Denise Phillips
Cheyenne,WY
Summary
Accomplished US Air Force Veteran with a progressive industry background and decisive leadership style. Possesses strategic planning abilities, a strong background in change management, and a forward-thinking mindset. Ready for challenges and focused on meeting future demands, with a passion to effect worldwide change in regards to gender equality and Women, Peace, and Security initiatives.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Women, Peace and Security Program Gender Advisor
CACI-Wexford
10.2023 - Current
- Coordinated programmatic requirements at all levels, including DoD agencies, combatant commands, and components, to ensure alignment with Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) policy objectives.
- Led, managed, and oversaw personnel, training, budget, contract administration policies, and procedures essential for the effective implementation of DoD WPS policy.
- Managed and coordinated tasking response, work activities, and projects to ensure the timely completion of DoD WPS policy requirements.
- Established clear guidelines, policies, and procedures to facilitate the implementation of WPS principles within the defense sector.
- Developed comprehensive training curriculum to educate US and Partner Nation military personnel on the foundations of WPS, fostering continuous coordination with US Embassy staff.
- Provided training to US and Partner Nation military personnel to operationalize and institutionalize WPS within the defense sector.
- Significantly increased awareness of WPS and its relevance to international security within the US and Partner Nation defense sectors.
Gender Advisor
CACI-Wexford
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Built and nurtured relationships across various levels, including Joint Staff, Combatant Command, Operational Command, Partner Nation Defense Force, Ministry of Defense, and internal directorates.
- Advised senior leadership within the Department of Defense (DoD) and Partner Nations on the implications of policies and regulations, ensuring the integration of a gender perspective in all operations, activities, and investments.
- Formulated an organizational vision for Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), communicating and implementing goals and objectives aligned with this vision and lines of effort.
- Conducted analyses of organizational policies and procedures, providing recommendations to senior leadership to eliminate barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration among the US Military, Partner Nations, and local community organizations.
- Planned, developed, and executed strategies and metrics to monitor and evaluate the operationalization of WPS within the US defense forces structure at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.
- Orchestrated projects aimed at raising awareness of WPS, demonstrating strong project and team leadership to ensure success.
- Established and maintained an internal DoD Gender Network to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
- Served as an instructor and course facilitator for the DoD Operationalizing WPS 100 course.
- Developed a comprehensive 5-year plan to support a Partner Nation in implementing WPS principles within their National Defense Sector.
- Collaborated with civil affairs to establish and manage an English Discussion Group for Djiboutian women.
Women Peace and Security Lead
Oregon National Guard State Partnership Program
12.2020 - 05.2023
- Fostered and enhanced relationships with partner nations' government departments and agencies to facilitate the effective planning and implementation of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiatives during emergency response strategies.
- Delivered WPS presentations to representatives from multiple nations, addressing gender issues in the context of natural disasters and emergencies.
- Advocated for meaningful participation of women in defense and security sectors across partner nations, ensuring the protection of human rights for all individuals.
Senior Enlisted Leader
Oregon Air National Guard
04.2019 - 05.2023
- Provided executive leadership in developing and implementing standards and procedures to promote increased workforce diversity, inclusion, utilization, and participation at both Wing and Squadron levels.
- Directed initiatives to enhance personnel development and retention within the Oregon Air National Guard, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
- Enforced a code of conduct across all ranks to maintain professionalism and uphold organizational standards at all times.
- Coordinated closely with unit leadership and direct superiors to receive taskings and effectively managed subordinates to execute assigned tasks.
- Trained in conflict resolution techniques to address conflicts among subordinates, peers, and superiors, fostering a harmonious work environment.
- Maintained awareness of subordinates' personal challenges and areas for improvement, providing support and guidance for their personal and professional growth.
- Conducted individual evaluations based on fitness, job performance, and combat readiness, ensuring accountability and performance excellence.
- Provided feedback to decision-makers regarding employee performance and identified training needs to enhance overall effectiveness.
- Demonstrated success in working within tight deadlines and fast-paced environments, delivering results with efficiency and precision.
- Applied critical thinking skills to analyze problems, evaluate solutions, and make informed decisions to achieve organizational objectives.
Contracting Officer
Air National Guard
07.1996 - 04.2019
- Collaborated with post-award staff to provide guidance on financial discrepancies, violations of payment terms, delays in deliverables, and security breaches, ensuring compliance and resolution of issues.
- Acted as the lead negotiator and primary business contact for partner procurement processes, facilitating effective communication and negotiation to achieve mutually beneficial agreements.
- Implemented risk mitigation strategies by drafting preventive contract terms and resolving disagreements during contract negotiations, safeguarding organizational interests.
- Utilized standard forms and templates, customized based on specific circumstances, and adapted contractual language to remain relevant and compliant with evolving standards.
- Cultivated international relationships while serving as a deployed contingency contracting officer in Afghanistan, fostering cooperation and collaboration in procurement efforts.
- Recruited, managed, developed, and trained staff, establishing and monitoring goals, conducting performance reviews, and administering salaries to ensure a high-performing team.
- Executed timely project management within budget constraints for complex issues involving executive leadership, demonstrating effective organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Developed a highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Contracts Management
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, ALBachelor of Arts - Military Management And Program Acquisitions
American Military University
Charles Town, WV04.2019
Skills
Leadership and management
Policy implementation
Training and curriculum development
Communication and collaboration
Relationship building
Gender equality advocacy
Strategic leadership
Diversity and inclusion initiatives
Project management
Conflict resolution
Financial management and analysis
Administrative leadership
Timeline
Women, Peace and Security Program Gender Advisor
CACI-Wexford
10.2023 - Current
Gender Advisor
CACI-Wexford
05.2023 - 10.2023
Women Peace and Security Lead
Oregon National Guard State Partnership Program
12.2020 - 05.2023
Senior Enlisted Leader
Oregon Air National Guard
04.2019 - 05.2023
Contracting Officer
Air National Guard
07.1996 - 04.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Contracts Management
Community College of The Air Force
Bachelor of Arts - Military Management And Program Acquisitions
American Military University
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