- Creating digital artwork using software like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate
- Volunteering at local animal shelters and rescue organizations
- Hiking
- Reading
- Mindfulness Practices
- DIY and Home Improvement
- I like working with my hands and fixing things
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Martial Arts
- Auto Repair/Restoration
- Watching Movies and TV Shows
- Music
- Graphic Design
- Kayaking
- Volunteer Work
DOUGLAS J. SCHMIDT
Columbus,GA
Summary
Experienced with strategic planning and project management. Utilizes leadership skills to drive team performance and operational excellence. Track record of delivering high-impact results through innovative problem-solving and effective communication.
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Air University Operations
Air University (AU), U.S. Air Force
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Contributed to the design, evaluation, and refinement of the U.S. Air Force Warrant Officer Training School (WOTS) curriculum, improving instructional effectiveness and supporting mission readiness for an expected 400 students per year.
- As Chief of AU Operations, managed Air University (AU) student-production data analytics, orientation, lodging utilization, and stakeholder-communication systems for the full AU enterprise. Developed and maintained performance dashboards (Power BI) delivering actionable insights to senior leaders. Streamlined student data-gathering across more than 35,800 records spanning multiple programs. Collaborated cross-functionally to optimize workflows and operations; recognized for process improvement, operational excellence, and data-driven decision support.
Senior Instructional Systems Designer
Booz Allen Hamilton/USAF Culture & Language Center
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Served as lead designer for multiple initiatives, including contract-supported development and management of two online academic programs under the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC), educating over 1,000 personnel annually across a global force. Delivered mission-aligned, high-quality training and professional development solutions tailored to diverse audiences in military and civilian environments. Spearheaded the design and development of a new asynchronous “Developing Cultural Competence” online course, now deployed on the AFCLC Culture Guide platform, strengthening intercultural awareness and operational readiness for a worldwide audience. Also provided instructional design expertise on contract projects for Cadillac (General Motors), the YMCA, and e-Cubed (via UpWork) creating engaging, effective learning programs that met organizational leadership objectives, enhanced participant performance, and supported strategic training goals. Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams, support staff, and technical partners to troubleshoot issues, optimize learning experiences, and ensure seamless accessibility and high user satisfaction across all projects.
Instructional Systems Designer
Altec Industries, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Designed and developed more than 100 online courses for ALTEC, covering OSHA and ANSI compliance, human resource management, occupational security, equipment operation, and trainer development, serving 30,000+ internal and external users. Strengthened organizational safety and regulatory compliance by embedding up-to-date workplace safety standards and procedures into each course. Elevated learning experiences using interactive multimedia (videography, photography, voiceover narration, graphic design, and animation) to create engaging, accessible content. Maintained rigorous compliance oversight throughout course design and development to ensure all training met or exceeded company safety policies and industry regulations. Recognized for applying creative instructional design strategies that improved knowledge retention, learner engagement, and professional development across a broad and diverse corporate audience.
Instructor & Instructional Designer
Barnes Center | Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Served as a Classroom Instructor at the McGuire Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA), a key institution within the Air Force Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) continuum under Air University. Led formal and informal lectures, facilitated guided discussions, and executed experiential learning activities focused on core EPME competencies including leadership fundamentals, effective communication, change and conflict management, situational leadership, time management, ethical decision-making, and team development, directly shaping the leadership proficiency of mid-tier enlisted Airmen from diverse Air Force Specialty Codes. Delivered instruction for 896 students per year.
- Applied Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodology (analyzing learner needs, developing curriculum, implementing training, and evaluating outcomes) to produce leadership and professional development training that enhances communication, management, and decision-making skills while reinforcing the core values and mission readiness essential to enlisted force development. Created interactive and blended-learning content, facilitated workshops, and conducted performance assessments to deliver measurable improvements in leadership competence and organizational cohesion. Managed scheduling, resources, and coordination for hundreds of participants; provided mentorship; and collaborated across units to ensure training aligned with organizational goals and mission-ready standards.
- Co-authored The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer Book, a national-level resource used for preparation and training under the oversight of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, contributing to enlisted professional military education by reinforcing leadership doctrine, enlisted responsibilities, and standards expected of NCOs and Petty Officers. (link: https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Publications/ncobookbone.pdf).
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Adult Education
American Military University
WV08.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Instructor of Technology and Military Science
Community College of the Air Force
12.2005
Associate of Applied Science - Transportation
Community College of the Air Force
03.2004
Skills
- US Air Force veteran and seasoned Instructional Systems Specialist with 18 years of progressive experience in instructional systems design (ISD), curriculum development, classroom facilitation, and strategic training operations across military, contractor, and corporate environments
- Proven expertise in applying the ADDIE model to create effective Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) programs and delivering actionable insights to senior leaders through aligned learning solutions Fully compliant with GS-1750 Instructional Systems Specialist standards, holding an active SECRET security clearance
- Eager to bring disciplined leadership, adult learning principles, and results-oriented design capabilities to a dynamic corporate learning and development team Available for immediate opportunities in instructional design and training roles
- Instructional Systems Design (ISD)
- Evidence-based adult learning solutions
- Course & assessment performance analysis, including content review & revision based on user experience, assessment item validity & reliability
- ELearning & Multimedia Development
- Articulate Storyline 360 & Articulate Rise
- Multimedia design & development, including image, video, & audio editing using Camtasia, Audacity, Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Audition)
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Content administration & deployment on Canvas & Blackboard (SCORM) platforms
- Productivity & Collaboration Tools
- Microsoft Office 365: Word, Excel, Forms, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Power BI, Power Automate, Planner, Lists, & Teams
- Emerging Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced learning development
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of staffs from 4 to 35 members.
- Improved organizational performance vizualization by introducing Power BI for student production and throughput for senior leader data decision making. .
- Achieved on-time Warrant Officer Training School launch through effectively helping with course development and scheduling.
Certification
- Instructional Systems Design Certificate American Military University, 2013
- Instructional Systems Development Certificate Community College of the Air Force, 2012
- Professional Manager Certificate Community College of the Air Force
- Process Improvement Course Air Force Institute of Technology, Montgomery, AL
- Understanding by Design Course Development Air University, Montgomery, AL
- Adobe Illustrator Training Future Media Concepts, Inc., Orlando, FL, 2018
- Adobe Premiere Pro / After Effects Training Sterling Ledet & Associates, Inc., Atlanta, GA, 2017
- Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Workshop SAIC, Huntsville, AL, 2014
Interests
Timeline
Director, Air University Operations
Air University (AU), U.S. Air Force
01.2020 - 01.2025
Senior Instructional Systems Designer
Booz Allen Hamilton/USAF Culture & Language Center
01.2019 - 01.2020
Instructional Systems Designer
Altec Industries, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2019
Instructor & Instructional Designer
Barnes Center | Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base
01.2005 - 01.2007
Associate of Applied Science - Instructor of Technology and Military Science
Community College of the Air Force
Associate of Applied Science - Transportation
Community College of the Air Force
Bachelor of Arts - Adult Education
American Military University
Awards
Bronze Star, Air Force Meritorious Serve Medal, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Serve Medal