Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Court Groves

Las Vegas,NV

Summary

Dynamic operations leader with extensive experience at USAF, driving operational efficiency and fostering teamwork. Proven track record in strategic planning and risk mitigation, achieving significant cost savings. Skilled in performance evaluation and resource allocation, enhancing team productivity through innovative training programs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Diligent Flight Instructor with extensive experience managing daily operations and driving process improvements. Successfully streamlined workflows and enhanced operational efficiency in previous roles. Demonstrated expertise in team leadership and strategic planning.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Director of Operations

30th Reconnaissance Squadron
11.2022 - Current
  • Implemented cost-saving measures by identifying ways to reduce expenses without compromising quality.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings to maintain open lines of communication within the team, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Coordinated facility maintenance schedules to ensure smooth operations without impacting daily tasks.
  • Managed a team of over 50 employees, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to company policies and standards.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the organization by encouraging innovation among team members.
  • Designed and executed staff training programs to enhance employee skills, knowledge, and productivity.
  • Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
  • Achieved team goals through formalized training plans, coaching, and performance management.

Operational Test Lead/CSO Instructor

44 Reconnaissance Squadron
01.2019 - 11.2022
  • Executed test cases and documented defects, confirming resolution and mitigation of defects.
  • Conducted regression testing of existing products.
  • Spearheaded training initiatives aimed at enhancing the competency levels of existing test personnel while building a strong pipeline of new talent in support of future growth objectives.
  • Collaborated with developers and product owners to stay current on product features and intended functionality.
  • Wrote detailed requirements to create robust test plans and realistic work estimates for testing phases.
  • Championed process improvements that resulted in cost savings and increased efficiency without compromising product quality.
  • Streamlined testing processes to identify areas in need of improvement.

Test Director/Program Manager

Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center
09.2015 - 01.2019
  • Implemented risk-based testing strategies, prioritizing high-risk areas for focused attention and resource allocation.
  • Collaborated with development teams to establish effective defect resolution processes, reducing rework timeframes significantly.
  • Established testing standards and guidelines, resulting in consistent test results across projects.
  • Provided clear communication of testing progress, risks, and issues to stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Enhanced collaboration between testers, developers, analysts by establishing regular meetings aimed at discussing progress updates coupled with addressing potential roadblocks.
  • Managed resources effectively to ensure optimal test coverage within budget constraints.
  • Conducted root cause analysis on defects found during testing, leading to improved product quality.
  • Developed comprehensive test plans, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technical requirements.

Flight Instructor

82nd Reconnaissance Squadron
08.2012 - 08.2015
  • Led multiple training flights to include weather briefings, flight scheduling and safety measures to provide safe flights in training environment.
  • Improved student pilot performance by implementing innovative training techniques and personalized lesson plans.
  • Introduced students to procedures and instrument flight techniques.
  • Managed operational flight schedule and worked with tasking agencies to maximize asset employment.
  • Flight Safety Officer, conducted 25 investigations, authored 6 reports. Created fix correcting $3.6M antenna damage recurring issue

Flight Instructor

338th Combat Training Squadron
02.2010 - 08.2012
  • Instructed 23 multinational students. Multiple graduates "Exceptionally Qualified," all students 100% Q-1 rate.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the flight school environment through regular self-assessment and peer evaluations.
  • Organized and conducted cockpit familiarization classes and prepared post event training reports on students' proficiency.

Combat Systems Officer

38th Reconnaissance Squadron
07.2006 - 02.2010
  • Improved decision-making capabilities by providing detailed reports to leadership on current unit readiness levels and potential areas for improvement.
  • Provided combat realistic scenarios for improving new CSOs flight abilities.

Student Combat Systems Officer

562nd Flying Training Squadron
01.2005 - 06.2006


  • Completed rigorous 48 week CSO training course which included 176 flight hours, 101 simulator hours, 21 academic tests and over 180 hours of classroom instruction.

Education

Air Command And Staff College

Air University
Montgomery, AL
06-2016

Military Arts And Sciences

Air University
Montgomery, AL
06-2013

Professional Military Education - Squadron Officers School

Air University
Montgomery, AL
10-2009

Aerospace Engineering

University of California At San Diego
La Jolla, CA
12-2004

Skills

  • Scheduling and coordination
  • Project management
  • Adaptability
  • Performance evaluation and monitoring
  • Operational efficiency
  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Leadership training
  • Process improvement
  • Risk mitigation
  • Resource allocation
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Instructional Ability and Problem-solving

Certification

Private Pilot - March 2009

Instrument Rating - In progress

Timeline

Assistant Director of Operations

30th Reconnaissance Squadron
11.2022 - Current

Operational Test Lead/CSO Instructor

44 Reconnaissance Squadron
01.2019 - 11.2022

Test Director/Program Manager

Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center
09.2015 - 01.2019

Flight Instructor

82nd Reconnaissance Squadron
08.2012 - 08.2015

Flight Instructor

338th Combat Training Squadron
02.2010 - 08.2012

Combat Systems Officer

38th Reconnaissance Squadron
07.2006 - 02.2010

Student Combat Systems Officer

562nd Flying Training Squadron
01.2005 - 06.2006

Air Command And Staff College

Air University

Military Arts And Sciences

Air University

Professional Military Education - Squadron Officers School

Air University

Aerospace Engineering

University of California At San Diego