Michael Labarge

Dynamic Operations Manager with the United States Air Force, adept in international relations and regulatory compliance. Proven track record in strategic communication and risk management, successfully coordinating logistics for high-stakes missions. Enhanced operational efficiency and interagency collaboration, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while supporting critical defense initiatives.

• Strategic Government Relations – Proven ability to develop and execute government relations strategies that advance organizational priorities, shape policy outcomes, and strengthen stakeholder alignments across complex political environments.
• Expertise in Policy Analysis and Regulatory Intelligence – Skilled in monitoring, interpreting, and forecasting legislative and regulatory developments, transforming complex policy landscapes into actionable insights for decision-makers.
• High-Impact Stakeholder Engagement – Demonstrated success building durable relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry associations to influence outcomes, mitigate risk, and create strategic advantages for clients.
• Executive-Level Communication and Advisory – Experienced in preparing and delivering clear, concise briefings, reports, and recommendations to executives and cross-functional teams, supporting informed, timely decision-making.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Project Integration – Strong track record aligning government relations efforts with broader organizational, operational, and project deliverables to ensure unified execution and mission success.
• Research-Driven, Analytical Problem Solver – Adept at conducting deep policy research, political trend analysis, and stakeholder mapping to identify risks, opportunities, and pathways that support clients’ strategic objectives.

United States Air Force, Various Locations, 01/01/06, Present, Flight Chief, Air Operations, McChord Field, WA, 01/01/21, Present, Led large-scale operations involving federal regulations, international agreements, and interagency coordination., Advised senior leaders on policy implications, operational risk, and compliance requirements across global mobility missions., Served as advisor between Air Force, Army, civic leadership, federal agencies, and Allied partners to ensure logistical air movements aligned with national policy, international regulations, and diplomatic clearances., Supported the National Defense Strategy by coordinating with 4 federal agencies to generate diplomatic and air landing permits for 7 aircraft carrying foreign military sales equipment destined to Taiwan., Liaised with 3 federal installations to certify safety of flight requirements for more than 5 million pounds of weaponry and critical life saving equipment to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the course of a year., Provided research analysis and report to senior leaders on the Republic of Korea’s Air Force logistical strategy prior to a site visit by their top commander which increased defense planning and collaboration., Military Training Instructor, Lackland AFB, TX, 01/01/18, 01/01/21, Trained and mentored 4,000+ Air Force recruits in discipline, technical proficiency, resilience, and professional standards during Basic Military Training., Supervised, coached, and developed 45 instructors, advancing academic excellence and fostering professional growth., Directed high-visibility military ceremonies for 32,000 families, senior leaders, and distinguished visitors annually., Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Air Operations, Izmir, Turkey, 01/01/17, 01/01/18, Key liaison between U.S. forces, NATO leaders, and host-nation authorities., Oversaw all airlift entry and departure operations requiring diplomatic sensitivity, regulatory interpretation, and multinational coordination., Coordinated logistics and flight schedules across multiple agencies, reducing turnaround delays and enhancing interoperability with host-nation and allied forces., Supervised cross-functional teams in planning and executing passenger and cargo missions, optimizing resource allocation while sustaining mission timelines., Strengthened partnerships with NATO and host-nation military leadership by facilitating joint operations, improving transparency, and building long-term cooperation., Aerial Delivery Supervisor, Little Rock AFB, AR, 01/01/13, 01/01/17, Supervised preparation, rigging, and inspection of airdrop cargo and equipment, guaranteeing precision and safety in resupply and personnel missions., Trained and led Airmen in parachute packing, load rigging, and recovery operations, strengthening team technical expertise., Coordinated retrograde operations during Afghanistan base closures, ensuring safe and efficient cargo removal., Served as Unit First Sergeant, providing leadership, welfare, and mentorship to 450 Airmen., Air Operations Controller, Kadena AB, Japan, 01/01/10, 01/01/13, Directed scheduling, cargo planning, and passenger movement for global air operations, maintaining accuracy and compliance with hazardous cargo standards., Coordinated combat airlift missions in Iraq during a fourth deployment, providing command and control for incoming and outgoing cargo operations., Deployed to Thailand with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to support recovery missions for U.S. service members., Air Transportation Apprentice, McGuire AFB, NJ, 01/01/06, 01/01/10, Completed three deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing critical logistical support for combat and sustainment missions., Received, inspected, and palletized cargo for worldwide airlift operations, ensuring compliance with DoD and FAA regulations., Operated material-handling equipment to load/unload aircraft and expedite movement of mission-essential supplies.