Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Languages
Timeline
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James (Neil) Colston

Spring Branch,TX

Summary

Proven Executive Leader and senior project manager in highly dynamic, high reliability organizations. Extensive experience working with technology companies to develop AI and unmanned concepts for the Navy. I have over 20 years of executive level experience building, leading and developing teams for maximum efficiency in dynamic environments. Includes operations, budgeting, contracts, liaison across the government interagency, cutting edge technology development, strategy development and implementation across a broad spectrum of activity.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Commanding Officer, Trident Training Facility

United States Navy, USN
03.2023 - Current
  • Developed and Implemented strategy for the busiest training center in the U.S. Submarine Force. Lead a staff of 200 with mission to train personnel in knowledge and skills to build individual and team excellence.
  • Responsible for the training of 25 submarine crews including the entire Trident class submarine mission in the pacific.
  • Streamlined operational processes for increased efficiency / effectiveness within the unit and the overall submarine force.
  • Senior leader of multiple cross organization projects including managing over 20 high level simulators for the U.S. Navy.

Assistant Chief of Naval Research

Office Of Naval Research, U.S. Navy
03.2021 - 02.2023
  • Principle Military Deputy for 5000 member command which reports directly to the Secretary of Navy.
  • Assisted Chief of Naval Research in execution of $3B annual budget for developing emerging and disruptive technology.
  • Primary supervisor and leader for multiple projects to further Navy technology development programs. Directly interacted with congressional staff personnel for budgeting and regulatory issues.
  • Assisted Chief of Naval Research to develop overall strategy for the Office of Naval Research. Often considering a 20 year outlook.

Director Of International Nuclear Programs

Office Of Secretary Defense, Nuclear Matters
02.2018 - 02.2021
  • Direct Secretary of Defense Liaison to United Kingdom and France regarding Nuclear Weapons acquisition projects working with the Department of Energy
  • Directly responsible for developing international cooperation strategy within the U.S. Nuclear Weapon's Council as related to U.K. and France.
  • Responsible for the international cooperation components of the DOD/DOE W93 nuclear warhead acquisition program. Included international coordination of schedule, budget, communications, and strategy.

Commanding Officer, USS Pittsburgh

U.S. Navy
11.2015 - 01.2018
  • Solely responsible for all aspects of operation, maintenance and safety of a $2 billion dollar nuclear powered attack submarine and her 150-person crew.
  • Provided leadership and oversight of all departments including operations, engineering, communications, information systems, tactical systems, training, logistics, food service, human resources and administration.
  • Implemented lean processes to improve performance across cross-functional departments while improving climate and morale.
  • Led the team on multiple fully independent operations in dynamic high pressure environments.

Education

Master of Science - International Studies

Naval War College
Newport
12.2013

Master of Science - Engineering Management

Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
08.2005

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
05.1996

Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication

Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
05.1995

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Project Management at senior level
  • Plant Maintenance
  • Maintenance Planning
  • Culture change
  • Communication in all forms
  • Finance
  • Human Resources (HR)

Certification

-Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Languages

German
Limited Working

Timeline

Commanding Officer, Trident Training Facility

United States Navy, USN
03.2023 - Current

Assistant Chief of Naval Research

Office Of Naval Research, U.S. Navy
03.2021 - 02.2023

Director Of International Nuclear Programs

Office Of Secretary Defense, Nuclear Matters
02.2018 - 02.2021

Commanding Officer, USS Pittsburgh

U.S. Navy
11.2015 - 01.2018

Master of Science - International Studies

Naval War College

Master of Science - Engineering Management

Old Dominion University

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

Texas State University

Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication

Texas State University

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James (Neil) Colston