Brian Hermes
New Braunfels,TX
Summary
Accomplished leader with 20 years of experience in driving innovation and excellence in the United States Air Force, Army, and Navy. Recognized for successfully leading high-priority projects, building high-performing teams, and implementing agile methodologies to boost efficiency and drive continuous improvement. Proficient in data analysis tools like Excel, Power BI, and Python scripting, excels in presenting actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency and drive product development considering time lines and budget restraints.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Innovations
United States Air Force
12.2019 - 07.2024
- Spearheaded creation of the Joint Base San Antonio innovation accelerator, served over 3,000 employees, coached and generated 3 products per month generating $2.1M in savings.
- Managed multiple high-priority projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints, securing over $40M in SBIR funding.
- Created Innovation Training curriculum, benchmarked at Pentagon, scaled to Air Education and Training Command (AETC) to train over 6,000 Airmen, Soldiers, and Sailors.
- Led a diverse team of 40 innovation professionals through strategic hiring and talent development initiatives.
- Developed and presented comprehensive business cases for proposed innovations, aligning with long-term strategic objectives. Have presented and coached innovation initiatives from lowest levels to Air Staff Command.
Innovation Manager
United States Air Force
08.2017 - 12.2019
- Revitalized underperforming products by identifying key areas for improvement and implementing targeted changes.
- Facilitated creation of first Innovation Lab in the Air Force, led change management activities for staff of 34,000 individuals. Benchmarked model for adoption across Department of Air Force, now over 100 innovation cells.
- IIntroduced a structured framework for evaluating new ideas against predefined criteria, enhancing investment decisions in R&D projects.
- Organized engaging events such as hackathons or idea jams to boost employee engagement in the innovation process.
- Developed comprehensive business cases for proposed innovations, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic objectives.
- Negotiated contracts with external vendors and suppliers to secure resources necessary for successful project completion.
- Presented findings from market research studies to executive leadership, guiding data-driven decision-making processes.
- Leveraged data analytics tools to gain insights into consumer preferences, shaping product development priorities accordingly.
- Identified emerging trends and technologies, positioning the company as an industry leader in innovative solutions.
Process Improvement Consultant
United States Air Force
06.2013 - 08.2017
- Analyzed workflow data to pinpoint inefficiencies and develop targeted solutions for improving overall performance.
- Implemented Six Sigma methodologies for data-driven decision-making and ongoing process optimization, saved organization over $300K in hard costs.
- Provided expert guidance on best practices in business process management, setting the standard for excellence throughout the organization.
- Delivered presentations on project outcomes to senior leadership, demonstrating the tangible benefits of process improvement efforts within the organization.
- Trained over 60 Airmen and Soldiers on Continuous Process Improvement methodologies, leading to 26 Six Sigma Green Belt certifications and 2 Black Belts.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
United States Air Force
06.2004 - 06.2012
- Handled private and confidential information in compliance with hospital policies and procedures, including HIPAA.
- Monitored and managed inventory and supply levels of sterile and non-sterile items, like contrast materials, catheters, films and chemicals to reorder and restock.
- Educated patients on procedure details, provided instructions and answered questions to minimize anxiety and improve cooperation.
- Prepared and administered contrast materials, radiopharmaceuticals, anesthetic and antispasmodic drugs for imaging procedures.
- Developed and implemented improved diagnostic standards for inpatient and outpatient exams in alignment with department goals.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University Of The Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX12.2020
Associate of Science - Nuclear Medicine Technology
Community College Of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL06.2010
Associate of Science - Radiographic Sciences
Community College Of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL09.2007
Skills
- Pipeline Development
- Product Development
- Product Management
- Innovation Coaching
- SBIR/STTR/CRADA
- Emerging Technologies
- Python Scripting
- Scenario Planning
- Networking
- Portfolio Management
- Market Research
- Design thinking
- Market Analysis
- Business Development
- Business Operations
- Sales Goals
- Customer Empathy
- Commercialization
- Market Strategy
- Prospecting Clients
- Strategic Partnerships
Certification
- Venture Capital University Scholarship Recipient, UC Berkeley Law School - 2023
- Certified Innovation Coach, Michigan Ross Business School Innovatrium - 2021
- Instructional Development of Online Learning, United States Air Force - 2020
- Instructional Writer, United States Air Force - 2020
- Licensed Six Sigma Black Belt - 2018 - Present
Timeline
Director of Innovations
United States Air Force
12.2019 - 07.2024
Innovation Manager
United States Air Force
08.2017 - 12.2019
Process Improvement Consultant
United States Air Force
06.2013 - 08.2017
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
United States Air Force
06.2004 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University Of The Incarnate Word
Associate of Science - Nuclear Medicine Technology
Community College Of The Air Force
Associate of Science - Radiographic Sciences
Community College Of The Air Force