Matthew Laney
Raleigh–Durham,NC
Summary
People-first recruiting and operations leader with 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, advancing from top individual contributor to multi-state regional leadership. Proven record lifting goal attainment above 110%, compressing candidate cycle time, and leading dispersed teams through complex change (including fully remote operations during the pandemic). Equally comfortable driving talent acquisition, HR operations, or revenue-oriented outreach/sales initiatives. Active SECRET clearance (valid through 2026).
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Enlisted Leader, 350th Recruiting Squadron
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst, NJ
01.2023 - 05.2025
- Led 115 recruiters/support staff across 15 states (ME→VA, IL & parts of WI) responsible for 1,500+ accessions annually; managed $500K operating budget.
- Raised regional goal attainment from 110%, adding ~150 hires/year and achieving mission across all zones.
- Cut candidate processing time 37% (8 → 5 weeks) by re-engineering workflows in the USAF’s custom ATS/CRM and deploying Power BI dashboards.
- Established an Accessions Superintendent role (authored requirements) to close span-of-control gaps and lift recruiter productivity.
- Secured $250K (first cold-weather gear buy in 15 years); advised $1M in office relocations to improve safety and access; audited 58 GOV vehicles, securing Gold Bar Recruiter transportation.
- Revamped training: 39 certifications and 32 re-certifications; increased readiness 72%. Added +4 weekly prospecting hours in low-volume zones, doubling applicant throughput.
- Convened a strategic realignment forum benefiting 2,000+ Active-Duty & Reserve recruiters; delivered weekly performance briefings to senior command leaders.
Flight Chief 350th Recruiting Squadron
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst, NJ
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Led 15 recruiters across 4 states; annual target 300 accessions, delivered 332 (111%).
- Partnered with area bases to increase unit manning 5% across the region.
- Co-authored a career-progression framework for recruiters adopted flight- and region-wide.
- Managed $300K in annual operating budget and accountable assets.
- Recognized with the commander’s “Top Knight” award for most significant regional impact.
Flight Chief Pacific Air Forces, 353rd Recruiting Squadron
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
JB Pearl Harbor–Hickam, HI
08.2019 - 09.2021
- Directed 7 recruiters across Hawaii, Guam, Korea, and Japan; managed ~$100K budget/assets.
- Achieved 129% of annual goal (190 → ~245 accessions); Q4 at 165% vs. goal.
- Only recruiting flight in the command to make mission during the pandemic; designed a remote testing initiative enabling 100% remote recruiting operations across four countries.
- Saved $200K in training costs by sourcing fully qualified Airmen for critical billets, avoiding retraining pipelines.
- Award: Flight Chief of the Year (2020).
Branch Chief, Plans & Programs and Standardization & Evaluation
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
Robins Air Force Base, GA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Planned and executed annual training for ~500 recruiters; administered a $500K training budget.
- Conducted 10 inspections across the United States, ensuring 100% compliance with recruiting regulations and procedures.
- Completed one annual training event $200K under budget while maintaining training quality and mission readiness.
- Built governance and standardized processes to raise consistency and compliance across recruiting operations.
Flight Chief, 350th Recruiting Squadron
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
Pittsburgh Air Reserve Base, PA
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Spearheaded a multi-site recruiting team covering western Pennsylvania and neighboring regions, transitioning from top individual contributor to effective team leader.
- Increased yearly accessions by 125% in his first year as Flight Chief, implementing targeted outreach strategies and optimizing territory coverage.
- Consistently met or exceeded annual goals through mentoring junior recruiters and introducing streamlined training processes that boosted overall team productivity.
Top Lead Recruiter
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
08.2006 - 09.2015
- Achieved 223% of assigned goal (2015) recruiting Space Systems Operators in a critically undermanned field.
- Trained 4 recruiters (80 hours) on impact-based sales systems and prospecting tactics.
- Responsible for over 500 accessions individually.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Human Resource Management
Community College of the Air Force
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Skills
- Talent Acquisition Leadership
- Full-Cycle Recruiting
- Workforce Planning
- Recruiter Enablement & Training
- Pipeline Growth & Territory Management
- Data-Driven Operations (Power BI)
- Process Improvement & Standardization
- Stakeholder Engagement & Executive Briefing
- Budgeting & Resource Stewardship
- Multi-site/Global Operations
- Inclusive Sourcing & Community Outreach
- Change & Crisis Management
Certification
IMPACT Sales Certified as well as credentialed to certify others
Technical Tools
- Custom USAF ATS/CRM
- Power BI
- Microsoft 365
Awards Recognition
- Flight Chief of the Year, 2020, PACAF
- Top Knight, Commander’s award for regional impact (McGuire Flight)
- Multiple letters/commendations, Details available upon request
Additional
Active SECRET, valid through 2026, Raleigh–Durham or Remote; open to recruiting, HR generalist/benefits, or sales-adjacent roles across industries
Timeline
Senior Enlisted Leader, 350th Recruiting Squadron
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
01.2023 - 05.2025
Flight Chief 350th Recruiting Squadron
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
09.2021 - 01.2023
Flight Chief Pacific Air Forces, 353rd Recruiting Squadron
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
08.2019 - 09.2021
Branch Chief, Plans & Programs and Standardization & Evaluation
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
01.2017 - 01.2019
Flight Chief, 350th Recruiting Squadron
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
01.2015 - 01.2017
Top Lead Recruiter
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service
08.2006 - 09.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Human Resource Management
Community College of the Air Force
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science Technology
Community College of the Air Force