Open To Work
Michael Durham
WEST MONROE,LA
Work Preference
Summary
Results-driven senior leader with 20+ years of progressive U.S. Air Force experience in operations, program management, training, personnel development, recruiting, resource management, and aviation maintenance. Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex programs, improve processes, and deliver measurable results in high-accountability environments. Experienced partnering with university leadership, military commanders, students, technical personnel, and cross-functional teams. Recognized for initiative, mentorship, communication, and consistently improving organizational performance.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Officer Accessions Instructor / Leadership & Training Program Manager
U.S. AIR FORCE
Ruston, LA
01.2023 - Current
- Advised detachment leadership on development training strategies to enhance team readiness.
- Organized outreach events, enhancing community engagement and representing the organization effectively.
- Established local standardized testing center.
- Built university partnerships to facilitate communication between command staff and university.
- Oversaw monthly and quarterly financial reports, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making for senior leadership.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to foster active learning environments.
Section Chief/AGE Inspection & Maintenance
U.S. AIR FORCE – 552D MAINTENANCE SQUADRON
Tinker AFB, OK
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Supervised aerospace ground equipment inspection and maintenance operations, personnel, workload prioritization, quality control, and readiness requirements in a high-tempo aviation environment.
- Implemented a time-per-inspection process that reduced inspection time by eight hours per unit and eliminated a two-month inspection backlog.
- Managed maintenance operations for aircraft systems and components.
- Supervised teams to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
- Coordinated scheduling for maintenance tasks and personnel assignments.
Maintenance Training Section Lead Instructor / Training Program Manager
U.S. AIR FORCE – 552D MAINTENANCE SQUADRON
Tinker AFB, OK
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Developed training programs for maintenance personnel on aircraft systems.
- Led instructional sessions on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Conducted interactive workshops to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
- Evaluated industry trends to incorporate best practices into training initiatives.
- Led team in executing operational strategies and improving workflow efficiency.
- Managed an aviation maintenance testing facility.
Aerospace Ground Equipment Supervisor/Craftsman
U.S. AIR FORCE – NELLIS AFB / TINKER AFB
01.2007 - 01.2018
- Advanced in technical and supervisory roles in aerospace ground equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, inspection, training, and production operations, enhancing team capabilities.
- Supervised maintenance on mission-support equipment while mentoring junior personnel, enforcing technical standards, and facilitating aircraft sortie generation.
- Supervised maintenance operations for aerospace ground support equipment.
- Coordinated training sessions for personnel on equipment handling procedures.
- Inspected equipment for compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
Education
ROTC Instructor Course
01-2024
Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education
01-2021
Air Force NCO Academy
01-2020
Associate Degree - Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance
Community College of the Air Force
01-2019
Principles of Instruction
01-2018
Advanced Aerospace Ground Equipment Troubleshooting
01-2017
Aerospace Ground Equipment Craftsman
01-2013
Airman Leadership School
01-2012
Skills
- Training Program Design
- Training & Development
- Program Management
- Operations Management
- Personnel Development
- Process Improvement
- Quality Assurance
- Project Coordination
- Budget & Resource Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Hands-On Training
- Leadership & Supervision
- Effective Communication
- Performance Development
- Training Administration
Selected Leadership Impact
- Led a six-member awards board, reviewed 12 packages, selected four winners, and helped one advance to group-level recognition.
- Supported severe-weather contingency operations that enabled 24-hour perimeter security for approximately 30,000 base personnel.
- Served in youth athletics leadership and coaching roles; organized fundraising/support events generating thousands of dollars for equipment and travel.
Education And Professional Development
- Associate Degree, Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance, Community College of the Air Force, 2019
- Air Force NCO Academy, 2020
- Airman Leadership School, 2012
- ROTC Instructor Course, 2024
- AFROTC NCO Orientation Course, 2024
- Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education, 2021
- Principles of Instruction, 2018
- Advanced Aerospace Ground Equipment Troubleshooting, 2017
- Aerospace Ground Equipment Craftsman, 2013
Timeline
Officer Accessions Instructor / Leadership & Training Program Manager
U.S. AIR FORCE
01.2023 - Current
Section Chief/AGE Inspection & Maintenance
U.S. AIR FORCE – 552D MAINTENANCE SQUADRON
01.2021 - 01.2024
Maintenance Training Section Lead Instructor / Training Program Manager
U.S. AIR FORCE – 552D MAINTENANCE SQUADRON
01.2018 - 01.2021
Aerospace Ground Equipment Supervisor/Craftsman
U.S. AIR FORCE – NELLIS AFB / TINKER AFB
01.2007 - 01.2018
ROTC Instructor Course
Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education
Air Force NCO Academy
Associate Degree - Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance
Community College of the Air Force
Principles of Instruction
Advanced Aerospace Ground Equipment Troubleshooting
Aerospace Ground Equipment Craftsman
Airman Leadership School