- Outdoor Recreation
- Participate in recreational soccer and cross-fit, as recreational activities to maintain physical fitness
- Growing herbs, vegetables, or fruits in home gardens
- Volunteering with youth sports programs as a soccer coach
- Graphic Design
- Community Cleanup
- Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
Leshawn Cooper
Summary
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Exercise Director and Technical Manager
US Army Central
07.2022 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with partner nations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Maritime Operation Director
7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Monitored advancements in technology that could be applied to enhance efficiency in day-to-day operations.
- Completed and submitted thorough reports on incidents and observations.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of existing policies regularly, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions accordingly.
- Contributed significantly to port security initiatives by providing expert guidance on risk mitigation strategies and best practices implementation.
- Interviewed and detained individuals suspected of breaking United States maritime laws.
- Developed a comprehensive curriculum that covered various aspects of maritime operations, from maritime movement to marine safety.
- Mentored junior staff members on maritime husbandry techniques, fostering a knowledgeable workforce dedicated to excellence in their duties.
- Ensured adherence to state/federal regulations regarding maritime operations which promoted an ethical working environment.
Vessel Master
7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)
06.2019 - 05.2021
- Coordinated cargo loading and unloading, ensuring proper stowage for optimal weight distribution and stability.
- Ensured compliance with international maritime regulations through meticulous record-keeping and adherence to established guidelines.
- Enhanced vessel safety by implementing strict adherence to safety protocols and conducting regular drills.
- Trained new crew members on vessel procedures, fostering a cohesive team atmosphere conducive to efficient operations.
- Improved crew morale with effective conflict resolution strategies, resulting in a more productive work environment onboard the vessel.
- Managed crew schedules and assignments for smooth operation of the vessel during extended voyages.
- Optimized voyage efficiency by carefully planning routes and monitoring weather conditions.
- Safeguarded valuable cargo throughout transit by employing security measures such as restricted access areas and regular patrols.
- Implemented cost-saving measures by closely monitoring fuel consumption and adjusting speed as needed for fuel efficiency.
- Maintained accurate logs of vessel movements, fuel consumption, and maintenance activities for regulatory compliance.
- Interacted with team members, encouraging each to be outgoing and offer excellent service to customers.
- Met with event director to discuss event details, timelines and specific equipment that would be required.
- Thoroughly inspected boats before each embarkment to verify maximum reliability and safety.
- Utilized navigation expertise and tools to set courses and determine ship position throughout travel.
- Inspected and assessed telecommunication systems and navigational instruments to prepare for and manage safe piloting.
- Docked and undocked vessel using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, lighthouses and buoys to make safe and accurate operational decisions.
Technical Project Manager
US Army SATMO
02.2018 - 06.2019
- Collaborated with top Honduran Admirals to provide updated knowledge regarding industry application standards and specifications.
- Assisted in the development of the Honduran Naval Maritime Vessel Traffic System.
- Participated in the enforcement of laws against the use and distribution of narcotics, border crossings and transnational crime activities.
- Enforced use of prescribed technical procedures, designing monitoring protocols to confirm compliance with guidelines.
- Collaborated closely with Honduran Special Operations maritime teams, ensuring optimal integration of new technologies and systems.
- Contributed technical oversight to assist team project fulfillment.
- Reduced downtime and improved productivity with proactive troubleshooting and timely resolution of technical issues.
- Conducted regular audits for compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, minimizing exposure to fines or penalties resulting from noncompliance.
- Resolved program-level dependencies at risk of reducing efficiency by bottlenecking ongoing efforts.
Vessel Master
7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)
03.2015 - 01.2018
- Verified presence of cargo-handling gear, lifesaving equipment and dredging gear prior to departures.
- Prevented ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
- Assisted corporate or private vessels in distress during maritime rescue operations.
- Directed ships' speeds using specialized knowledge of local winds, water depths and hazards.
- Maintained boat logs and oversaw cargo storage on or below decks, securing items, and protecting products from damage or loss.
- Researched and evaluated natural phenomena to minimize issues regarding tides, currents, winds and weather events.
- Consulted various maps, charts, weather reports, and navigation equipment to determine and direct boat movements.
- Managed efficient supply and food replenishment at port stops.
- Directed and coordinated crew members and workers and maintained strict operational schedules and profit targets.
- Employed telecommunications equipment to coordinate marine traffic and organize navigation.
Navigator
8th Military Brigade
06.2013 - 02.2015
- Increased navigational accuracy by consistently updating and maintaining electronic charts and navigation tools.
- Promoted safe navigation in restricted visibility situations through proficient use of radar functions like target tracking and range scaling.
- Exercised strong decision-making skills during high-stress emergency scenarios while adhering to company policies and procedures.
- Streamlined communication between bridge team members, fostering a collaborative working environment for successful navigation.
- Increased system reliability through routine maintenance of communication equipment and infrastructure.
- Tested equipment and circuits using various tools such as standard hand tools and network diagnostic tools.
Food Service Supervisor
45th Sustainment Brigade
06.2011 - 05.2013
- Kept crew spaces and work areas clean, organized, and sanitized per established standards.
- Reduced food waste by implementing proper inventory tracking and storage practices.
- Maintained compliance with company policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation, and quality.
- Maintained health and food safety standards at all stages, from storage through delivery.
- Collaborated with logistics teams to optimize supply chain management, reducing delays in ammunition delivery and storage.
- Maintained detailed records of ammunition usage and disposal, supporting accountability efforts within the unit.
- Managed inventory of various types of ammunition, ensuring accurate tracking and timely replenishment.
Quartermaster
US Navy
11.1999 - 06.2010
- Maintained strict adherence to safety protocols during routine operations and high-stress situations.
- Increased navigational accuracy by consistently updating and maintaining electronic charts and navigation tools.
- Promoted safe navigation in restricted visibility situations through proficient use of radar functions like target tracking and range scaling.
- Supported damage control efforts during emergencies, maintaining ship integrity and crew safety.
- Provided critical support during search-and-rescue missions, aiding in the recovery of distressed personnel or assets at sea.
- Assisted in the development of standard operating procedures, leading to increased safety and operational effectiveness.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of shipboard systems, becoming a trusted resource for technical expertise among peers.
- Increased efficiency in cargo operations by assisting with loading, unloading, and securing materials.
- Contributed to overall ship security by conducting routine patrols around the deck and reporting any suspicious activities or potential threats.
- Reduced accidents on deck by maintaining awareness of surroundings while performing tasks such as painting, chipping rust, or cleaning surfaces.
Education
Master of Arts - Homeland Security
American Military University
Charleston, WV04-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Drafting And Design Technology
American Military University
Charleston, WV08-2019
Associate of Science - Computer Aided Drafting And Design
ITT Technical Institute
Norfolk, VA09-2006
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Project management
- Team management
- Employee development
- Staff management
- Corporate communications
- Government relations
- Crisis management
- Logistics management
Certification
- Bridge Resource Management Certificate - International Maritime Organization.
- Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) – Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- Advanced Firefighting Certificate - International Maritime Organization.
- Radar Observer Unlimited Endorsement - United States Coast Guard (USCG).
- STCW Basic Training Certification - International Maritime Organization.
- Master 200 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) Open Oceans License - United States Coast Guard (USCG).
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Operator's License - Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- Ship Security Officer Certificate – International Maritime Organization.
- Medical Care Provider Certificate - International Maritime Organization.
- Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) Certification – International Maritime Organization.
- Fast Rescue Boats Operations Certificate – International Maritime Organization.
- Lean Sig Sigma (Green Belt)
- Demonstrated Master Logistician
Interests
Timeline
Deputy Exercise Director and Technical Manager
US Army Central
07.2022 - Current
Maritime Operation Director
7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)
05.2021 - 06.2022
Vessel Master
7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)
06.2019 - 05.2021
Technical Project Manager
US Army SATMO
02.2018 - 06.2019
Vessel Master
7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)
03.2015 - 01.2018
Navigator
8th Military Brigade
06.2013 - 02.2015
Food Service Supervisor
45th Sustainment Brigade
06.2011 - 05.2013
Quartermaster
US Navy
11.1999 - 06.2010
Master of Arts - Homeland Security
American Military University
Bachelor of Arts - Drafting And Design Technology
American Military University
Associate of Science - Computer Aided Drafting And Design
ITT Technical Institute
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