Horace "Dan" May
Van Alstyne,Tx
Summary
Innovative leader with 25 years of military and corporate leadership experience. Expertise in analyzing complex information and developing effective solutions. Proven track record in guiding teams to achieve objectives through strategic change and creative approaches. Over 18 years of experience in high-risk instruction and curriculum development.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Training Manager and UAS Instructor
Shield AI
03.2022 - Current
- Directed daily training operations including schedule management, instructor coaching, and real-time performance adjustments, improving training efficiency by 60% and maintaining full compliance with safety and readiness standards.
- Conducted monthly reviews of 17 instructors and trainee performance, updated curriculum to reflect operational needs, and coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure training remained aligned with organizational goals.
- Developed and executed long-term training strategies, annual Key Performance Indicators (KPI), and re-certification programs, achieving 100% instructor compliance and increasing internal promotion rates by 15% through targeted leadership development initiatives.
- Qualified as VBAT operator & instructor. Instructed Multiple Courses of Instruction to both US Military personnel and internal Shield AI employees.
Course Manager
Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training Command, U.S. Navy
02.2018 - 03.2022
- Managed a team of 12 instructors to oversee Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) training program development and implementation.
- Approved flight schedules, verified airspace authorization, and managed Student Training Records and end-of-training reports.
- Led Initial Qualification Course as Senior Instructor for over 100 UAS students annually.
- Conducted over 1,500 hours of one-on-one instruction, including classroom and simulator training, plus ground and flight operations.
- Performed training gap analysis and developed learning objectives for 100 training modules.
- Revised and implemented policies to standardize flight operations, ground operations, and safety procedures.
- Managed allocation of $500K annually for course funding to support execution and instructor development.
- Communicated effectively with student commands to provide feedback and progress reports.
Senior UAV Operations Manager
Special Reconnaissance Team ONE, U.S. Navy
02.2014 - 01.2018
- Responsible for the operations, maintenance, and training of 110 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operators and associated equipment, providing direct support to deployed Naval Special Warfare and coalition forces.
- Conducted safe operations and air deconfliction of multiple UAS platforms and manned assets in complex dynamic environments both CONUS and OCONUS as UAS Pilot in Command and Mission Coordinator.
Naval Aircrewman
U.S. Navy Active Duty
07.1996 - 01.2014
- Employed advanced skills in Anti-Submarine Warfare and Surface Warfare to drive training programs.
Led training sessions for P-3 Aircrews covering vital Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures.
Developed performance evaluation standards for Non-Acoustic crew positions to ensure effective assessments.
Achieved certifications as Basic Instructor and Level 500 Weapons and Tactics Instructor.
Education
Bachelor of the Arts - Historical & Political Studies
Chaminade University
Honolulu, Hi12-2025
Associates of the Arts -
Chaminade University
Honolulu, HISkills
- Effective communication
- Coaching and mentoring
- Process evaluations
- Classroom instruction
- Resource management
- Curriculum development
- Project management
- Cross-functional team development
Websites
Military Qualifications
- U. S. Navy Master Training Specialist
- U. S. Navy Weapons and Tactics Instructor (P-3, Level 500)
- Naval Instructor Journeyman Training (9502)
- Naval Curriculum Development School
- Crew Resource Management Instructor
- Naval Special Warfare UAS Evaluator/Instructor
- Federal Aviation Administration Ground School
- U. S. Navy UAS Group 1-3 Operator/Instructor
Security Clearance
Top Secret / SCI - issued by U.S. Department of Defense
Timeline
Training Manager and UAS Instructor
Shield AI
03.2022 - Current
Course Manager
Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training Command, U.S. Navy
02.2018 - 03.2022
Senior UAV Operations Manager
Special Reconnaissance Team ONE, U.S. Navy
02.2014 - 01.2018
Naval Aircrewman
U.S. Navy Active Duty
07.1996 - 01.2014
Bachelor of the Arts - Historical & Political Studies
Chaminade University
Associates of the Arts -
Chaminade University
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