Open To Work
KENNETH E. PAYNE
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Mission-driven executive with 25+ years of leadership experience across federal agencies, defense, and international operations. Proven track record leading complex, multi-workstream programs with budgets exceeding $100M and global stakeholder environments. Expert in operational readiness, enterprise scheduling, cross-functional alignment, and executive reporting. Recognized for driving accountability across diverse organizations, resolving high-risk program challenges, and delivering results under tight timelines. Adept at building structured project management frameworks, improving organizational efficiency, and aligning teams around unified operational goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Office of Administrative Management Services (GS-15)
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Washington, DC
12.2014 - 09.2025
- Directed enterprise-wide operational support across headquarters and 11 international locations supporting ~700 personnel.
- Led multi-functional teams responsible for logistics, HR, IT, procurement, project management and budget execution.
- Owned and executed enterprise operational planning across multiple countries, ensuring alignment of staffing, logistics, and infrastructure with mission timelines.
- Developed and managed complex operational schedules integrating multiple workstreams across domestic and overseas teams.
- Served as senior advisor to executive leadership, providing structured updates on operational readiness, risks, and resource requirements.
- Resolved a major budget miscalculation, identifying surplus funding and enabling full staffing for the first time in years.
- Implemented workforce planning and talent development programs improving retention, engagement, and operational continuity.
- Established feedback systems (stay/exit interviews) to drive continuous improvement and workforce alignment.
Deputy Division Chief, Office of Food for Peace
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
01.2010 - 11.2014
- Managed global staffing and operational support programs across 18 countries, overseeing emergency response personnel deployment and administrative operations.
- Directed multi-country staffing and operational programs, aligning personnel deployment with crisis response timelines.
- Managed operating budgets and provided executive-level reporting on program status, risks, and funding needs.
- Recovered $1.8M in unused funds, enabling surge hiring and mission-critical program expansion.
- Built a tracking and forecasting system that reduced hiring timelines by nearly one month.
- Standardized funding processes for overseas operations, eliminating delays and emergency funding gaps.
Senior Intelligence Analyst / Program Manager
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
Arlington, VA
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Led program management and strategic coordination for emerging technology initiatives supporting national security.
- Managed cross-agency initiatives involving DoD, Intelligence Community, and international partners.
- Oversaw contracts and programs supporting advanced research and forecasting initiatives.
- Coordinated multi-stakeholder projects with organizations including scientific institutions and global partners.
- Delivered executive-level briefings and reports influencing policy and technology strategy.
Deputy Project Manager – CRM Program
U.S. Army
Ft. Belvoir, VA
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Managed project controls, financial tracking, and acquisition support for enterprise CRM implementation.
- Delivered executive briefings and status reports to senior leadership.
- Resolved contract and billing discrepancies, preventing financial penalties.
- Led stakeholder engagement efforts to drive adoption across the organization.
Product Manager / Deputy Product Manager – ISR Systems (TENCAP)
U.S. Army Space Program Office
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Directed lifecycle management of a $100M+ intelligence system program supporting global operations.
- Managed distributed teams and ensured alignment between development, deployment, and operational support.
- Delivered systems worldwide, coordinating logistics, training, and sustainment.
- Supported combat operations with rapid problem-solving and system recovery under critical conditions.
Systems Coordinator
Department of the Army
Pentagon
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Oversaw 200+ programs, including a $1B ACAT I system.
- Coordinated budget planning (POM) and responded to Congressional inquiries.
- Prepared executive briefings and testimony for senior leadership.
- Secured restoration of $450M in program funding through strategic engagement.
Education
Master of Science - Science & Technology Commercialization
University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Science - Public
Florida A&M University
Skills
- Enterprise Project & Program Management
- Operational Readiness & Startup Execution
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Coordination
- Budget Oversight & Cost Control
- Risk Identification & Mitigation
- Executive Reporting & Decision Support
- Workforce Planning & Organizational Design
- Contract & Vendor Management (COR)
- Process Improvement & Systems Implementation
- Project Management Tools (MS Project or equivalent)
- Budget Planning & Execution
- Data Analysis & Performance Tracking
- Contract Management (FAR, COR oversight)
- Current Secret Level Clearance
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Design
Executive Education
- Harvard Kennedy School, Managing People for Maximum Performance, Promoting Innovation and Organizational Change, Executive Influence & Decision Making
- Brookings Institution, Science & Policy
Project Management And Leadership Impact
- Managed large-scale, multi-stakeholder initiatives with global operational complexity
- Established structured reporting frameworks for executive decision-making
- Led cross-functional coordination across HR, IT, logistics, finance, and operations
- Built systems to track milestones, risks, and performance metrics
- Known for driving accountability without direct authority across diverse teams
Timeline
Director, Office of Administrative Management Services (GS-15)
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
12.2014 - 09.2025
Deputy Division Chief, Office of Food for Peace
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
01.2010 - 11.2014
Senior Intelligence Analyst / Program Manager
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
01.2007 - 01.2010
Deputy Project Manager – CRM Program
U.S. Army
01.2003 - 01.2006
Product Manager / Deputy Product Manager – ISR Systems (TENCAP)
U.S. Army Space Program Office
01.2001 - 01.2003
Systems Coordinator
Department of the Army
01.1998 - 01.2000
Master of Science - Science & Technology Commercialization
University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Science - Public
Florida A&M University