James Cook
Palmdale
Summary
Dynamic Program Manager with over 20 years of progressive experience in project management within the United States Air Force. Proficient in overseeing multi-million dollar programs including a $39 million ISR platform sustainment contract. Proven track record in enhancing client satisfaction, maximizing project efficiency, and achieving a 25% recovery in project schedules. Equipped with a DAWIA Program Management II certification, ready to leverage skills in strategic program execution and leadership to drive results for future initiatives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Assistant to the Commander of Special Projects
412TW Special Projects-USAF
Edwards AFB
02.2025 - 06.2025
- Served as the pivotal point for addressing taskers from the Air Force Material Command, Air Force Test Center (AFTC), and Test Wing related to Special Projects.
- Coordinated senior leadership classified meetings and briefings to ensure effective communication and strategic alignment.
- Oversaw multiple classified facility projects, ensuring adherence to strict timelines and quality standards.
Senior Lead Project Manager
412TW Special Projects - USAF
Edwards AFB
04.2021 - 02.2025
- Enhanced overall client satisfaction through transparent communication, regular status updates, and proactive issue resolution.
- Directed the formation of comprehensive project plans, incorporating scope definition, risk mitigation strategies, and budgeting considerations.
Senior Lead Project Manager
452 Flight Test Squadron - USAF
Edwards AFB
08.2019 - 04.2021
- Adapted project plans to meet evolving objectives, staffing changes, and operational requirements effectively.
- Managed Global Hawk team accountable for overseeing the testing of over $1.3 billion in USAF and foreign military sales test assets, along with managing over $42 million in test programs.
Project Manager
452 Flight Test Squadron - USAF
Edwards AFB
04.2018 - 08.2019
- Coordinated the construction of the Global Hawk Ground Segment Modernization Program, overseeing material resources and scheduling to ensure timely completion. This project was the first among three bases to finish construction and initiate the first phase of testing.
- Managed projects within stringent deadlines and budget constraints, employing critical thinking to address complex challenges while collaborating closely with senior leadership.
Project Manager
418 Flight Test Squadron - USAF
Edwards AFB
09.2017 - 04.2018
- Managed planning for the KC-46A's Developmental Test and Evaluation military utility assessment for Integrated Operational Test.
- Oversaw budgeting and scheduling for the KC-46A Flight and Boom System Trainers/Simulators, ensuring resource efficiency.
Project Manager
416 Flight Test Squadron - USAF
Edwards AFB
10.2011 - 09.2017
- Successfully directed a multi-aircraft platform GPS jamming test event, unifying the team and recovering the schedule by 25%.
- Managed over $10 million in complex multinational projects - earned two years of experiential Acquisition System Program Office credit.
Project Manager
412 Test Management Group - USAF
Edwards AFB, CA
09.2008 - 10.2011
- Directed improvements to bi-annual Project Management 101 and 201 courses. Led conversion of four classroom-based courses into computer-based training, easing student training location requirements.
- Managed base-wide upgrade from concerto 5.6 to 5.8 to support stable system operation through full upgrade scope completion.
- Led Theory of Constraints deployments across base organizations to improve organizational resource throughput and capacity.
Production Controller/Theory of Constraints DE
412 Maintenance Group - USAF
Edwards AFB, CA
01.2004 - 09.2008
- Served as assigned Theory of Constraints (TOC) deployment expert for project management to identify resource constraints within engine maintenance inspection and repair, supporting streamlined engine production flow by 20%.
- Created and loaded Microsoft Project files into Concerto as assigned TOC information systems expert for 412 TW propulsion flight to verify project timelines and assign resources; supported accurate identification of resource constraints and projected engine completion delivery timelines.
Education
Certification - DAWIA Program Management II Practitioner
Defense Acquisition University
Fort Belvoir01-2011
Completion Diploma - Leadership/Management
Air University
Edwards AFB04-2000
Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Maxwell AFB01-1996
Skills
- Project Management
- Scheduling
- Documentation
- JIRA
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Budgeting
- SAP
- Resource Allocation
- Risk Mitigation
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
Timeline
Deputy Assistant to the Commander of Special Projects
412TW Special Projects-USAF
02.2025 - 06.2025
Senior Lead Project Manager
412TW Special Projects - USAF
04.2021 - 02.2025
Senior Lead Project Manager
452 Flight Test Squadron - USAF
08.2019 - 04.2021
Project Manager
452 Flight Test Squadron - USAF
04.2018 - 08.2019
Project Manager
418 Flight Test Squadron - USAF
09.2017 - 04.2018
Project Manager
416 Flight Test Squadron - USAF
10.2011 - 09.2017
Project Manager
412 Test Management Group - USAF
09.2008 - 10.2011
Production Controller/Theory of Constraints DE
412 Maintenance Group - USAF
01.2004 - 09.2008
Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Completion Diploma - Leadership/Management
Air University
Certification - DAWIA Program Management II Practitioner
Defense Acquisition University
CLEARANCE
Top Secret (SCI Eligible)
Personal Information
Title: Program Manager
Awards
• 412 Test Wing Program Manager of the Quarter Jan-Mar 2023
• Global Vigilance Combined Test Force Project Manager of the Jan-Mar 2018
• 775th Test Squadron Annual Team of the Year Innovation Team of the Year 2017 DT NAVFEST
• Global Power Fighters Program/Project Manager of the Quarter Oct-Dec 2016
• 412 Test Wing Program Manager of the Quarter Jan-Mar 2015
• Global Power Fighters Program/Project Manager of the Quarter Jan-Mar 2015