James Keller
Shawnee,KS
Summary
Top Secret Clearance – Held
Secret Clearance - Active
COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) DoS
ACOR (Acting Contracting Officer Representative) DoS
GTM (Government Technical Monitor) DoS
25+ years of program management experience. 30+ years of Supervisor/leadership. International senior management, (Afghanistan, Iraq, Central Africa Republic) Contract compliance and oversight. Proficient in Microsoft Products Development of construction and security schedules, budgets, scopes of work. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Project Manager
GardaWorld Federal Services
Baghdad, Iraq
04.2023 - Current
- In charge of all support activities for Department of State WPS III Security contract at U.S. Embassy.
- Maintain multiple warehouses with 12-million-dollar inventory.
- Coordinate, monitor, and track all logistic operations for both inbound and outbound shipments.
- Manage Housing consisting of 700+ billets.
- Coordinate in-country and international travel, Payroll, and Human Resources for over 1200 personnel.
- Develop and maintain Security Operation Procedures.
- Conduct financial management and utilized budget principles, methods, and practices to control operational funds supporting WPS III project OCONUS.
- Proficient use of Federal legislation, regulations, and policies to assuring compliance.
- Provide expert advice and guidance of program evaluation and analysis concepts, principles, methods, and practices, ensuring effective management and administration of WPS III program.
- Maintain both contract and Department of State warehouses.
- Both Warehouse Facilities house multi-million-dollar inventories.
- Conduct required inventory management inspections.
- Coordinate, manage, and inventory, all logistical operations.
- Ensure ISO 9001:2000 management standards and quality management systems requirements are consistently met.
- Apply ILS standards to all Logistic Warehouses.
- Responsible for all export control compliance with US and Host Country laws and regulations.
- Professional development of multiple levels of managers/leaders.
- Key Business Management representative for Department of State related contracts in Iraq.
Transition Manager
GardaWorld Federal Services
Baghdad, Iraq
10.2022 - 04.2023
- .Partnered with business teams to understand needs and mitigate potential problems.
- Transitioned 1200-person Diplomatic Security contract at U.S. Embassy.
- Coordinated major transitions between companies such as technological, operational, and inventories.
- Analyzed internal requests for changes and consulted with management to deny or approve proposed changes.
- Created transitional plans and documents to outline project expectations, scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
- Conducted workshops to provide staff members with information on any major changes within company, such as new financial protocols or policies.
- Ensured that transitions were planned and carried out in timely manner and within budget.
- Kept all parties involved with transition updates on progress.
- Spotted transition-related issues and created effective solutions for resolutions.
- Designed processes and systems supporting business needs before, during and after transitions.
- Developed solutions to address complex issues and operational gaps.
Administrative and Logistics Security Support Manager
GardaWorld Federal Services
Bangui, Central African Republic
09.2021 - 10.2022
- Provided expert advice and guidance of program evaluation and analysis concepts, principles, methods, and practices, ensuring effective management and administration.
- Managed all contract support elements to include financial, logistical, and personnel.
- Managed contract and Department of State, Regional Security Office warehouses.
- Both Warehouse Facilities house multi-million-dollar inventories.
- Conducted all required inventory management inspections.
- Coordinated, manage, and inventory of all logistical operations.
- Ensured ISO 9001:2000 management standards and quality management systems requirements consistently met.
- Applied ILS standards to Logistic Warehouse for all WPS operations.
- Responsible for all export control compliances with US and Host Country laws and regulations.
- Offered expert management advice and guidance for security contractor to transition to their new facility.
- Applied proficient knowledge in application and compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations.
- Managed and maintained electronic and paper-based filing systems to keep essential documents and information easily accessible and organized.
Transition Manager
GardaWorld Federal Services
Bangui, Central African Republic
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Transitioned Diplomatic Security contract for U.S Embassy.
- Coordinated major transitions between companies such as technological, operational, and inventory changes.
- Analyzed any internal requests for changes and consulting with management to deny or approve proposed changes.
- Created transitional plans and documents to outline project expectations, scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
- Conducted workshops to provide staff members with information on any major changes, such as new financial protocols or policies.
- Ensured that transitions are planned and carried out in timely manner and within budget.
- Kept all parties involved with transition updated on its progress.
- Spotted transition-related issues and creating effective solutions to resolve them swiftly.
Assistant Store Manager
AutoZone
Shawnee, Kansas
11.2020 - 04.2021
- Managed largest logistics hub and retail store within Kansas City.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Facilitated and maintained all warehouse and logistic operations for inventory in excess of 3 million dollars
- Managed automotive commercial services for multiple automotive repair facilities.
- Oversaw Facilities and Ground Maintenance and Operations
- Management of 60 plus personnel to include all performance reviews and scheduling
- Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
- Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
- Created and maintained safe and secure work environments for employees.
- Analyzed customer feedback and implemented strategies to improve customer experience.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
Contracting Officer’s Representative
Department Of State
U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
03.2018 - 01.2021
- Contract spread over 20 Task Orders employing over 800 personnel from multiple contracting companies.
- Collaborated with subcontractors and procurement personnel on contract acquisition and retention, conducting check-ins and maintaining direct lines of communication.
- Implemented risk mitigation strategies and drafted applicable contract terms and conditions to make credible arguments during negotiations and issue resolution.
- Attended bid boards, proposal review team meetings, kick-off events and contract acquisition education sessions, broadening knowledge of contract representation details and supporting account health.
- Developed and integrated contract management templates, methods and processes to streamline agreements.
- Aided Senior Government Services Officer (SGSO) and Embassy Senior Management Council. Responsible for monitoring all Technical Contractual issues.
- Used standard forms and templates based on individual circumstances, amending as necessary to keep contractual language relevant to evolve with revised standards.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Assessed areas of service concern and developed improvement plans.
Senior Security Task Order Manager
Department Of State
U.S. Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan
01.2010 - 03.2018
- Contract Office Representative (ACOR) and Government Technical Monitor (GTM) for all Worldwide Protective Operations for diplomatic facilities in Kabul, Afghanistan.
- Provided Government Oversite of largest Department of State Diplomatic static security force contract consisting of over 1800 personnel.
- Managed multi-million-dollar inventories in multiple locations.
- Proficient use of Federal security laws, regulations, directives, and guidelines, and Department of State security regulations, standards, and policies, provide guidance to security officials in Kabul and DC ensuring protection of U.S. personnel, facilities, and information.
- Expert knowledge of Federal contracting regulations, policies, and practices to manage contracts and projects related to security of personnel, property, and information verifying contractors and subcontractor’s compliance with FAR.
- Invoice verification, technical acceptance of all facility maintenance operations, including all life support services including dining and medical facilities, kennel operations, vehicle maintenance, and billeting.
- Public Liaison between diplomatic security compound and surrounding community.
- Provided aid to local community homeless and schools.
- Skillfully advised Assistant Regional Security Officer (ARSO) and Contracting Officer Representative (COR) with all government required Checklists.
- Ensured O&M Contractor has developed and proper implementation of operational safety guidelines for all facility and ground operations.
- Conducted daily performance evaluations of contract and contractor compliance for $5 billion Security contract.
- Provided written performance assessments to include strategies for improvement across contract and ensuring USG resources are used in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Oversight of all construction projects associated with two Embassy man camps exceeding $250 million.
- Oversaw Camp expansion from 6-acre 234 bed to 19-acre 818 bed camp.
- Managed multiple construction projects simultaneously during major OBO camp expansion.
- Authored, approved and implemented all Statements of Work (SOW) for all DS related construction projects.
- Provided written performance assessments to include strategies for improvement across contract and ensuring USG resources are used in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Oversight of all construction projects associated with two Embassy man camps exceeding $250 million.
- Managed construction/expansion over 4-year, 3 phase Department of State (DOS) Overseas Building Operation (OBO) project.
- Managed 5 separate construction projects simultaneously during major OBO camp expansion.
- Authored, approved and implemented all Statements of Work (SOW) for all DS related construction projects.
- Oversaw team of security officers and managed scheduling and performance evaluations.
- Kept team compliant with security protocols and appearance standards.
- Served as liaison with public officials, company negotiators and other departments to maintain big picture understanding of security needs covering all corporate assets.
Deputy Project Manager Facilities/Support
Triple Canopy
Baghdad, Iraq
05.2009 - 12.2009
- In charge of all support activities for Department of State WPPS contract in Iraq.
- Maintained multiple warehouses with 10-million-dollar inventory
- Coordinated, monitored, and tracked all logistic operations for both inbound and outbound shipments.
- Managed life support of 7-acre camp.
- Coordinated in-country and international travel, Payroll, and Human Resources.
- Oversight of vehicle maintenance facility servicing multitude of major repair requests for fleet in excess of 250 vehicles.
- Developed Security SOPs security operation.
- Conducted financial management and utilized budget principles, methods, and practices to control operational funds.
- Use mastery of Federal legislation, regulations, and policies to assure complete compliance within scope of work.
- Developed and maintained project documentation for reliable records.
Deputy Project Manager Facilities/Support
Academi
Baghdad, Iraq
08.2006 - 05.2009
- In charge of all support activities for Department of State WPPS contract in Iraq
- Maintained multiple warehouses with 10-million-dollar inventory.
- Coordinated, monitored, and tracked all logistic operations for both inbound and outbound shipments.
- Managed 7-acre 800 billet unit camp.
- Coordinated in-country and international travel, Payroll, and Human Resources for over 800 personnel.
- Vehicle maintenance facility servicing multitude of major repair requests for fleet in excess of 250 vehicles.
- Develop Security SOPs for security operations.
- Conducted financial management and utilized budget principles, methods, and practices to control operational funds supporting WPPS project OCONUS.
- Mastery use of Federal legislation, regulations, and policies to assure complete compliance within scope of work.
- Facilitated Department of State (DOS) Office of Inspector General (OIG).
- Resulted in all phases of inspection being in full compliance of contractual operations and deliverables.
- Provided expert advice and guidance of program evaluation and analysis concepts, principles, methods, and practices, ensuring effective management and administration of the WPPS II program.
- Managed contract and the Department of State warehouse.
- Both Warehouse Facilities housed multi-million-dollar inventories.
- Conducted the required inventory management inspections.
- Ensured ISO 9001:2000 management standards and quality management systems requirements consistently met.
- Applied ILS standards to the Logistic Warehouse for all operations.
- Responsible for all export control compliance with US and Host Country laws and regulations.
- Offered expert management advice and guidance for the security contractor to transition to their new facility.
- Managed 300+ vehicle fleet management to include inventory and maintenance.
- Manage mailroom operations for the WPPS contract camp
- Follow US mail service requirements
- Continually passed scheduled and impromptu inspections by US military Postal services
- Use expert knowledge in the application and compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations
- Lead the professional development of multiple levels of managers/leaders
- Supervise Medical Services for 810 personnel camp
- Key Business Management representative for Department of State related contracts in Iraq
- Coordinate in-country and international travel, Payroll and Human Resources for 1700 personnel at 4 sites throughout Iraq
- These services were accomplished with a staff that represented only 2% of the total mission personnel
Parts Manager
Hendrick Lexus
Hinesville, GA
05.2001 - 07.2006
- Established and maintained warehouse to include real time inventory tracking, control systems and procedures.
- Resulted in less than 2% shrinkage/accountability of inventory.
- Ensure dealership has developed and proper implementation of operational safety guidelines for all facility and ground operations.
- Offer expert management advice and guidance for dealership to transition to their new facility.
- Conducted Quality Control reviews and inventory accountability reviews.
- Maintained serialized inventory of controlled equipment.
- Initiated customer order tracking system and negotiated product orders with vendors.
- Rearranged parts department to better serve changing trends and keep workspaces organized
- Supervised and trained staff on product knowledge and customer service
- Developed and implemented new procedures for improving inventory control and reducing time required locating parts by modifying part numbers and locations
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets
- Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets
- Set employee schedules for consistent staff coverage and delegated work assignments based upon experience and strengths.
Logistics Manager
Science Applications International Corporation
Cairo, Egypt
04.1997 - 04.2001
- Successfully manage support and logistics activities for multiple private and government contracts for SAIC.
- Included Client support and maintaining SAIC operations.
- Architect of logistical business unit for SAIC clientele.
- Maintenance and tracking of logistic warehouse activities using ILS system.
- Ensure equipment repairs and administered all warranties and licenses with maintenance sub-contractors.
- Establish system of failure reporting and projected repairs/replacement of all equipment.
- Results were 80% less failure rate because of manufacturing modifications of critical equipment.
- Monetary savings resulted in savings of 90+ thousand dollars in repairs/down time of critical equipment failures.
- Conducted Quality Control reviews and made reliability predictions for equipment.
- Responsible for export compliance activities as well as local purchase of essential equipment.
- Monitored logistics performance and identified improvement opportunities.
- Kept corporate departments and customers updated on critical shipments.
Store Manager
AutoZone
Hinesville, GA
06.1991 - 04.1997
- Responsible warehouse and logistic operations for inventory in excess 1 million dollars.
- Facilities and Ground Maintenance and Operations.
- Managed 50+ personnel to include all performance reviews and scheduling.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation
Non-Commissioned Officer
US Military Service, United States Air Force
Worldwide
07.1983 - 11.1994
- Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of communications support, maintenance, and logistic operations.
- Responsible for quality control reviews and safety inspections.
- Conduct weapons training classes and qualification courses to include small arms, belt fed, grenade launcher, and shotgun.
- Responsible for life cycle and failure reporting for all Base communication equipment as part of ILS system (UHF/VHF/Command Post/Classified Systems) to include generator back up power systems for communication assets.
- Review, revise, and manage all unit personnel and quality programs.
- Responded to emergency calls relayed from dispatcher or supervisors and communicated situation details to other officers
- Reported safety and fire hazards observed on routine patrols and during inspections
- Completed patrols in assigned areas to identify and deter criminal activities
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Columbia College
Kansas City, MissouriSkills
- Risk mitigation planning
- Quality assurance
- Documentation Management
- Maintenance and Repair
- Planning and Coordination
- MS Office
- Cultural Awareness
- Multitasking Abilities
- Training and Development
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Organization and Time Management
- Reporting template development
Timeline
Deputy Project Manager
GardaWorld Federal Services
04.2023 - Current
Transition Manager
GardaWorld Federal Services
10.2022 - 04.2023
Administrative and Logistics Security Support Manager
GardaWorld Federal Services
09.2021 - 10.2022
Transition Manager
GardaWorld Federal Services
04.2021 - 08.2021
Assistant Store Manager
AutoZone
11.2020 - 04.2021
Contracting Officer’s Representative
Department Of State
03.2018 - 01.2021
Senior Security Task Order Manager
Department Of State
01.2010 - 03.2018
Deputy Project Manager Facilities/Support
Triple Canopy
05.2009 - 12.2009
Deputy Project Manager Facilities/Support
Academi
08.2006 - 05.2009
Parts Manager
Hendrick Lexus
05.2001 - 07.2006
Logistics Manager
Science Applications International Corporation
04.1997 - 04.2001
Store Manager
AutoZone
06.1991 - 04.1997
Non-Commissioned Officer
US Military Service, United States Air Force
07.1983 - 11.1994
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Columbia College