Drew Buckley
Simi Valley,CA
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at the United States Navy, excelling in strategic planning and operations management. Proven track record in enhancing team performance and engagement, while implementing innovative solutions that increased productivity. Adept at decision-making and staff development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Aerospace Training and Development
United States Navy
10.2022 - Current
- Designed and stood up the U.S. Navy's first hands-on aircraft maintenance training command, establishing a new enterprise-level for maintenance, safety, and logistics readiness.
- Identified, funded, and executed the reallocation of 45 manpower billets, building and leading a 45-person organization to implement and sustain 43 maintenance, safety, and logistics programs.
- Delivered measurable efficiency gains by streamlining and standardizing an executable training approach for 337 personnel resulting in 588 maintenance qualifications and certifications, saving the Department of Defense 18,757 training days through accelerated, hands-on instruction.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Director, Administration and Financial Management
United States Navy
05.2020 - 09.2022
- Administered workforce operations for 323 personnel, overseeing job assignments, training pipelines, records management, and compliance across all HR functions.
- Manage annual operating budget of $355K, ensuring accurate forecasting, allocation, and fiscal accountability in support of organizational priorities.
- Led talent acquisition and manpower planning initiatives, aligning a turnover rate of 30% annually with an onboarding program and training program to meet evolving Operational Requirements.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Program Manager, Aerospace Operations
United Stares Navy
07.2018 - 04.2020
- Managed $1.08B in assets and a 140+ person organization, overseeing performance management, program reviews (50+ active programs), and continuous improvement initiatives across production cycles and strategic forecasting.
- Served as executive liaison to C-suite and VP stakeholders, translating complex operational data into concise decision-read insights and synchronizing cross-organizational efforts to support U.S. Navy Command-and-Control missions.
- Led international workforce planning, talent acquisition, and training programs for 160+ personnel billets, executing 30%+ annual turnover while ensuring rapid onboarding, role readiness, and mission continuity through structured recruitment and development plans.
- Managed multi- program people operations budgets ($750K+ annually) across a 45 person team, overseeing performance management, compensation and benefits, facilities ($8M+), and executive stakeholder communications to support global command-and-control objectives.
Program Manager, Aerospace Power Plant Repair
United States Navy
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Led cross-agency program planning and execution with Commander Naval Air Forces, Commander Naval Installations Command, and NAVAIR to design, fund and deliver a $1.3M composite repair facility and lithium-ion battery locker on time and within scope.
- Enhanced production efficiency and platform readiness by expanding repair and storage capabilities by 75% in direct support of MQ-4C, MQ-3, and E-2D aircraft operations.
- Designed and executed a $1.5M contract to expand workforce capacity, enabling onboarding of 24 additional personnel in direct support of increased Department of Defense production targets.
- Accelerated turboprop engine production output by 300% through the alignment of staffing, contract deliverables, and operational requirements for the T56-427/425 engine program
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA05.2022
Skills
- Strategic Program Planning & Execution
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Oversight
- Risk Management & Issue Resolution
- Contract Management & Vendor Coordination
- Performance Metrics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Certification
- Program Management Professional (PMP) - Enrolled at Syracuse University (Completion date of April 2026)
- Agile Project Management Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Champion
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Contracting Officer’s Representative (FAC-COR)
- US Military Apprenticeship Program - Aircraft Hydraulics
- US Military Apprenticeship Program - Airframes Mechanic
Timeline
Director, Aerospace Training and Development
United States Navy
10.2022 - Current
Director, Administration and Financial Management
United States Navy
05.2020 - 09.2022
Program Manager, Aerospace Operations
United Stares Navy
07.2018 - 04.2020
Program Manager, Aerospace Power Plant Repair
United States Navy
06.2016 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management
University of La Verne
Volunteer
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Valley Children’s Healthcare - Patient Pals
- AYSO - Patient Pals