Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Olen E Gillespie III

Neptune,United States

Summary

Air Force veteran and senior federal leader with expertise in strategic recruitment, workforce planning, and human capital management for mission-critical roles. Directed regional teams, leveraging federal hiring authorities, analytics, and outreach initiatives to attract and retain top talent, including veterans and hard-to-fill positions. Skilled in force protection, risk management, and emergency response, advising senior leadership and coordinating across federal, state, and local agencies. Recognized for driving results, ensuring compliance, and aligning talent and security strategies with organizational objectives.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

HR Specialist (Recruitment and Outreach) National Program Manager

Department of Interior (National Park Service Team)
04.2023 - Current
  • Hours per week 40
  • GS-0201-13/3
  • Supervisor: Trevino Henderson (678) 267-0145


Directed enterprise-wide recruitment strategies to attract, engage, and retain high-performing talent across multiple disciplines and leadership levels. Built strong, diverse talent pipelines through multi-channel sourcing, strategic partnerships, and targeted outreach. Championed DE&I initiatives, embedding inclusive practices into recruitment processes and workforce planning. Partnered with senior leaders to align talent acquisition with organizational goals, workforce needs, and market trends. Elevated employer brand visibility, positioning the organization as an employer of choice through outreach, events, and strategic communications. Leveraged analytics and workforce insights to drive data-informed hiring decisions and optimize recruitment performance.

Regional Recruitment and HR Program Manager

U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau
11.2020 - 04.2023
  • Hours per week: 40
  • GS-0301-12/1
  • Supervisor: Rhani Ellis (609) 321-2423

Led recruitment and staffing operations across an eight-state region, advising senior executives on talent strategy and workforce planning. Developed and executed strategies to attract diverse, mission-critical talent pipelines, reducing time-to-hire and filling hard-to-recruit roles. Directed a team of 12 HR professionals, optimizing performance, training, and regional outreach through digital and community channels. Provided expert guidance on hiring policies, compliance, and workforce regulations, mitigating risk and ensuring operational alignment. Conducted data-driven analysis of recruitment programs, delivering actionable recommendations to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and retention. Built strategic partnerships with community, veteran, and government organizations to expand talent pipelines and enhance employer brand.

Assistant Director of Talent Acquisition

U.S. Air Force
01.2012 - 10.2020
  • Hours per week: 60
  • MSgt/E7
  • Supervisor: (Ret) SMSgt Thomas McCray (770) 309-1509

Directed full life cycle talent acquisition across a 78,000-square-mile region, aligning recruitment strategies with organizational mission and growth goals. Supervised seven district managers and 113 personnel, designing workforce development programs that enhanced career progression, leadership, and performance. Led training for 80+ recruiters, delivering 300+ hours of certification and virtual development, boosting production by 72% and sales success by 60%, saving $1.9M in unfilled training slots. Standardized HR and recruitment processes, implemented compliance checklists, and optimized operations to improve efficiency and regional effectiveness. Managed a $630K marketing budget and $150K in assets, executing recruitment campaigns and outreach initiatives that increased production by 20%. Led nationwide recruitment of 635 mission-critical professionals, boosting production 82% through data-driven process improvements and overcoming COVID-19 hiring challenges by securing 213 applicants.

Antiterrorism/Force Protection Program Manager

U.S. Air Force
06.2016 - 09.2018
  • Hours per week: 45
  • MSgt/E7
  • Supervisor: (Ret) SMSgt Patrick Kelly (980) 939-5285

Directed multi-state threat and vulnerability assessments for 47 government offices, safeguarding 80+ personnel and critical infrastructure. Developed and managed force protection, antiterrorism, and physical security programs in alignment with federal, DoD, and Air Force standards. Advised senior leadership on security policy, operational risk management, and emergency response strategy. Led joint training and law enforcement-style exercises (active shooter, bomb threat, CBRN), strengthening organizational readiness and crisis response. Coordinated investigations and incident response with federal, state, and local law enforcement and emergency agencies. Delivered intelligence briefings, reports, and compliance documentation to support executive decision-making.

Senior Telecommunications Technician

U.S. Air Force
07.2001 - 01.2012
  • Hours per week: 60
  • TSgt/E6 (2E673) (3D171)
  • Supervisor: (Ret) CMSgt Terryl Cummins (478) 778-5712

Directed 43 Airmen in installation, configuration, and sustainment of $73.5M telecom systems, maintaining 99% network uptime for critical missions. Troubleshot and repaired switching systems, voice network devices, radios, alarms, and telephone terminals, restoring services under operational pressure. Planned and executed communications for exercises, contingencies, and deployments, ensuring uninterrupted command and control. Implemented cybersecurity and encryption protocols across classified/unclassified networks, reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring DoD/federal compliance. Managed lifecycle sustainment and inventory of $103.5M in telecom equipment, achieving 100% compliance with DoD/federal standards. Trained, mentored, and evaluated personnel, improving technical proficiency, readiness, and adherence to security standards. Coordinated with joint, interagency, and allied partners to establish interoperable communications for multinational and homeland security missions. Advised senior leadership on capabilities, risk mitigation, and operational limitations, influencing tactical and strategic decisions.

Security Forces Police/Correctional Custody Cadre

U.S. Air Force
10.2005 - 03.2007
  • Hours per week: 40
  • SSgt/E5
  • Supervisor: (Ret) SMSgt Jason Procaccino (201) 686-0049

Enforced federal and military regulations to maintain discipline, security, and compliance in correctional environments. Directed patrols, access control, and risk mitigation measures to prevent incidents and safeguard personnel. Applied use-of-force and de-escalation protocols to resolve high-risk situations safely. Led corrective training, rehabilitation, and counseling programs to strengthen accountability and support reintegration. Executed secure transport operations and maintained 100% chain-of-custody compliance. Conducted inspections, investigations, and reporting to inform leadership and law enforcement authorities.

Security Forces Police (Augmentee)

U.S. Air Force
07.2001 - 12.2003
  • Hours per week: 40
  • SrA/E4
  • Supervisor: Leonard Brooks (801) 663-9578

Reinforced Security Forces during high-threat operations, safeguarding 116K personnel and $300M in priority assets while ensuring mission continuity. Directed installation access control, vehicle inspections, and anti-terrorism measures to prevent unauthorized entry and enhance force protection posture. Executed law enforcement operations including patrols, traffic enforcement, and crowd control to maintain order, safety, and discipline across the installation. Supported emergency and quick-reaction teams, mitigating risks during security breaches, medical emergencies, and base-wide alerts. Secured restricted areas, flightline, and weapons systems, protecting aircraft, classified material, and critical infrastructure. Sustained advanced weapons proficiency and specialized force protection training, enabling rapid, effective response to evolving threats.

Education

Associate's degree - Human Resource Management

Community College of The Air Force
Gunter AFB, AL
05.2013

Bachelor's degree - Business Administration Management

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE
12.2011

Associate's degree - Information Systems Technology

Community College of the Air Force
Gunter AFB, AL
11.2011

Skills

  • Talent Management
  • Recruitment Strategies
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • HR program development
  • Workforce planning
  • Lifecycle Recruiting
  • Mentoring and Coaching
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Staff Management
  • Records management
  • Prisoner transport
  • CCTV monitoring
  • Firearm operations trained

Certification


  • University of South Florida Muma College of Business Tampa, FL - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Certification 12/2021)


  • U.S. Armed Forces Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course (SEJPME) Gunter AFB, AL (Graduate 2020)


  • IMPACT Sales and Coaching w/Brooks Group Greensboro, NC (Certified 7/2016) -IMPACT Selling Skills Coaching Instructor Certification-IMPACT Advanced Selling Skills Instructor Certification-IMPACT Core and Applications Course Instructor


  • U.S. Air Force Advanced Leadership Academy (NCOA) Gunter AFB, AL (Graduate 2015)


  • Professional Selling Skills w/Achieve Global Chicago, IL (Certified 8/2012)


  • U.S. Air Force Leadership Academy (ALS) Gunter AFB, AL (Graduate 2006)


  • Security Forces Police/Correctional Custody Course Ramstein AFB, Germany (Graduate 2005)


Timeline

HR Specialist (Recruitment and Outreach) National Program Manager

Department of Interior (National Park Service Team)
04.2023 - Current

Regional Recruitment and HR Program Manager

U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau
11.2020 - 04.2023

Antiterrorism/Force Protection Program Manager

U.S. Air Force
06.2016 - 09.2018

Assistant Director of Talent Acquisition

U.S. Air Force
01.2012 - 10.2020

Security Forces Police/Correctional Custody Cadre

U.S. Air Force
10.2005 - 03.2007

Security Forces Police (Augmentee)

U.S. Air Force
07.2001 - 12.2003

Senior Telecommunications Technician

U.S. Air Force
07.2001 - 01.2012

Bachelor's degree - Business Administration Management

Bellevue University

Associate's degree - Human Resource Management

Community College of The Air Force

Associate's degree - Information Systems Technology

Community College of the Air Force