Nicole Gates
Nashua
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at SAIC, driving $1.5 billion in growth through strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. Expertise in digital transformation and operational improvement enhances service delivery and client satisfaction. Skilled in fostering collaboration and optimizing portfolios to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, RITE (Resources Interior Transportation Energy) Market
SAIC
Nashua
06.2024 - Current
- Directed a 3,000-person organization across 49 states and multiple U.S. territories to support various federal agencies.
- Achieved annual operating revenue of $513 million with organic growth rates of four to eight percent over three years.
- Oversaw five accounts across three cabinet agencies and two independent agencies, driving alignment with federal priorities and enhancing service delivery.
- Managed stakeholder relationships, ensuring clear communication and collaboration across departments and external partners to support project objectives.
- Directed strategic initiatives that aligned organizational goals with technology solutions, enhancing service delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Improved margins by over 160 basis points and elevated employee satisfaction and client assessment scores.
- Facilitated digital transformation, cybersecurity enhancements, and cloud adoption across mission-critical operations.
Vice President, Department of Transportation Account
SAIC
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Strategic hire to reposition DOT account, leading M&A assessments and integration efforts.
- Achieved over $1.5 billion in recompetes and $150 million in on-contract growth.
- Strengthened relationships with congressional committees and transportation leadership, fostering collaboration on key initiatives.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic positioning, enhancing competitive advantage in the transportation sector.
- Cultivated culture that eliminated silos, unifying geographically dispersed teams for enhanced collaboration.
- Upskilled talent and leadership through training, coaching, mentorship, and targeted hiring initiatives.
- Rebranded SAIC across industry and DOT/FAA leadership, enhancing market presence.
- Mentored senior leaders in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
- Managed stakeholder relationships to foster collaboration and support organizational initiatives.
RI&S Cybersecurity Customer Account Director, DHS/CISA and Federal-Civil Agencies
RTX
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Directed client account strategies, strengthening relationships with DHS/CISA and FCEBS accounts to support program objectives.
- Managed customer and delivery relationships to drive program success and identify growth opportunities.
- Interfaced with directors and managers to ensure alignment with client needs and service performance.
- Led a team of business development, capture, and proposal managers for strategic initiatives.
- Collaborated with sales teams to develop targeted proposals and presentations that align with client needs.
- Evaluated client feedback to enhance service offerings and improve client satisfaction.
- Analyzed market trends to pinpoint growth avenues for client accounts.
- Developed marketing plans to boost product visibility and enhance brand presence.
RI&S FAA Enterprise Network Services (FENS) Capture Executive
RTX
01.2019 - 01.2021
IIS TSS ATS Automation Sr. Program Manager, Strategy, and Capture Management
RTX
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Developed strategy for ATS automation, aligning with TSS/IIS initiatives to drive operational improvements.
- Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
- Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
- Implemented targeted campaigns and promotions to support development of goods and services, enhancing market reach.
- Led investigations for FAA FENS, e-IDS, and TBFM UTM projects, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and project objectives.
IIS/RTSC MSM Portfolio Manager DoT NextGen Portfolio of Programs/Task Orders
RTX
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Directed capture efforts for TSA intermodal projects, securing awards for Raytheon.
- Led top pursuit as capture manager for DHS portfolio, achieving successful awards.
- Managed project portfolio performance, focusing on cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw program cost structures, including firm fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and time & materials.
- Ensured all programs met or exceeded cost and schedule requirements.
- Managed DOT Volpe IT support, delivering software solutions that improved functionality of transportation systems.
- Led digital audio legal recording program, replacing voice systems and training over 2,000 personnel.
- Oversaw NASA ATM technology demonstration projects to enhance terminal automation systems.
Civil Aviation Solutions (CAS) Business Development Executive
RTSC
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Spearheaded business development strategy and customer relationship management initiatives, resulting in major wins that expanded CAS portfolio.
- Secured TSA SEIS IDIQ task orders totaling over $88 million for passenger screening, baggage screening, air cargo screening, multi-modal screening, and surveillance.
- Obtained FAA SE2020 full and open IDIQ vehicle with potential value of $350 million.
- Achieved $25 million DOT Volpe Center V-TRIPS task order for safety management systems and R&D support.
- Exceeded 2010 product line bookings by 65%, achieving a win rate of over 90%, significantly surpassing sales targets.
- Supported TSA Screening Partnership Program at San Francisco Airport, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and improved screening processes.
- Oversaw $3.54 million annual NBI budget to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Managed a workforce of over 1,050 employees, contributing significantly to RTSC's labor driver role.
ATCOTS Manager
RTSC
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Oversaw all future changes to ATCOTS program, impacting operational effectiveness and training transformation.
- Led transformational activities and alternative contracting proposals to enhance efficiency metrics and increase RTSC profitability.
- Participated in risk management review board to identify, manage, and mitigate program risks.
- Identified, recruited, and hired 350+ employees within 30 days as go-team leader.
- Introduced Raytheon to major facility air traffic managers, facilitating identification of program issues and development of effective solutions.
- Served as technical representative for subcontract management with Booz Allen Hamilton, ensuring alignment with project goals.
- Facilitated communication with National Air Traffic Controllers Association to proactively address concerns.
- Managed congressional affairs and inspector general relationships, collaborating with business development teams to ensure compliance and support.
Air Traffic Control Optimum Training Solution (ATCOTS) Capture Manager
RTSC
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Captured $1 billion strategic opportunity through effective management and execution.
- Led proposal development for large-scale government contracts aligned with client requirements.
- Managed risk assessments to identify and mitigate capture challenges, ensuring project viability.
- Facilitated customer engagement through targeted outreach, strengthening collaboration and trust.
- Analyzed competitive landscapes to guide strategic decision-making processes.
- Crafted presentations for senior leadership to effectively communicate key insights and proposals.
- Mentored junior team members on best practices in capture management methodologies.
- Developed comprehensive communications strategies and market branding initiatives.
ATMS Program Office
RTSC
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Led strategy and capture for $140 million business area, achieving significant external wins, including Nextira-One black box digital recorder and Iraq ATC.
- Secured new external customers in net-centric mission support market, enhancing ATM portfolio.
- Created a robust pipeline with major pursuits exceeding $50 million in each gate phase, driving sustained growth.
- Ensured effective selection and coaching of external and internal capture leads.
- Elevated Raytheon's market position in mission support through strategic participation in trade shows and industry organizations.
- Authored journal articles and held speaking roles to enhance industry presence.
SPSS Lead Six Sigma Expert/Project Manager
RTSC
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Achieved $3.5 million in increased sales through strategic coaching during gate 0 customer engagements.
- Led six sigma change management initiatives for $660 million business unit, enhancing operational productivity.
- Implemented growth initiatives that improved operational efficiencies, leading to streamlined processes and enhanced performance across business unit.
- Coached and tracked certification of 2,900+ employees across 71 global locations, enhancing skill levels and operational alignment.
- Contributed to Raytheon Six Sigma for Growth enterprise campaign, supporting strategic objectives and driving process improvements.
- Selected experts for training and certification programs at corporate level to elevate standards.
- Received 2005 President’s Award for exemplary performance on Standard Missile One company/customer team.
ATMS Program Office
NCS
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Led business development efforts for FAA automation projects to expand program reach.
- Managed customer relations for ATC automation programs, including ERAM, STARS, ITWS, and OSDS, coordinating with NEXCOM and NASA Ames SDI to enhance stakeholder engagement.
- Facilitated collaboration with program managers, Raytheon senior management, business development, engineering staff, and customers to develop tactical program plans and strategic five-year plans.
- Business Manager/Program Control Manager for ERAM program
- Oversaw finance operations, focusing on earned value management, subcontracts, scheduling, security, and contract proposal development to ensure program compliance and accountability.
- Supported AFSS initiatives by managing capture processes and coordinating with stakeholders.
Business Development Manager
NCS
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance market presence and drive growth.
- Analyzed market trends to uncover new business opportunities and address client needs.
- Conducted stakeholder presentations, highlighting effective business development strategies.
- Managed client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and fostering service retention.
- Coordinated and authored past performance volume, enhancing bid competitiveness.
- Assisted with negotiations involving FAA and Lockheed Martin on sole source awards.
- Contributed as a member of joint venture re-negotiation team with Indra Sistemas.
- Led coordination and development of five-year strategic plan for global ATC initiatives.
Integrated Logistics Engineering (ILE) Program Manager
NCS
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Served as deputy manager for EHF, SHF, and follow-on terminal programs, supporting program leadership and coordination.
- Managed ILE tasks, including development of training courses, technical manuals, logistic support plans, and parts provisioning data.
- Developed project plans and schedules to guarantee timely delivery of program objectives.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined logistics operations, contributing to overall program effectiveness.
- Oversaw earned value management for all deployment tasks to ensure financial accountability.
Team Member
General Electric Aircraft Engines
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Crafted GEAE F414 commercial logistics support proposal for USN F/A-18E/F engine program, addressing critical operational needs.
Program Manager for F/A-18 Czech Republic Pre-Sales Programs
Rail Company
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Led development of Czech pricing strategies for foreign military sales of F/A-18E/F platform.
- Created pricing and availability packages that met Department of Defense regulations and supported sales initiatives.
- Collaborated on strategic plan for F/A-18 new business, identifying key win strategies to enhance competitive positioning.
- Coordinated stakeholder communications to align project goals and drive collaborative outcomes.
- Served as defense contractor for Naval Air Systems Command, ensuring compliance with project guidelines.
Education
Master of Arts - International Economic Policy
American University
Washington, D.C.08.1995
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations, History
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts05.1992
Skills
- Business development
- Digital transformation
- Financial management
- Portfolio optimization
- Market analysis
- Operational improvement
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Technology integration
- Team leadership
- Change management
- Decision making
- Complex problem solving
- Effective communication
- Business growth strategies
- Client relationship management
Affiliations
- Women in Transportation
- American Association of Aviation Executives (AAAE)
- Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA)
- FAA/NATCA Communicating for Safety
- FAA Manager’s Association
- DOE Waste Management
- DOE Cyber
Clearances
- Top Secret (Interim)
- DoD Active Secret
- DOT Active Public Trust
- FAA Active Public Trust
- CISA Inactive EOD
Awards
- NASA Ames Aeronautics ATD-1 Operational Integration Assessment (OIA) Achievement Award (2015)
- RTSC President’s Coin of Excellence 2013
- Raytheon Business Development Award 2008
- Raytheon R6σ President’s Award 2005
- Raytheon Certified Six Sigma Expert
Other
Boston University Women’s Ice Hockey Team (1990-1992), Los Angeles and Baltimore School Districts (1992-1993)
Professional Development
- Principals of Program Leadership
- Influencing Process and Business Development
- Earned Value Management System
- Deal-To-Win/Pricing in Proposal Environment
- Integrated Master Plan (IMP)/Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)
- Front Line Leadership
- Managing and Writing Winning Proposals
- Capture Management (multiple)
- Six Sigma Expert Training and Certification
Timeline
Vice President, RITE (Resources Interior Transportation Energy) Market
SAIC
06.2024 - Current
Vice President, Department of Transportation Account
SAIC
01.2022 - 06.2024
RI&S Cybersecurity Customer Account Director, DHS/CISA and Federal-Civil Agencies
RTX
01.2021 - 01.2022
RI&S FAA Enterprise Network Services (FENS) Capture Executive
RTX
01.2019 - 01.2021
IIS TSS ATS Automation Sr. Program Manager, Strategy, and Capture Management
RTX
01.2016 - 01.2019
IIS/RTSC MSM Portfolio Manager DoT NextGen Portfolio of Programs/Task Orders
RTX
01.2011 - 01.2016
Civil Aviation Solutions (CAS) Business Development Executive
RTSC
01.2009 - 01.2011
ATCOTS Manager
RTSC
01.2008 - 01.2009
Air Traffic Control Optimum Training Solution (ATCOTS) Capture Manager
RTSC
01.2006 - 01.2008
ATMS Program Office
RTSC
01.2005 - 01.2006
SPSS Lead Six Sigma Expert/Project Manager
RTSC
01.2004 - 01.2005
ATMS Program Office
NCS
01.2002 - 01.2004
Business Development Manager
NCS
01.1999 - 01.2002
Integrated Logistics Engineering (ILE) Program Manager
NCS
01.1998 - 01.1999
Team Member
General Electric Aircraft Engines
01.1997 - 01.1998
Program Manager for F/A-18 Czech Republic Pre-Sales Programs
Rail Company
01.1995 - 01.1997
Master of Arts - International Economic Policy
American University
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations, History
Boston University