Christal J Rheams
Woodbridge,VA
Summary
Accomplished and dynamic professional with extensive experience in arts management, event coordination, logistics, and creative direction. Adept at identifying operational requirements, developing engaging implementation plans, and collaborating with diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives. A highly organized and innovative leader with a proven ability to streamline operations, optimize resources, and manage cross-functional teams effectively in high-pressure environments. Demonstrated expertise in leveraging music and the arts to build authentic connections and foster creative collaborations among communities, artists, and industry stakeholders. Proven track record in curating compelling show programming that resonates with diverse audiences, while effectively liaising with senior leadership, clients, vendors, and teams to drive success.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Support Specialist
U.S
08.2024 - Current
- Oversees event and meeting coordination, ensuring the successful execution of all logistical components
- Responsible for tasker coordination, with a strong focus on reconciliation and completion of assigned projects
- Facilitates communication and meticulous planning across the directorate, supporting senior leadership, scientists, and personnel to enhance research and development initiatives
- Manages event logistics, equipment coordination, and operational readiness to optimize productivity and foster collaboration
- Recognized for outstanding attention to detail, strategic problem-solving, and ability to manage high-stakes environments
- Key Achievements:
- Successfully managed and secured approvals for over $500,000 in conference planning and execution
- Streamlined logistical processes for multiple directorate portfolios, ensuring seamless event execution
- Spearheaded a veteran support initiative to help scientists better understand and engage with the warfighter population.
Program Analyst
AnaVation, LLC
12.2022 - 08.2024
- Led event and meeting coordination efforts, ensuring flawless execution of logistical components for research-focused initiatives
- Managed tasker coordination, facilitating reconciliation and completion of critical projects
- Fostered clear communication and meticulous planning to support directorate objectives
- Coordinated senior leadership engagements, ensuring alignment between research personnel and military operational needs
- Recognized for expertise in event logistics, problem-solving, and process efficiency
- Key Achievements:
- Executed over 20 large-scale events for the Center and Directorate, enhancing workplace morale, team cohesion, and operational effectiveness
- Provided critical support for high-level senior leader and SES meetings, ensuring smooth execution and strategic alignment
- Maintained a Secret Level Clearance, demonstrating reliability and discretion in handling sensitive information
- Recognized for expertise in event logistics, problem-solving, and process efficiency, consistently driving improvements in workflow and execution.
Senior Enlisted Leader
United States Army, U.S. Army
01.2010 - 01.2022
- Led and managed the creative process for large-scale military events, transforming objectives into clear and impactful creative strategies
- Supervised production teams, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and objectives
- Developed event scripts, coordinated logistics, and facilitated stakeholder engagement
- Managed cross-functional collaboration with military leaders and civilian managers to refine strategic initiatives, enhance event planning, and ensure successful execution
- Key Responsibilities:
- Directed event concept development, from planning through execution, ensuring high-quality production
- Supervised event logistics, including equipment, set design, and audiovisual elements
- Negotiated contracts, reviewed proposals, and managed event budgets.
Element Leader
U.S. Army
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Served as the senior enlisted leader overseeing the deployment and operational readiness of a 200-soldier musical support team
- Acted as a strategic advisor to command leadership, ensuring mission success through personnel training, policy enforcement, and operational planning
- Key Achievements:
- Led unit training initiatives, ensuring 100% mission readiness and operational efficiency
- Designed and administered the Battalion’s Noncommissioned Officer Development
- Program, supporting leadership growth and retention.
Master Musician
U.S. Army
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Designed and implemented event strategies, overseeing planning through execution
- Managed budget allocations, contract negotiations, and event logistics
- Led branding and marketing efforts, enhancing event visibility and audience engagement through social media platforms.
Logistics Management Specialist
U.S. Army
01.1993 - 01.2008
- Expertly managed the movement and coordination of personnel, equipment, and supplies, ensuring mission success across multiple operational environments
- Trained in multi- modal transportation logistics, effectively utilizing air, land, and sea transport to optimize supply chain efficiency
- Played a critical role in Operation Sea Signal at Guantanamo Bay
- Cuba, providing logistical support to humanitarian and military operations
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical proficiency, earning recognition as a Distinguished
- Honor Graduate
- Excelled in high-pressure environments, ensuring seamless operational execution and timely resource allocation to support military readiness.
Education
No Degree - Studies, Communications
University of North Carolina
No Degree - Communications
Fayetteville State University
No Degree -
University of Pennsylvania
Skills
- SKILLS & EXPERTISE
- Event & Logistics Management: Planning, execution, budgeting, and coordination
- Of large-scale events
- Leadership & Team Development: Coaching, mentoring, and leading cross-
- Functional teams to success
- Strategic Communication: Effective stakeholder engagement, branding, and
- Marketing strategies
- Process Improvement: Streamlining operations and maximizing resource
- Efficiency
- Budget & Contract Management: Negotiating contracts, managing financial
- Allocations, and optimizing resources
- Social Media & Digital Engagement: Managing content strategies, audience
- Engagement, and event branding
- Military & Veteran Engagement: Liaising with veteran communities to support
- Strategic initiatives
- Arts (Music) Management & Show Programming: Expertise in curating innovative
- Audience-centric music events by strategically booking talent, managing budgets, and
- Overseeing logistics to create dynamic, unforgettable performances
- People Connection Through Music: Skilled in leveraging music as a medium to build
- Authentic relationships, engage diverse communities, and foster creative collaborations
- Between artists, audiences, and industry stakeholders
Customer relations
Account management
Documentation management
Business process mapping
Meeting facilitation
Project management
Records management
Meeting arrangements
Team oversight
Budget administration
Teamwork
Interests
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
, Center for American Military Music Opportunities (CAMMO)
Director of Social Media & Brand Communications 2012 – Present
Develops and executes event concepts, oversees logistics, and ensures seamless
execution of initiatives supporting military musicians Manages branding and marketing
strategies, leveraging platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to increase
engagement and audience reach Leads post-event debriefs and reporting, driving
continuous improvement
Additional Information
- AWARDS & RECOGNITION , Certificate of Appreciation (2001): Mastery in audio, lighting, and set design. Army Achievement Medal (2010): Excellence in event production for Spirit of America. Army Commendation Medal (2015): Outstanding production and collaboration with senior leadership. Legion of Merit (2015 – 2022): Meritorious service as a vocalist, producer, innovator, and mentor. America’s Got Talent (2020)- Season 14 Top 5 finalist with “Voices of Service”
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Personal development programsCareer advancementWork-life balanceTimeline
Program Support Specialist
U.S
08.2024 - Current
Program Analyst
AnaVation, LLC
12.2022 - 08.2024
Element Leader
U.S. Army
01.2018 - 01.2022
Senior Enlisted Leader
United States Army, U.S. Army
01.2010 - 01.2022
Master Musician
U.S. Army
01.2008 - 01.2014
Logistics Management Specialist
U.S. Army
01.1993 - 01.2008
No Degree - Studies, Communications
University of North Carolina
No Degree - Communications
Fayetteville State University
No Degree -
University of Pennsylvania
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