Christopher Cole Copley
Gulf Breeze,FL
Summary
Retired military leader with a background in special operations recruiting, program management, and training operations. Brings leadership across 36 NTAGs, Salesforce CRM and PST Tracker coordination, performance analytics, and an MBA with a mathematics foundation to support recruiting effectiveness, compliance, and operational readiness.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Navy Recruiting Command
U.S. Department of Navy
Gulf Breeze, Florida
06.2023 - Current
- Served as Assistant Program Manager for Special Operations ratings under Commander Admiral Waters, leading national initiatives to enhance recruitment and readiness. Spearheaded over 20 large-scale recruitment events across the U.S., generating 10,000+ candidate leads and tracking engagement through Salesforce's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Utilizing this AI-assisted software to manage talent pool for large scale recruiting. Oversaw Special Operations recruiting across 36 Navy Talent Acquisitions Groups (NTAGs) and conducted 20+ national inspections, ensuring program compliance and effectiveness. Lead the efforts for the communication of two interfaces which were Salesforce CRM and PST Tracker (SOCOM candidate progression monitoring computer system) which enhanced recruitment efficiency. Analyzed performance data and presented strategic insights to senior leadership, improving outreach, candidate quality, and operational readiness. Forecasted to exceed Special Operations recruiting goals for FY 2026.
- Ref: Jeremy Sylvest (E-9/Program Manager) [901-586-6410]
- Executed daily operational tasks with precision in a fast-paced environment.
- Developed fresh approaches to boost team productivity and project results.
- Collaborated with a diverse team to achieve project objectives and resolve product-related challenges.
Marine Forces Special Operations Command
U.S. Department of Navy
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Led planning, training, equipping, and global deployment for diving operations and mission-ready USMC Special Operations Forces, supporting combatant commanders and interagency operations. Directed cross-functional teams in high-stakes environments, ensuring operational agility and alignment with mission objectives. Managed and maintained $6 million in Divers Life Support Systems, including hyperbaric chambers, achieving 100% system readiness and zero downtime. Demonstrated strategic resource allocation, risk mitigation, and leadership under pressure all skills with direct application to corporate business operations and organization management.
- Ref: Michael Wilkinson (E-8/MDV) [704-616-7695]
- Ensured smooth daily operations to maintain workflow and productivity.
- Provided innovative strategies to boost team productivity and results.
- Collaborated with diverse coworkers to achieve goals and resolve product-related issues.
Navy Medicine Operational Training Command
U.S. Department of Navy
Pensacola, Florida
08.2019 - 06.2022
- Managed and delivered high-risk survival training programs for over 15,000 fleet aviation personnel, ground forces, and joint service aircrew annually, enhancing global mission readiness. Oversaw curriculum planning and execution as lead instructor, delivering 300+ lectures to over 6,000 multinational joint-service aviators, fostering cross-service collaboration. Aligned training objectives with evolving operational requirements, ensuring program effectiveness and enabling fleet squadrons to maintain worldwide qualification standards. Demonstrated strong program management skills through coordination of resources, instructor teams, and cross service collaboration in a high-demand training environment.
- Ref: John Opperman (GS-12) [616-723-1164]
- Performed routine responsibilities to maintain efficiency in operations.
- Developed new approaches to optimize team performance and achieve objectives.
- Collaborated with diverse teams to achieve project goals and resolve product-related challenges.
Mobile and Diving Salvage Unit 2
U.S. Department of Navy
Virginia Beach, Virginia
06.2018 - 08.2019
- While in this position, at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, managed and supervised 16 personnel and 1.6 million dollars of divers' life support equipment. Led and executed four major large-scale equipment and personnel mobilizations in support of a high-temp pre-deployment schedule, ensuring seamless operational readiness. Accountable for $6.8 million in mission critical support equipment, maintained 100% accountability and mission availability. Served as Liaison Officer (LNO) for Mobile and Diving Salvage Unit Two during Austere Challenge, showcasing technical expertise in at-sea battle damage repair operations. Led ice diving operations across three Echelon V commands, mentoring teams in mobility planning and specialized training for extreme environments.
- Ref: Christopher Timothy (CWO3/OIC) [808-561-4730]
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Proposed creative strategies to improve team efficiency and effectiveness.
- Collaborated effectively with a varied team to achieve objectives and resolve product-related challenges.
Naval Surface Warfare Center
U.S. Department of Navy
Indian Head, Maryland
11.2015 - 06.2018
- Coordinated dive training and qualifications for 30 EOD technicians, ensuring readiness for forward deployment.
- Ref: Nathanael Warren (E-7/LCPO) [301-744-6875]
Naval Special Warfare Group 3
U.S. Department of Navy
Virginia Beach, Virginia
07.2013 - 11.2015
- Managed and supervised 16 personnel and $1.6 million in divers' life support equipment at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek. Oversaw $43 million worth of equipment during on-loading of fast attack submarine Dry Deck Shelters, achieving zero discrepancies and ensuring on-time deployment. Supervised 30 military personnel during surface support operations, leading to USS Florida's successful independent certification.
- Ref: Master Diver Jack McCulloch (E-8) [808-469-1759]
Naval Ship Support Activity
U.S. Department of Navy
Norfolk, Virginia
10.2010 - 07.2013
- While in this position, at Norfolk Naval Ship Support Activity, managed and supervised underwater ship repair for the Mid-Atlantic Fleet ensuring 100 percent readiness and on-time deployments, saving the navy over 2.5 million dollars. Managed $2.4 million in diver's life support equipment, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with safety standards. Supervised 180+ radiological dives, ensuring safety protocols were followed in controlled contamination areas, protecting personnel and equipment. Supervised and authored Re-Entry Control packages on NAVSEA diving life support system, maintaining the dive locker's operational readiness. Trained, mentored and supervised 18 personnel, enhancing the team's qualifications and provided increased efficiency to the command's mission. Conducted risk assessments and applied mathematical problem-solving to ensure safety of personnel and equipment during rigging and heavy lifting operations.
- Ref: Master Diver Joe Pendino (E-9) [757-418-2451]
Mobile and Diving Salvage Unit 2
U.S. Department of Navy
Virginia Beach, Virginia
09.2007 - 10.2010
- While in this position, at Mobile and Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU-2) stationed at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, served as Supply and Training Petty Officer. Key contributor to over 100 hours of forward deployed intelligence briefs as Force Protection Diving Team Supervisor, physically applying intelligence concepts directly to diving operations. Implemented team Table of Allowance (TOA) into Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's Readiness and Cost Reporting Program, ensuring readiness and resource availability. Supervised accurate entry of 2078 Table of Allowance line items and managed Personal Gear Issue for 18 company personnel, enhancing operational readiness. While lead diver on the Salvage of the Submarine Juliet 484, provided mathematical expertise by computing ground reaction using change of trim method, tons per inch Immersion method, change in displacement method, and change of draft forward method. Trained on CBRN decontamination and detection equipment. Applied Joint Counter IED methods for threat detection and mitigation. Deployed Side-Scan Sonar (REMUS) for identifying submerged shapes and objects. Completed five CONUS and two OCONUS deployments, contributing to mission success in diverse operational environments.
- Ref: Jeremy Myers (E-7) [858-205-5404]
Math Teacher
Stafford County Public Schools
Stafford, Virginia
12.2005 - 09.2007
- Engaged students in understanding algebraic and geometric principles by designing real-life lesson scenarios that utilized basic mathematics skills. Differentiated instruction to cater to individual learning styles and abilities, enhancing student comprehension and participation. Introduced TI-83 calculators to enhance understanding of mathematical concepts and foster problem-solving skills, facilitating the transition to advanced math and science courses.
- Rodney Thompson Middle School
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida08-2023
Engineering Management Master Classes (Course Work) -
Old Dominion University
04-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics Emphasis on Probability and Statistics
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, Virginia01-2005
Skills
- Recruitment strategy
- Talent acquisition
- Candidate engagement
- Program compliance
- Performance analytics
- Salesforce CRM
- Strategic recruitment
Awards:
2001 2003 Scholar Athlete Award (Division II Basketball), 2006 Rank 6th in the World as a Clydesdale Triathlete, 2008 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2010 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2013 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2015 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2015 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2022 Nationally ranked 24th (35-39) age group AWA, 2024 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, 2025 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Other Skills
- Effective communications skills, team oriented:
- Proficient at training & presenting to large audiences
- Electronics: Electronics Telecommunications, Low voltage wiring (<50VDC, 120/240VAC)
- Computer:
- Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook Access, Power Point)
- C++, Matlab, Maple, UNIX
- Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM): AI-assisted software used for large scale recruiting
Professional Military Education:
- Sept 2007 - Present
- Security Managers Course
- CPR & Combat Lifesaver Certified
- Combat Communications School
- Explosive Handling
- Side-Scan Sonar (REMUS) operator
- Diving and Diving Medicine
- Qualified expert with 9MM and M4/M16
- Maintained a SECRET security clearance
- Combat Water Survival Test (CWST)
Other:
Valid SECRET Security Clearance
Timeline
Navy Recruiting Command
U.S. Department of Navy
06.2023 - Current
Marine Forces Special Operations Command
U.S. Department of Navy
06.2022 - 06.2023
Navy Medicine Operational Training Command
U.S. Department of Navy
08.2019 - 06.2022
Mobile and Diving Salvage Unit 2
U.S. Department of Navy
06.2018 - 08.2019
Naval Surface Warfare Center
U.S. Department of Navy
11.2015 - 06.2018
Naval Special Warfare Group 3
U.S. Department of Navy
07.2013 - 11.2015
Naval Ship Support Activity
U.S. Department of Navy
10.2010 - 07.2013
Mobile and Diving Salvage Unit 2
U.S. Department of Navy
09.2007 - 10.2010
Math Teacher
Stafford County Public Schools
12.2005 - 09.2007
Master of Business Administration -
University of West Florida
Engineering Management Master Classes (Course Work) -
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics Emphasis on Probability and Statistics
Christopher Newport University