Gary Cothran
Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
Accomplished Telecommunications Specialist/Project Manager with a robust background at NCTAMS LANT and the UNITED STATES NAVY, showcasing expertise in Project Management and Critical Thinking. Spearheaded over 20 projects, enhancing operational efficiency by integrating digital platforms and optimizing vendor relations. Demonstrates exceptional teamwork and communication skills, ensuring project success and heightened customer satisfaction. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Telecommunications Specialist/Project Manager, PMO
NCTAMS LANT
10.2021 - Current
- Coordinated vital tasks throughout each project's life cycle—from securing vendor contracts during procurement stages up until handover upon commissioning—ensuring compliance with organizational objectives on over 20 ongoing assignments
- Quickly Adapts and is flexible in fast paced changing environments
- Optimized task management strategies by integrating digital platform that now supports over 50 users, facilitating effective prioritization and Realtime collaboration, which improved overall project visibility and accountability
- Oversaw successful installation projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints while meeting client specifications.
- Managed vendor relations effectively, negotiating favorable contract terms and strengthening partnerships for future collaborations.
- Ensured seamless communication across departments by establishing reliable telecommunication systems and protocols.
- Boosted customer satisfaction through diligent maintenance of telecommunications equipment and prompt issue resolution.
- Provided exceptional customer support, addressing inquiries promptly while maintaining a professional demeanor at all times.
Telecommunications Specialist
NCTAMS LANT
11.2019 - Current
- Company Overview: Telecommunications Specialist and Military Veteran with a Top Secret/ SCI eligible and 26 years of proven experience in the United States Navy
- Establishes objectives, task and timelines for projects
- Creates POA&M for the Command
- Led comprehensive reviews of technical specifications and operational requirements for more than 30 telecom projects annually; ensured compliance with Command standards while optimizing resource allocation based on readiness assessments
- Processes Telecommunications Request (TRs) DISA Store front
- Ensures telecommunication services requests will be responsive to the Command and Control, operational and readiness requirements of the Navy and Marine Corps and are justifiable from a cost effectiveness viewpoint
- Plans and implements quality management studies and analyses of the department with issues that and initiatives
- Plans and Coordinates work and resolve problems as it relates to various telecommunications networks
- Provides Technical Support, assistance and expertise for telephone services and products to customers
- Ensures accurate scheduling, coordination, planning, preparation and execution of training for the command
- Processes Telecommunications Requests (TRs) through DISA which requires customer requirements analysis interpreted into appropriate technical format to order long haul services (NETWORX, DSN, INMARSAT, EMSS, toll free numbers, and dedicated services (CONUS and OCONUS)
- Provides the most efficient and cost-effective telecommunications capabilities to DON activities to support the mission functions of the Navy
- Maintaining ongoing communications with customers with the Carrier Services provided throughout the project
- Ensures safety and incident reporting procedures are followed
- Manage/Track all circuit additions, moves, changes and disconnections which may be the result of a change in requirements or transfer between telecommunication vendors due to contract changes
- Ability to work independently on projects from start to finish, meet deadlines and provide status reports to upper echelon
- Project Manager for new Telephone/Internet installs
- Monitors and Updates Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M)
- Advise on and resolve Information Technology (IT) issues related to the command
- Telecommunications Specialist and Military Veteran with a Top Secret/ SCI eligible and 26 years of proven experience in the United States Navy
- Oversaw successful installation projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints while meeting client specifications.
Information System Technician, COMSEC Manager, Security Manager
UNITED STATES NAVY
09.1989 - 12.2018
- Information Systems (IS) Administration, Build, configure, deploy, operate, maintain networks and information systems and perform customer service support
- Handles COMSEC material and equipment
- Daily Review of software inventory containing all approved software asset lifecycle data completeness, compliance and correctness
- Response to Email request for information within 48 hours
- Ensures accountability and proper asset lifecycle procedures are used to conform to expected organizational standards and goals
- Identify and communicate solutions to problematic areas of the software asset control process
- Ensures all digital software documentation is maintained
- Advising senior leadership on latest IT technologies to aid in decision making
- Developed training modules and SOPS using established templates and guides
- Conducted Security Assessment and Authorization support for Navy Systems
- Updated Maintained inventory of all assets assigned to the command
- Updated IT Security SOPs
- Develops and makes determinations on the proper disposition of claims for assigned cases
- Manage Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) to initiate investigations and track clearance for the command
- Delivered training and security procedures, coordinated 100 Security Access Eligibility Reports, and managed access for 385 personnel granted access to classified systems and workspaces
- Determined clearance eligibility based on security pre-screening of local records, verifying investigative information
- Conducted fact-finding to properly gather, assess, analyze and adjudicate a broad range claims assigned
- Communicating clearly, both orally and in writing and providing excellent customer service
- Planning and organizing work to ensure timely completion
- Evaluates instructional technology tools, programs, and materials and makes necessary modifications as appropriate
- Performed 100% wall to wall annual inventory of all COMSEC equipment & Personal Property for all personnel
- Analyzed data and provided recommendations on the development of instructional technology necessary to present training curricula
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Saint Leo University
St. Leo, Florida10.2020
Skills
- Administrative
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Project Management
- Information Technology
- Organization
- Time Management
- Communication
- Work Ethics
- Attention to Detail
- Project Planning
- Teamwork
- Flexibility
- Unified Communications
- Customer Support
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
COMPTIA Security +, 10/01/08
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
HybridRemoteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPaid time offPaid sick leave4-day work weekTimeline
Telecommunications Specialist/Project Manager, PMO
NCTAMS LANT
10.2021 - Current
Telecommunications Specialist
NCTAMS LANT
11.2019 - Current
Information System Technician, COMSEC Manager, Security Manager
UNITED STATES NAVY
09.1989 - 12.2018
COMPTIA Security +, 10/01/08
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Saint Leo University
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