Michèle Kersh

Lead the integrated project teams to execute cost, schedule, and performance goals from inception to completion, equating to approximately $77 million of billable revenue for ten different commodities/systems, to ensure that all aspects of the products are on time, within cost, and of high quality; in adherence to customer specifications and regulations.

• Operate as operational and strategic facilitator connecting all departments to support efficient exchanges across diverse functions internally and externally.
• Direct external stakeholders and cross-functional teams to adhere to rigorous project timelines, supporting the realization of program and organizational goals.
• Orchestrated scalable project management strategies to enhance cost efficiency and facilitate effective execution of increasing deliverables across product lines.
• Oversee cross-functional teams and external stakeholders by conducting reviews, holding meetings, and engaging in discussions to promote continuous product and process improvements.
• Mitigate risk by addressing and resolving any potential roadblocks that arise, and oversee the implementation of corrective actions to restore performance to the required standards.
• Oversee day-to-day progress to track performance against KPIs.
• Executed strategic sourcing initiatives to enhance and diversify existing resource base critical to organizational success.

Managed over $40 million in firm fixed-price, time, and materials, and cost-reimbursable contracts/subcontracts across six programs and capital expenditure projects related to a range of diverse equipment, commodities, and services. Oversaw compliance with applicable procedures, regulations, and legal requirements.

• Administered extensive complex Requests for Proposal (RFPs), coordinated detailed source selection processes, secured favorable final subcontract prices, terms, and conditions, and promptly issued all subcontracts solidifying status as department resource and establishing the benchmark for performance within the organization.
• Tracked all milestones to monitor progress against the baseline plan, and accurately forecast sales for earned value.
• Directed vendors to implement corrective action measures for deviations, as well as root cause and corrective action data/reports.
• Developed performance metrics and conducted audits to monitor subcontractor performance against contractual requirements.
• Provide mentoring and development opportunities for new hires.

Oversaw and authorized export determinations and approvals in line with U.S. Government regulations and laws.

• Developed and implemented procedures that uphold compliance with US export laws and regulations, affirming organization’s progress as mandated by consent agreement issued by the Department of State.
• Served as a benchmark within the team, directing training sessions for other staff.
• Conducted audits of licenses transitioning to subsidiary companies, and analyzed data for investigations of licenses involving disclosures.
• Contractor for Sikorsky through Aquinas Consulting, May 2013 - April 2014.

Oversaw administrative tasks for multiple projects, including implementation of requirements into Statements of Work (SOW), issuance of Request for Proposals (RFPs), evaluation of proposals, facilitation of fact-finding sessions, execution of price analysis, negotiation of prices and fees alongside subcontract terms and conditions, management of resulting subcontracts and modifications, as well as administration of post-award and closeout procedures.

• Evaluated the performance of each subcontractor to ensure adherence to program and customer requirements, implemented corrective actions as necessary, and expedited deliveries to promote the prompt fulfillment of customer deadlines.
• Acknowledged as a high performer within the cohort, facilitating a significantly delayed supplier to restore speed and fulfill ongoing product deliveries.
• Mitigated risk by overseeing subcontractors’ Estimate at Completion (EAC) with the program office to assess financial impacts, and issue potential corrective actions to meet the Estimate to Complete (ETC) requirements, and successively earn the awarded fee.
• Negotiated terms and conditions of subcontracts to ensure best value for the organization.

Led vast day-to-day operations of a 348-unit apartment property, overseeing advertising, budgeting, marketing, personnel, maintenance/capital expenditure projects, and resident retention efforts.

• Established and met yearly budgets that lowered expenses and elevated return on investment capital (ROIC), positioned as the second highest revenue contributor among all properties within the U.S.
• Managed and supervised all subcontractors involved in capital expenditure projects, ensuring comprehensive oversight of scope, cost, quality, and scheduling parameters.
• Build dynamic teams through strategic recruitment, hiring, and mentoring of on-site staff, and managerial roles at multiple locations.
• Responsible for setting clear performance expectations, issuing annual performance reviews, and counseling employees as necessary.
• Directed marketing and advertising initiatives, and implemented promotional pricing strategies to attract customers.