Maria Branham
Magnolia,AR
Summary
Experienced Airfield Operations Manager with over 23 years of leadership in military and government airfield operations. Adept at managing airfield construction, compliance, safety programs, and international coordination under high-pressure and austere environments. Known for adaptability, operational excellence, and delivering mission success. Currently pursuing advanced certification to transition into broader project and operations roles.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Airfield Operations Manager
Government Contracts
05.2022 - 03.2025
- Contracted leadership roles supporting military and civilian airfield operations across remote, international, and joint-force environments
- Oversaw mission-critical airfields in Ascension Island, Antarctica, Wake Island, and Jordan under USAF, FAA, and international agency regulations
- Managed airfield operations for rocket telemetry, ISS tracking, and NATO aircraft in support of global operations
- Led $1.2B in infrastructure projects while maintaining continuous flight operations with zero incidents
- Coordinated with Royal Air Force, NSF, and U.S
- Military agencies to ensure airfield safety and compliance
- Achieved first AFCENT-approved Airfield Safety Inspection in four years; earned 2023 Wing Safety Award.
- Implemented process improvements resulting in increased efficiency across departments.
Airfield Manager
U.S. Air Force
06.2001 - 09.2021
- Directed full-spectrum airfield operations at over 20 installations worldwide, overseeing infrastructure, flight safety, airspace coordination, and emergency response
- Managed $230M in construction planning and project execution
- Conducted daily safety inspections, incident response, and training for over 200 airfield personnel
- Developed airfield standards, checklists, and emergency plans supporting combat and humanitarian missions
- Ensured airfield certifications and hosted joint operations with domestic and foreign military forces
- Personal and Professional Development
Full Time Student
American Military University
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Focused on completing a bachelor’s degree and supporting family responsibilities while maintaining professional readiness.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Emergency & Disaster Management
American Military University
12.2023
Skills
- Team Work
- Adaptability
- Operational Planning
- Decision-making
- Operations management
- Documentation and reporting
- Risk Management
- Communication Skills
- Administrative
- Time management
- Project planning
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
Certification
Core Competencies
- Airfield & Operations Management
- Risk Management & Safety Compliance
- Emergency & Crisis Response
- Construction Project Oversight
- Interagency Coordination (DoD, FAA, NSF, NATO)
- Strategic Planning & Process Improvement
- Personnel Training & Team Leadership
- Regulatory Documentation & Reporting, Certified Professional Manager (CPM)
- Pursuing Project Management Certificate (PMC)
Interests
Affiliations
- , Rotary Club
- National Society of Leadership and Success
Timeline
Airfield Operations Manager
Government Contracts
05.2022 - 03.2025
Full Time Student
American Military University
01.2021 - 01.2022
Airfield Manager
U.S. Air Force
06.2001 - 09.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Emergency & Disaster Management
American Military University
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