Highly motivated leader with a successful track record in the automotive and aerospace industries. Known for unwavering integrity and strong moral values. Experienced in driving cutting-edge advancements in product development and systems integration within fast-paced, high-tech environments. Demonstrated expertise in building and leading global cross-functional teams and establishing program management offices in both large and small organizations.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Engineering Division Manager
ARES Corporation
01.2018 - Current
Led 40+ Systems Engineers for the Kennedy Exploration Ground Systems (KLXS) contract supporting NASA's Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC)
Controlled costs by streamlining operations and reducing waste.
Reduced costs by identifying inefficiencies and implementing cost-saving measures across the division.
Fostered a positive work environment through open communication channels, transparent decision-making processes, and employee recognition programs.
Supervised daily planning, coordination and administration for division operations.
Enhanced employee performance with comprehensive training programs and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Built strong relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration efforts both internally and externally.
Boosted customer satisfaction rates by addressing concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
Promoted innovation within the division by encouraging creative problem-solving techniques among staff members.
Identified areas of improvement in operational workflows to better align resources with organizational goals.
Developed strong team dynamics through regular communication, collaboration, and goal-setting initiatives.
PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT GLOBAL DIRECTOR
JOHNSON CONTROLS
01.2004 - 12.2017
Oversaw global product development and partner relationships, enabling footprint expansion into new markets.
Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to facilitate smooth execution of projects.
Spearheaded process improvement initiatives that led to increased productivity and reduced operational bottlenecks.
Developed Program Management Office (PMO) and expanded it across corporate locations in 12 nations over 4 continents
Jump-started unit’s success with implementation of 18 power-frame product lines for lead acid batteries; innovative stamping grid process led to 8-figure annual production cost savings, improved battery safety /environmental performance, and successful launch of hundreds of products
Led conception, development, testing, implementation, and initial launch of SAP / ERP Business Transformation Initiative
Managed cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones within budget and on time.
Evaluated emerging technologies and market trends to identify new opportunities for business growth.
PROGRAM MANAGER / INTERIORS DIVISION
JOHNSON CONTROLS
07.1996 - 12.2003
Managed multiple product development teams in successfully launching 20+ products in automotive OEM market
Achieved record of 0 quality issues, 0 safety issues, 100% on time, and 100% on budget
Transitioned to Johnson Controls from Prince Corporation via its acquisition
Led 65 engineers in development and execution of innovative hardware / software cross-platform integration Telematics project for Daimler Chrysler
Achieved 40% cost reduction (sustaining quality, timing, and services) prior to launch by partnering with Intel to integrate their ground-breaking microprocessors and memory.
Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS SENIOR DIRECTOR
RESPONSE SERVICES CENTER
As business co-founder, directed $20M project to design and implement brand new GPS technology integration into cell phones and vehicle phone systems
Led creation and management of national call center operations (in compliance with UL Listed 9-1-1 standards) to support AAA location-based customer responses.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGER / CITE
BOEING (FORMERLY MCDONNEL DOUGLAS)
01.1986 - 06.1996
Led the Sustaining Engineering Group and Project Management for 2 facilities (space shuttle payload bay vertical and horizontal ground processing centers)
Managed operations and maintenance of Cargo Integration Test Equipment (CITE) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Kennedy Space Center
Promoted in 1991 from Payload Projects Manager; promoted earlier from CITE Systems Engineer
Oversaw development and implementation of ground testing procedures, as well as upgrade and installation of flight hardware for NASA and DoD missions
Managed mission simulation testing to train the astronauts on in-flight operations for payload readiness and deployment; these activities helped support 100% successful mission results
Directed end-to-end launch vehicle and payload integration; maintained and supported orbiter avionic systems.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology -
NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Marquette, MI
Skills
Manufacturing
Engineering
Project Management
Budget Management
DoD/NASA Contract Operations
Program Management
Subcontractor Management
Requirements Management
Personnel Management
Product Development
Plant Operations
Problem-Solving
Detail Oriented
Strategic Planning
Process Improvement
Decision-Making
Critical Thinking
Interpersonal Skills
Team Management
Flexible and Adaptable
Customer Service
Relationship Building
Technical understanding
Cross functional Team Builder
Stakeholder Management
Project Lifecycle
Scope Management
Cost Management
Vendor Management
Communityleadership
Southeast Wisconsin Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Board of Directors Member, 2016, 2018