Cas Smith
Wellington,CO
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive aviation experience. A regional management professional, with a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, operational oversight, and team development. Recognized for driving impactful initiatives and fostering cohesive teamwork to achieve organizational goals. Known for adaptability and commitment to excellence in rapidly changing environments. Proven expertise in operations management and data-driven decision making, enhancing regional efficiency and achieving significant improvements in mission success rates. Strong collaborator and problem-solver, dedicated to fostering team development and operational excellence.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Regional Director/Command Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (582nd Helicopter Group)
07.2025 - Current
- Led and mentored five managers, streamlining processes and implementing best practices to boost operational efficiency.
- Engaged in cross-functional team collaboration to expertly align critical organizational goals and drive regional success.
Executive Director/Command Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (582nd Operations Support Squadron)
07.2023 - 07.2025
- Directed strategic planning and execution of helicopter support operations to enhance mission readiness.
- Enhanced training effectiveness by leading virtual reality simulator sessions for five organizations.
Chief Operating Officer/Command Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (37th Helicopter Squadron)
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Optimized mission readiness through effective resource allocation and team direction.
- Increased mission success rates by developing strategic performance improvement plans.
Assistant Professor Aerospace Studies
United States Air Force (Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps)
06.2020 - 07.2022
- Drove cadet development by delivering advanced leadership and military strategy curriculum.
- Cultivated critical thinking and decision-making skills in future military leaders through flight simulator training.
Assistant Executive Director/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (582nd Operations Support Squadron, Det 4)
01.2019 - 06.2020
- Streamlined operational efficiency through strategic planning across geographic boundaries.
- Aligned budget management with strategic objectives through effective resource allocation.
Regional Flight Standardization Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (582nd Helicopter Group)
07.2018 - 01.2019
- Elevated pilot skills through comprehensive evaluations and actionable feedback.
- Established consistent teaching methodologies by collaborating with fellow instructors.
Assistant Operations Officer/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (40th Helicopter Squadron)
03.2017 - 07.2018
- Maximized team productivity by streamlining operational workflows and innovative processes.
- Reduced operational bottlenecks through targeted process improvements and streamlined operations.
Flight Standardization Manager/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (23rd Flying Training Squadron)
09.2015 - 03.2018
- Instructed and evaluated Air Force student pilots on rotary-wing aircraft techniques.
- Refined instructional effectiveness through developed training curricula and evaluation methods.
Student Manager/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (23rd Flying Training Squadron)
03.2015 - 09.2015
- Designed training programs to boost student performance in flight training.
- Facilitated communication between students and instructors, promoting collaboration and engagement.
Flight Operations Supervisor/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (23rd Flying Training Squadron)
02.2014 - 03.2015
- Supervised daily student flight operations, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Identified and implemented process improvements through staff debrief sessions and student feedback.
Chief Aviation Strategist/Pilot
United States Air Force (55th Rescue Squadron)
07.2012 - 02.2014
- Enabled development of policies to optimize military operational procedures and protocols.
- Analyzed mission data to identify trends, supporting informed decision-making processes and tactics evolution.
Helicopter Pilot
United States Air Force (55th Rescue Squadron)
03.2010 - 03.2011
- Executed complex rescue missions under challenging conditions, ensuring safety and effectiveness of operations.
- Coordinated flight operations with ground teams for optimal mission success and resource allocation.
Student Pilot
United States Air Force (23rd/84th Flying Training Squadrons)
04.2008 - 03.2010
- Collaborated with instructors to refine flight techniques and procedures.
- Operated various aircraft models in diverse flying conditions.
Firefighter
United States Air Force (21st/4th Civil Engineer Squadrons)
06.2000 - 04.2008
- Provided emergency response through rapid assessments and effective firefighting techniques.
- Fostered skills development in junior firefighters, promoting adherence to safety protocols.
Education
MBA - Strategic Leadership
Trident University International
Cypress, CABachelor of Science - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FLAssociate of Science - Fire Science
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, ALProfessional Military Education - Intermediate Leadership Development
Air University
Montgomery, ALSkills
- Organizational development
- Data-driven decision making
- Operations management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Crisis resolution
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Active TS/SCI Clearance
- Helicopter Instructor Pilot - 2,167 Flight Hours
- Experienced Simulator Operator/Instructor: 2015-2017, 2023-2025
- USAF Advanced Instrument School Graduate
- FAA Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (Rotorcraft)
Timeline
Deputy Regional Director/Command Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (582nd Helicopter Group)
07.2025 - Current
Executive Director/Command Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (582nd Operations Support Squadron)
07.2023 - 07.2025
Chief Operating Officer/Command Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (37th Helicopter Squadron)
07.2022 - 07.2023
Assistant Professor Aerospace Studies
United States Air Force (Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps)
06.2020 - 07.2022
Assistant Executive Director/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (582nd Operations Support Squadron, Det 4)
01.2019 - 06.2020
Regional Flight Standardization Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (582nd Helicopter Group)
07.2018 - 01.2019
Assistant Operations Officer/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (40th Helicopter Squadron)
03.2017 - 07.2018
Flight Standardization Manager/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (23rd Flying Training Squadron)
09.2015 - 03.2018
Student Manager/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (23rd Flying Training Squadron)
03.2015 - 09.2015
Flight Operations Supervisor/Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (23rd Flying Training Squadron)
02.2014 - 03.2015
Chief Aviation Strategist/Pilot
United States Air Force (55th Rescue Squadron)
07.2012 - 02.2014
Helicopter Pilot
United States Air Force (55th Rescue Squadron)
03.2010 - 03.2011
Student Pilot
United States Air Force (23rd/84th Flying Training Squadrons)
04.2008 - 03.2010
Firefighter
United States Air Force (21st/4th Civil Engineer Squadrons)
06.2000 - 04.2008
MBA - Strategic Leadership
Trident University International
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Associate of Science - Fire Science
Community College of The Air Force
Professional Military Education - Intermediate Leadership Development
Air University