Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Katrin Zito

Albuquerque

Summary

Accomplished operations and compliance leader with a Top-Secret Security Clearance, offering extensive experience in directing high-pressure, high-volume programs with multi-million-dollar budgets and complex organizational structures. Expertise in regulatory compliance, audit, risk management, strategic planning, contract oversight, and financial management. Proven track record in leading and mentoring teams while optimizing workflows and consolidating data analysis to deliver executive-level recommendations that enhance operational efficiency, mission readiness, and overall organizational performance. Committed to driving results through innovative solutions and strategic insights that align with organizational goals.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Compliance & Audit Manager

U.S. Air Force
01.2024 - Current
  • Led high-profile, multi-organization inspections across major commands and agencies, directing teams of 12–18 staff to evaluate operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and mission readiness of programs and assets valued at up to $79 trillion and $15.6B in acquisitions, delivering actionable recommendations to senior executives to enhance organizational performance and risk management.
  • Oversaw inspection planning, execution, and process improvement initiatives, including data consolidation, reporting optimization, and high-visibility assessments that strengthened compliance, reduced operational risk, and informed strategic decision-making for 138,000 personnel, 1,100 aircraft, and $1T+ in critical program assets.

Food & Beverage Director

U.S. Air Force
08.2021 - 01.2024
  • Directed 15-person team and managed a $4.4M operational portfolio, including budgeting, financial goal setting, inventory management ($650K), vendor coordination (11 suppliers), and a $53K facility renovation, ensuring seamless daily operations and long-term sustainability.
  • Oversaw 950+ annual events, developing menus, managing bar operations, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth, optimize resources, and enhance customer experience.

Operations Manager – Food Services

U.S. Air Force
09.2020 - 08.2021
  • Directed a 24/7, high-volume operation with a 150-person workforce, delivering 900+ meals daily while maintaining operational efficiency, quality standards, and regulatory compliance.
  • Oversaw end-to-end operations including inventory management, staffing, budgeting, logistics, and process improvement, ensuring uninterrupted service and optimized resource utilization in a fast-paced environment.

Program Manager – Readiness & Continuity

U.S. Air Force
03.2018 - 09.2020
  • Led enterprise readiness and strategic planning programs for 300+ personnel, developing operational plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring organizational preparedness for high-impact scenarios and regulatory requirements.
  • Advised senior leadership on risk, continuity, and operational capability, driving data-informed decisions that improved resilience, compliance, and mission-critical performance.

Operations Accountant

U.S. Air Force
04.2017 - 03.2018
  • Managed and reconciled a $900K operating budget for a high-volume food service program, analyzing costs, forecasting expenditures, and implementing controls that improved financial accuracy and resource allocation.
  • Conducted comprehensive financial audits and performance analyses across procurement, inventory, and labor, identifying cost-saving opportunities and strengthening compliance with internal controls and regulatory standards.

Contract Manager

U.S. Air Force
02.2017 - 04.2017
  • Led strategic oversight of a $1.5M contract portfolio, directing vendor performance, ensuring regulatory and financial compliance, and aligning contracted services with organizational objectives.
  • Served as senior advisor to leadership on contract performance and risk, driving stakeholder coordination, resolving complex issues, and strengthening governance across procurement and service delivery.

Residential Program Manager

U.S. Air Force
05.2014 - 02.2017
  • Managed daily operations for a 1100+ resident housing facility, supervising staff, enforcing policies, resolving conflicts, coordinating maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety and organizational standards.
  • Led and supervised a 4-person team, managing schedules, task assignments, and performance to ensure efficient residential operations.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Restaurant, Hotel, And Fitness Management

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration/Hospitality and Tourism

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL

Master of Business Administration - General

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL
01.2026

Skills

  • High-volume operations leadership
  • Executive reporting
  • Talent development
  • Process efficiency improvement
  • Financial budgeting expertise
  • Experience in managing high-value contracts
  • Strategic operational guidance
  • Data consolidation
  • Oversight of compliance standards

Certification

  • Certified Inspector General
  • Professional Manager Certification

Languages

English
Full Professional
German
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Compliance & Audit Manager

U.S. Air Force
01.2024 - Current

Food & Beverage Director

U.S. Air Force
08.2021 - 01.2024

Operations Manager – Food Services

U.S. Air Force
09.2020 - 08.2021

Program Manager – Readiness & Continuity

U.S. Air Force
03.2018 - 09.2020

Operations Accountant

U.S. Air Force
04.2017 - 03.2018

Contract Manager

U.S. Air Force
02.2017 - 04.2017

Residential Program Manager

U.S. Air Force
05.2014 - 02.2017

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration/Hospitality and Tourism

Columbia Southern University

Master of Business Administration - General

Columbia Southern University

Associate of Applied Science - Restaurant, Hotel, And Fitness Management

Columbia Southern University
Katrin Zito