Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Jeff Powell

Air Force Officer/RPA Pilot
Grand Forks,ND

Summary

Dynamic operations leader with extensive experience at USAF, excelling in strategic planning and process improvements in both unmanned aviation and air traffic control. Command Pilot with over 1,200 flight hours, including 250 combat hours. Proven track record in managing cross-functional teams and enhancing operational efficiency. Skilled in risk mitigation and fostering teamwork, driving successful project outcomes while overseeing complex aviation operations across multiple global locations. Forward-thinking team leader skilled at operating departments efficiently to meet goals. Successful background matching employees with roles for maximum performance. Proactive and hardworking individual focused on continuous operational improvement.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications

Work History

Asst Director of Operations/RQ-4 Evaluator Pilot

USAF
07.2025 - Current
  • Oversaw daily operations across 6 disparate locations across the globe, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of aviation operations.
  • Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
  • Flew, evaulated and instructed global ISR missions across 5 continents, managing 150 employees in support of operational priorities
  • Oversaw successful implementation of national defense strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.

Program Manager, Advanced Programs

USAF
05.2023 - 06.2025
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and construction budgets over $500M.
  • Led multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects or workstreams with direct national defense impacts.
  • Collaborated with DoD leadership to set priorities based on operational needs, resource capacity and risk exposure.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.

Executive Officer, Chief of Stan/Evaluation, Etc.

USAF
09.2016 - 05.2023
  • Handled administrative management, personnel issues and supply requirements for 1,400 employees across 6 global locations.
  • Developed effective human resource strategies that led to increased efficinies and employee developed.
  • Forumulated and implemented strategic updates to RQ-4 operations to solve issues affecting efficiency, mission effecitveness, and aircraft availibity rate.
  • Monitored unit training and training schedules for 30 aircarft and 400 aircrew operating on a 24/7, 365, global scale.

Senior Air Traffic Controller

USAF
10.2002 - 07.2016
  • Filled a multitude of operational and management roles across the Air Force ATC enterprise including CTO, RAPCON, and ARTCC certifications. Also managed Training, Stan/Eval, Senior Leadership and Watch Supervisor programs.
  • Enhanced airspace safety by implementing rigorous monitoring ICAO/FAA procedures and maintaining thorough knowledge of air traffic regulations across 7 different locations.
  • Provided timely advisories to pilots regarding potential hazards such as turbulence or nearby aircraft, enhancing overall safety in controlled airspace.
  • Managed high-volume airspace, handling multiple aircraft simultaneously while maintaining consistent focus on safety and efficiency including certifications at the busiest airspace in the world (Balad AB) and busiest in the Air Force (Nellis AFB).

Education

Master of Arts - Management And Leadership

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Science - Professional Aeronautics

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL
05.2001 -

Associate of Science - Air Traffic Control Management

Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL
05.2001 -

Skills

Strategic planning and execution

Strategic planning

Process improvements

Operations oversight

Performance analysis

Workforce planning

Quality assurance

Schedule oversight

Risk mitigation

Teamwork and collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking Abilities

Accomplishments

  • Achieved highest ever 98% inspection rating displaying unmatched attention detail in completing ATC training audit with accuracy and efficiency
  • Developed first of its kind sUAS airspace procedures at Beale AFB, CA
  • Orchestrated 2-year, $400k secure network communication project, delivered initial capability to Grand Forks AFB, ND
  • Strategic level, senior leader advisor for $3.8B RQ-4 program
  • Consistent, unwavering record of leading diverse teams to success using organizational change and management skills over 24 year Air Force career

Certification

Certified Business Professional Master Executive Business Management, The University of Texas at Austin

Awards

5-Air Force Commendation Medal

3-Air  Achievement Medals

6- Air Force Air Achievement Medal
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
4-Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter Awards
2-Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Awards
2-Air Traffic Control Professional of the Year Awards
9- Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards
4 -Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Distinguished Graduate (Top 10%) at Airman Leadership School, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Officer Training School, Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training and Basic RQ-4 Initial Qualification Training 

Timeline

Asst Director of Operations/RQ-4 Evaluator Pilot

USAF
07.2025 - Current

Program Manager, Advanced Programs

USAF
05.2023 - 06.2025

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB), American Military University

12-2021

Certified Business Professional Master Executive Business Management, The University of Texas at Austin

05-2020

Executive Officer, Chief of Stan/Evaluation, Etc.

USAF
09.2016 - 05.2023

Senior Air Traffic Controller

USAF
10.2002 - 07.2016

Master of Arts - Management And Leadership

Liberty University
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Science - Professional Aeronautics

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
05.2001 -

Associate of Science - Air Traffic Control Management

Community College of The Air Force
05.2001 -
Jeff PowellAir Force Officer/RPA Pilot
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