Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
WEBSITES, PORTFOLIOS, PROFILES
Awards
Timeline
Generic

James D. Thompson

Stafford

Summary

Senior Department of Defense leader with over a decade of progressive responsibility in facilities management, public works, and strategic operations. Proven record of directing multimillion-dollar budgets, managing workforces of 200+, and leading enterprise-level transformation initiatives. Recognized for building coalitions across federal, state, and local agencies while ensuring mission-critical readiness. Skilled in labor-management negotiations, organizational leadership, crisis response, and delivering measurable results in complex environments. Proficient in implementing enterprise initiatives aligned with DoD strategic goals.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Deputy Public Works Officer GS-1101-14

NAVFAC PWD Washington
10.2024 - Current
  • Serves as the senior civilian leader overseeing facilities management, engineering, acquisition, construction, base operations, and environmental services for diverse installations like the Washington Navy Yard, NRL, NSF Arlington, and the Vice President's Residence.
  • Direct a geographically dispersed public works organization of 250+ personnel (216 civilians, 15 CEC officers, 15 Seabees) across the National Capital Region, supporting 23,000 personnel and 69 tenant commands, including NAVSEA, CNIC, and ONI.
  • Lead labor-management negotiations, EEO matters, employee relations, union matters, and mediations, driving mission-focused outcomes and accountability.
  • Spearhead workforce shaping and hiring initiatives to ensure optimal staffing levels and mission readiness across all divisions.
  • Oversee the strategic planning, review, and coordination of facilities management, planning, engineering, acquisition, construction, base operation support, and environmental services, ensuring seamless operational integration.
  • Guide the Public Works Department (PWD) mission, optimizing performance and outcomes related to SYSCOM capabilities and enabling supported Commanders operating within the National Capital Region.
  • Advise senior military staff and installation leadership on optimal delivery strategies for all public works products and services.
  • Coordinate execution and programmatic priorities to align with the facility needs of Naval Support Activity Washington and its tenant commands.
  • Provide expert guidance during unplanned emergencies to minimize impact on mission-critical operations.
  • Direct and manage an annual budget exceeding $16M, ensuring efficient resource allocation and fiscal responsibility across all programs.
  • Plan, prioritize, execute, and track the funding control and distribution of sustainment, maintenance, repair, facility service, utilities, and transportation funding for Naval Support Activity Washington.
  • Served as the principal advisor to the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and SES leadership across the National Capital Region on public works facility management and construction contract matters.
  • Provide oversight to a broad range of facilities services, ensuring execution aligned with supported commander goals and objectives and adhered to NAVFAC business rules and regulatory requirements.
  • Interface regularly with senior leadership, stakeholders, and tenant commands to ensure responsiveness and alignment with mission objectives.

Deputy Public Works Officer GS-1101-14

NAVFAC Washington
09.2021 - 10.2024
  • Directed all public works operations as the senior civilian of the Public Works Department (PWD) at NSASP Indian Head, leading 219 personnel in support of Naval Support Activity South Potomac. In support of IHEODTD's mission - which is to be the leaders in energetics, energetic materials and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) for the Navy, Joint Forces and our Nation.
  • Led and managed all business aspects of the PWD, including budgets, human resources, regulatory compliance, and labor relations, ensuring effective and efficient operations.
  • Championed employee development by identifying training needs, creating innovative training solutions, and advising subordinates on complex performance and productivity challenges.
  • Cultivated a positive labor-management environment, representing NAVFAC in negotiations with unions to improve personnel policies, practices, and procedures.
  • Resolved labor issues effectively and equitably at the lowest level, minimizing impact on all levels of the organization.
  • Ensured facility sustainment, modernization, utilities, and environmental compliance for Naval Support Activity South Potomac.
  • Advised senior military staff and installation leaders on optimal courses of action for delivering public works products and services, aligning with strategic goals.
  • Coordinated execution and programmatic priorities to meet the facility needs of Naval Support Activity South Potomac and its tenant commands.
  • Provided critical guidance during unplanned emergencies to minimize impact on mission-critical operations.
  • Ensured all division and branch activities adhered to NAVFAC business rules and guidelines, tracking work execution to meet schedule and cost constraints.
  • Developed and managed the annual budget, projecting workload, labor, overhead costs,in alignment with the installation commanding officer priorities
  • Tracked and reviewed all financial expenditures, ensuring adherence to established budget controls and implementing corrective actions to address variances.
  • Effectively planned, programmed, and controlled fiscal and personnel resources, ensuring cost-effective and efficient management of general fund efforts.
  • Oversaw the planning, prioritizing, execution, tracking, and implementation of funding for sustainment, maintenance, repair, facility services, utilities, and transportation for Naval Support Activity South Potomac Indian Head
  • Served as a key advisor to the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and department heads on public works facility management and construction contract matters.
  • Represented the installation by interfacing with local and state officials on public works matters.
  • Maintained liaison with high-level managers to coordinate the Department's efforts and satisfy client needs.
  • Led meetings with top management to jointly plan long-range programs and reorganize priorities and work schedules.
  • Maintained close liaison with higher authority, proactively informing them of any delays in work or services to minimize disruption.

Production Division Director- GS-1601-13

NAVFAC Washington
07.2020 - 09.2021
  • Directed the Production Division (142 billets) at the PWD, encompassing Facilities Management & Sustainment (FM&S), Utilities and Energy Management (UEM), and Base Support Vehicles and Equipment (BSVE) branches.
  • Actively supervised civilian employees, including GS-13 supervisors and blue-collar contractors, fostering a high-performance work environment.
  • Ensured the effective and efficient execution of PWD workload within the Production Division, aligning with established business line budgets, goals, processes, and performance metrics.
  • Championed employee development by ensuring current and accurate performance standards and training plans, and through active use of HR applications.
  • Led personnel and administrative matters for the Production Division, including hiring actions, employee counseling, disciplinary actions, and position management, using Pre-Recruitment Management Tool, Request for Personnel Action Tool, and Total Workforce Management System (TWMS).
  • Cultivated a safe work environment by ensuring implementation and maintenance of safety programs such as ESAMS, Safety SOPs, and safety training.
  • Provided technical coordination and integration to achieve PWBL objectives, resolving complex problems encountered by subordinate managers and workforce.
  • Evaluated policies and procedures from PWBL and higher authorities, determining the effect on operations, staffing, and organizational alignments.
  • Developed and submitted the annual Production Division budget, including projections of workload, labor, overhead cost, and revenue, aligned with the PWBL Business Plan.
  • Planned, programmed, and controlled fiscal and personnel resources, ensuring cost-effective and efficient management of general fund production efforts.
  • Developed and submitted all overhead, commodities, and projected production and commodity unit sales levels, and long- and short-term range planning documentation.
  • Financial Management & Budgeting:
  • Tracked and reviewed all financial expenditures with subordinate managers, ensuring adherence to established budget controls and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Identified and submitted budget variance requests to the business line/product line for approval.
  • Represented NAVFAC Washington, PWD Indian Head in Labor Management issues, working with Union(s) to improve understanding of personnel policies and facilitate mutually beneficial discussions.
  • Cooperated and participated in labor-management partnerships, resolving issues in a timely and equitable manner at the lowest possible level.
  • Maintained continuous onsite communication with senior leadership and supporting commands, ensuring alignment and responsiveness.
  • Communicated effectively with other business lines, support lines, and PWD staff within FEC Washington to ensure the success of the Production Division

Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor -WS 12 STEP 2 Series 4749

NAVFAC Washington
10.2011 - 07.2020
  • Supervised, led, and mentored a team of 29 employees, including Air Conditioning Mechanics (WG8 –WG11), Boiler Mechanics (WG10), Electronic Industrial Control Mechanics (WG11), and Engineering Technicians (GS12).
  • Evaluated subordinate leaders' performance, served as the reviewing official on evaluations, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement and development.
  • Supported EEO policies and promoted a diverse and inclusive work environment.
  • Ensured all employees completed required safety and mandatory training, maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
  • Coordinated multi-disciplinary teams of trades (air-conditioning, boiler, engineering, electronic industrial controls mechanics, utilities branch, and transportation branch) to deliver comprehensive maintenance and repair services.
  • Assigned work to blue-collar contractors and conducted quality assurance checks, ensuring high standards of workmanship.
  • Prioritized, planned, and leveled workload to ensure timely and safe completion of work requests, including service calls, preventative maintenance, and project orders.
  • Dispatched and re-prioritized employee assignments to address dynamic workload demands, maximizing efficiency and responsiveness.
  • Ensured accurate planning, understanding, and on-time, within-budget completion of projects.
  • Troubleshooted, operated, analyzed, and repaired Direct Digital Controls (DDC) systems (Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, Invensys, and Distech), ensuring optimal system performance.
  • Performed formal quality control spot check inspections of building preventative maintenance and upkeep, reviewed job plan completion, ICAP ratings, and overall equipment condition.
  • Interpreted blueprints, engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, specifications, and technical manuals to effectively guide maintenance and repair activities.
  • Created purchase requests for material orders and assigned and tracked work orders using Maximo.
  • Communicated and coordinated with suppliers to research and order repair parts, minimizing downtime.
  • Inputted employees’ timecards using SLDCADA, and managed employee leave schedules to maintain adequate work center coverage.
  • Managed refrigerant compliance by inputting refrigerant, equipment, and employee data into the software system, ensuring EPA compliance.
  • Created performance plan appraisals for employees and ensured that individual development plans were created.
  • Served as a Defense Travel System approving official.
  • Created STS tickets for IT-related issues.
  • Worked with a wide range of customers, other government agencies (federal, state, and local), and private contractors to deliver exceptional service.
  • Communicated work status on high-visibility jobs to management, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged.
  • Planned, directed, and resolved technical and business issues associated with providing maintenance, repair, alteration, and minor construction services.
  • Utilized the following software programs daily: Mybiz, TWMS, Congos, Total Force Training, ESAMS, Maximo, and the NAVFAC portal.
  • Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Union and understanding of Federal Wage System policies and practices.

Supervisory Facility Manager of the FM&S Maintenance Branch -GS-1640- 13 (Detail)

NAVFAC Washington
03.2019 - 07.2019
  • Planned and directed the Public Works Department Facilities Branch, leading a workforce of 70 personnel, including Working Leaders and Wage Grade employees.
  • Supervised all management and operational objectives within the Shop, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality facility management and sustainment services to Supported Commands.
  • Developed and implemented improvements in operational and overhead methods and procedures, resulting in cost savings and increased efficiency (quantity if possible with a percentage or dollar amount saved).
  • Ensured work performed aligned with Supported Command requirements and best supported their mission.
  • Actively engaged in Collective Bargaining Agreement and Union Labor Disputes, seeking positive resolutions.
  • Submitted budget requirements for the Shops, considering future, labor costs, training, and other overhead requirements for consolidation and budget development.
  • Ensured plans were developed and executed consistently with Navy requirements and NAVFAC Washington guidelines.
  • Provided input to formulate budget requirements.
  • Effectively planned, programmed, and controlled the expenditures of fiscal and personnel resources to ensure NWCF FM&S effort was managed in a sound fiscal manner and work was performed cost-effectively.
  • Executed public works efforts with a strong focus on customer service and the installation's functions.
  • Worked with the Asset Management branch daily to ensure the quality and quantity of work aligned with command standards.
  • Assisted with coordinating facilities and utilities projects and designs.
  • Provided input to installation commanders, Public Works personnel, and customers.
  • Developed recommendations for improvements by considering optimum use of business practices, work sequences, personnel skill, and equipment/facilities utilization and replacement.
  • Worked with the Supported Command and the Production Officer to schedule projects, determine labor and equipment utilization, identify personnel requirements and availability, and balance needs with fund limitations.
  • Scheduled, coordinated, and directed project accomplishment through Work Supervisors, establishing work priorities and ensuring balanced workload distribution.
  • Provided guidance on complex work, changed technology, or resource problems, ensuring Work Supervisors effectively coordinated and executed work.
  • Collaborated and successfully mediated contract discrepancies in projects exceeding $2 Million, resulting in reduced downtime and increased productivity.

Adjunct Instructor

College of Southern Maryland
09.2013 - 01.2017
  • Provided technical and leadership training in HVAC systems, mentoring students in workforce readiness and trade skills.
  • Taught technical courses on advanced systems and guided career development for 100+ students.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration and Management

Western Governors University
01-2026

Skills

  • Executive Leadership & Strategic Vision
  • Program & Operations Management
  • Labor-Management Relations
  • Resource Planning & Budget Oversight
  • Process Improvement & Change Management
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration
  • Crisis & Emergency Management
  • Public Speaking & Stakeholder Engagement

Certification

  • Master HVAC License – Virginia
  • Certified NCCER Instructor
  • Universal CFC License
  • Chesapeake Region Safety Council – EM385/OSHA 30
  • Emerging Leadership Program
  • Secret Security Clearance
  • National Technical Honor Society member
  • The National Society Of leadership and Success member

WEBSITES, PORTFOLIOS, PROFILES

  • DVIDS- News - Blueprint for Success: A Decade Up the Ladder at NAVFAC Washington
  • From Minimum Wage, to HVAC Specialist, to Top Naval Civilian Ranks. James Thompson Inspires with Story of How CSM Trades Program Changed his Life
  • Https://youtu.be/UCjQm16X5NU

Awards

Performance Awards (2012–2025, multiple years), Special Act Awards (2014–2024, multiple years), Supervisor of the Quarter (2018, 2021), WG Supervisor of the Year – 2018, Commanding Officer Coin – 2018, 2022 and 2024, Letter of Appreciation – Assistant Secretary of the Navy (2018)

Timeline

Deputy Public Works Officer GS-1101-14

NAVFAC PWD Washington
10.2024 - Current

Deputy Public Works Officer GS-1101-14

NAVFAC Washington
09.2021 - 10.2024

Production Division Director- GS-1601-13

NAVFAC Washington
07.2020 - 09.2021

Supervisory Facility Manager of the FM&S Maintenance Branch -GS-1640- 13 (Detail)

NAVFAC Washington
03.2019 - 07.2019

Adjunct Instructor

College of Southern Maryland
09.2013 - 01.2017

Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor -WS 12 STEP 2 Series 4749

NAVFAC Washington
10.2011 - 07.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration and Management

Western Governors University

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