Kelly Waugh
Senior Project Manager
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Senior Project Manager with over a decade of experience leading complex, multi-million-dollar programs in operations, logistics, and construction management. Proven history in strategic planning, process optimization, risk management, and cross-functional leadership. Adept at driving efficiency, managing large teams, and delivering high-impact solutions in demanding environments. Known for exceptional problem-solving, stakeholder collaboration, team development and budget oversight, ensuring projects are always completed on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.
Focused Project Manager adept at planning, directing and maintaining continuous operations in various departments. Experienced in directing manufacturing employees and keeping efficient production in accordance with quality standards. Applying creative and analytical approach to operations for continuous process improvement. Skilled at identifying or anticipating problems and providing solutions. Excels through mentoring, training and empowering team to excel in performance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Covenant Development Group
07.2025 - 02.2026
- Oversaw all phases of renovation activities on a $5 million dollar project.
- Defined project scope, objectives, and detailed plans; obtained permits.
- Developed and adhered to budgets, tracked spending, and managed material/labor costs.
- Created timelines, assigned tasks, ordered supplies, and directed activities of staff, contractors, and suppliers.
- Functioned as the main contact for clients, architects, and engineers; provided progress reports.
- Implemented quality control measures, ensured adherence to building codes, and enforced safety protocols.
- Managed and coordinated equipment, materials, and personnel.
- Identified potential issues and managed changes, ensured accountability.
Operations Supervisor
FEDEX Freight
04.2025 - 08.2025
- Supervised, trained, coached, and motivated package handlers and administrative staff, managed workloads, and schedules.
- Managed daily freight flow (inbound/outbound/hub), dispatch, and ensured timely completion of deliveries and pickups.
- Enforced company safety culture, OSHA/DOT regulations, and proper freight handling/securing procedures.
- Monitored KPIs (on-time performance, trailer utilization, costs), analyzed operational data, and identified opportunities for improvement.
- Addressed issues with freight movement, OS&D (over, short, and damaged), and employee performance.
- Managed documentation, manifest shipments, processed freight billing, and generated reports.
Manufacturing Manager
Fulton Bellows
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Led end-to-end manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient production from raw materials to finished products.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs.
- Collaborated with engineering, sales, and logistical teams to align manufacturing processes with company objectives.
- Managed quality control processes, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Senior Project Manager (Executive Officer)
University of Tennessee Army ROTC
06.2019 - 04.2024
- Directed strategic operations for one of the top 10 Army ROTC programs in the U.S., overseeing 230+ students and a 15-member instructional team.
- Spearheaded program-wide process improvements, securing 200% increase in university budget allocation.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize leadership development and performance assessments resulting in highest national rankings.
- Successfully lobbied for $500 monthly housing stipends, directly impacting employees and their families.
- Earned Army MacArthur Award (2021) for leading the #1 ROTC program among thirty-seven competing institutions.
Operations & Logistics Program Manager
U.S. Army / 412th Theater Engineer Command
06.2016 - 05.2019
- Managed strategic operations for 13,000+ personnel across 22 states and three U.S. combatant commands.
- Directed the Command Operations & Information Center (COIC), ensuring seamless operational readiness.
- Optimized resource allocation for multi-million-dollar budgets, achieving a 30% improvement in efficiency.
- Spearheaded contingency planning for the Korean Peninsula, improving response time and crisis mitigation.
- Led the 2019 Engineer Total Army Partnership Exercise, enhancing inter-agency collaboration and readiness.
Project Manager – Construction & Engineering
U.S. Army / 721st Engineer Company
05.2011 - 02.2014
- Oversaw a construction program of work in Afghanistan, managing budgets exceeding $14 million.
- Directed the safe transport and deployment of 226 soldiers and $26M in equipment across 8,000 miles.
- Recovered $653,000+ in lost or unaccounted equipment, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Enhanced logistical coordination, achieving zero injuries or equipment losses across multiple deployments.
Education
Master of Business Management -
King University
Bristol, TN01-2010
Engineer Officer Basic Leadership Course - Team Leadership, Project & Program Management
U.S. Army Engineer School
Ft. Leonard Wood, MOEngineer Captains Career Course - Organizational Leadership, Operations Management
U.S. Army Engineer School
Ft. Leonard Wood, MOBachelor of Business Management - undefined
King University
Bristol, TN01-2008
Skills
Project management
Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
Cross-functional team management
Budget & Resource Allocation ($20M Portfolios)
Project management
Timeline
Project Manager
Covenant Development Group
07.2025 - 02.2026
Operations Supervisor
FEDEX Freight
04.2025 - 08.2025
Manufacturing Manager
Fulton Bellows
03.2024 - 10.2024
Senior Project Manager (Executive Officer)
University of Tennessee Army ROTC
06.2019 - 04.2024
Operations & Logistics Program Manager
U.S. Army / 412th Theater Engineer Command
06.2016 - 05.2019
Project Manager – Construction & Engineering
U.S. Army / 721st Engineer Company
05.2011 - 02.2014
Engineer Officer Basic Leadership Course - Team Leadership, Project & Program Management
U.S. Army Engineer School
Engineer Captains Career Course - Organizational Leadership, Operations Management
U.S. Army Engineer School
Bachelor of Business Management - undefined
King University
Master of Business Management -
King University