CHAD BAKER
Program Manager
Queen Anne,MD
Summary
Dynamic program manager and human resources leader with over 25 years of experience in Army special operations, federal contracting, and veteran advocacy. Expertise in leading teams of up to 40 and managing portfolios exceeding $200 million. Proven track record of driving process improvements of 15% to 45% in HR, onboarding, and mission-critical communications programs, while overseeing contract operations exceeding $10 million for Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Intelligence Community clients. Decorated retired Master Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient, currently spearheading veteran-focused organizations and providing strategic advisory to technology-driven platforms that support veterans and national security missions. Committed to leveraging extensive leadership experience to foster innovation and operational excellence in diverse environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
PEAKE
05.2024 - Current
- Oversaw strategic growth of a $10M+ portfolio, executing programs while optimizing staffing and P&L performance to meet established requirements.
- Developed comprehensive strategies for business development, collaborating with onsite customers to identify opportunities and expand project scope for growth.
- Directed lead capture and proposal initiatives for follow-on and new projects, enhancing technical and management volumes.
- Facilitated mentorship and coaching for junior project and task leads to standardize program management practices and optimize execution across the portfolio.
- Secured $980M IDIQ contract as key subcontractor by strategically leveraging established customer and industry relationships.
- Managed comprehensive veteran resource group programs that strengthened recruitment and retention strategies, resulting in the organization receiving the HireVets Gold Award.
- Oversaw facility security operations across 15 contracts, managing personnel security clearances and access authorizations. Directed compliance efforts with NISP and customer security standards. Advised leadership on risk management, incident response, and effective mitigation strategies to enhance security posture.
Human Resources Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Site Lead
Peraton
08.2022 - 04.2024
- Led a diverse team of approximately 40 professionals, including information technology intelligence analysts and biometrics subject matter experts, to ensure successful project execution.
- Achieved a comprehensive overhaul of the HR platform by leveraging expertise in human resources. Contributed to Department of Defense interagency tabletop exercises and war games, integrating critical HR elements into strategic decision-making. Provided valuable insights on civilian and military HR matters, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
- Achieved a 15% increase in productivity through the transformation of HR service delivery and organizational performance management. Created and executed a highly effective onboarding process that improved the integration of new employees into the company.
- Achieved alignment of talent management strategies with organizational goals through effective recruitment and employee development. Fostered a culture of retention by nurturing top talent for sustained organizational growth.
- Engaged with customers to establish trust and rapport, efficiently addressing inquiries and resolving issues while reinforcing core company values to drive repeat business.
Senior Human Resource Business Partner
US Army, Joint Special Operations Command
10.2018 - 04.2022
- Led a team of 36 HR business partners in delivering critical personnel support, facilitating operational efficiency for over 4000 special operations members.
- Directed comprehensive overhaul of HR service delivery systems to optimize performance and streamline processes.
- Cultivated talent within the team by providing mentorship and guidance, enabling achievement of strategic organizational goals. Championed a culture of collaboration and excellence, enhancing team performance.
- Developed and implemented HR strategies to support talent acquisition, onboarding, employee development, employee relations, and contract management.
- Engaged with senior executives to design and deploy effective hiring initiatives aimed at securing high-caliber talent while addressing employee apprehensions about workforce discipline.
Senior Human Resource Manager
United States Special Operations Command
10.2015 - 10.2018
- Achieved high levels of personnel satisfaction through effective management of administration development, health, morale, welfare, training, and professional mentorship. Fostered a collaborative team culture that contributed to overall mission success.
- Enhanced leadership capabilities by coaching subordinate supervisors on effective management of diverse teams. Promoted strategies that improved inclusive communication and strengthened team cohesion, resulting in a more cohesive organizational culture.
- Achieved enhanced operational efficiency and team collaboration through effective management of cross-functional teams. Drove workforce development and performance management initiatives that significantly contributed to overall organizational success.
- Identified skill gaps and orchestrated targeted training initiatives to foster professional growth among staff members.
- Engaged with hiring managers to streamline talent acquisition processes, contributing to improved employee productivity.
- Directed management of $200 million in government equipment to uphold stringent oversight and prevent losses.
Senior Human Resource Manager
US Special Operations Agency
10.2008 - 10.2015
- Directed strategic human resources initiatives to enhance manpower utilization, streamline personnel pay processes, and improve performance evaluation systems for senior military executives.
- Managed a comprehensive database of over 1000 customers, consistently refining processes to optimize data retrieval and management efficiency.
- Led comprehensive analysis and synthesized statistical data for executives, delivering insights that shaped organizational climate. Developed and communicated strategic recommendations to boost workforce productivity and enhance overall climate. Championed a data-driven methodology to guide strategic decisions and cultivate a positive workplace culture.
- Administered human resources operations, maintaining compliance and readiness for 12 specialized programs while demonstrating proficiency in sensitive program management.
- Led initiatives in talent development and performance management alongside management team, driving a significant boost in productivity.
Airborne Infantryman
82nd Airborne Division, 1st Battalion 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment
10.2001 - 10.2008
- Executed strategic leadership in rigorous combat scenarios, resulting in the safe recovery of multiple hostages.
- Oversaw large-scale operations, prompting senior leadership to personally acknowledge contributions and extend mentorship.
Education
Associate - General Studies
University of Maryland University College (UMUC)
Adelphi, MD01.2016
Skills
- Team leadership
- Team leadership in program execution
- Stakeholder engagement strategies
- Cultivating strong partnerships
- Budgeting and resource management
- Business growth initiatives
- P&L management
- Analytical problem-solving
Awards
Purple Heart and x2 Bronze Star Recipient
Timeline
Program Manager
PEAKE
05.2024 - Current
Human Resources Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Site Lead
Peraton
08.2022 - 04.2024
Senior Human Resource Business Partner
US Army, Joint Special Operations Command
10.2018 - 04.2022
Senior Human Resource Manager
United States Special Operations Command
10.2015 - 10.2018
Senior Human Resource Manager
US Special Operations Agency
10.2008 - 10.2015
Airborne Infantryman
82nd Airborne Division, 1st Battalion 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment
10.2001 - 10.2008
Associate - General Studies
University of Maryland University College (UMUC)