skilled in leading dispersed teams to achieve objectives, overseeing teams of 150+ professionals and managing assets exceeding $6.5 billion. Expertise in coordinating with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and fostering strong relationships with internal and external partners. Possesses over 20 years of leadership experience, consistently delivering high-quality, timely project outcomes. Demonstrated ability to provide detailed briefings to top-level officials within the Department of Defense, including civilian leaders and military generals, highlighting program progress and milestones. Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, poised to drive organizational success.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Technology Branch Chief
United States Air Force
10.2022 - Current
- Program manager for selectively manned assignment; ensures executive oversight for classified DoD, Joint, and IC programs/studies
- Coordinates and overseas NNSA/DoD technology interchange meetings in support of program objectives
- Leads multi-discipline teams; analyzes future DAF and OUSD capabilities and requirements; defends equities/enables DoD strategic initiatives
- Subject Matter Expert for various nuclear weapon technologies; expert knowledge of DOE/DoD weapon transportation, accountability and supply chain management.
- Formulates/plans & organizes integration of sensitive capabilities w/DoD and CCMD worldwide operations
- Manages, develops, coordinates, and executes SecAF, CSAF, and CSO-directed classified studies/programs worth $5.5M
Deputy Chief of Training
United States Air Force
06.2020 - 10.2022
- Plans, develops, evaluates, and updates lessons for four courses: Nuclear weapons logistics management, Conventional weapons management, Nuclear Weapons Accountability Course and Maintenance Officer Fundamental Course (general leadership/management).
- Developed DoD's sole nuclear accountability training system
- Provide real world leadership and management guidance consistent with learning objectives
- Updates lesson plans to incorporate improvements based on developing field strategies/information
Operations Officer
United States Air Force
02.2019 - 06.2020
- Leads, trains and equips >250 personnel; maintains AF's largest munitions stockpile162 facilities/$1.8B
- Manages accountability, reliability, & security of 9 million munitions, in support of US defense operations
- Directs Continuous Bomber Presence & Theater Security Packages munitions generation activities
- Led largest anti-radar missile shipment in Air Force history ($135M); postured assets for strategic resupply
Quality Assurance OIC/Chief of Nuclear Maintenance
United States Air Force
02.2016 - 02.2019
- Directs 30 person nuclear weapons surety inspection team, ensures critical readiness for 25 career fields
- Executes & tracks leadership decisions, direction, policies; establishes priorities, directs/assigns tasks
- Leads all training/evaluation across five geographically separated locations supporting 1.3K personnel
- Ensures operational command & control, maintenance, security, and release of $6B in US weapons
Nuclear Munitions Accountable Systems Officer
United States Air Force
02.2014 - 02.2016
- Directly responsible for DoD’s largest active nuclear stockpile valued at $6.2B, ensured 100% accurate accountability/reporting with zero discrepancies
- Coordinator for all nuclear weapon’s logistical movements and Department of Energy missions
- Leads 63 nuclear weapon technicians supporting 155 Minuteman III RS/RVs valued at $226M
- Guides DoD’s largest active Air Launch Cruise Missile fleet valued at $6B and $21.5M support equipment
Education
Masters of Education - Organizational Leadership
Northcentral University
San Diego, CA05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management
Ashford University
San Diego, CA05.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Management
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL12.2010
Skills
- Classified systems (JADE, PDAS, DIAMONDS, SIPR, JWICS, SIC)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SharePoint
- School of Strategic Studies
- Theories of Constraints Institute
- NATO Strategic Studies Course
- Systems Acquisition Management
- Life Cycle Logistics Course
Clearance
Active DOE Q Clearance and Active Top Secret/SCI
Accomplishments
- Distinguished Graduate, Nuclear Munitions Officer Course
- General Leo Marquez Award, Pacific Air Forces (#1 of 342)
- $10,000 IDEA Program Award Recipient
Timeline
Technology Branch Chief
United States Air Force
10.2022 - Current
Deputy Chief of Training
United States Air Force
06.2020 - 10.2022
Operations Officer
United States Air Force
02.2019 - 06.2020
Quality Assurance OIC/Chief of Nuclear Maintenance
United States Air Force
02.2016 - 02.2019
Nuclear Munitions Accountable Systems Officer
United States Air Force
02.2014 - 02.2016
Masters of Education - Organizational Leadership
Northcentral University
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management
Ashford University
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Management
Community College of The Air Force
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