Raymond Halford
Fredericksburg,VA
Summary
Accomplished professional with 25 years of U.S. Air Force service specializing in air traffic control, crisis operations, and joint/coalition command and control. Proven record leading large, multinational teams under high-stakes conditions, including crisis response, contingency planning, and integrated deterrence. Skilled at advising senior leaders, managing multimillion-dollar modernization initiatives, and driving operational innovation. Seeking to leverage expertise in crisis management, counter-UAS operations, and interagency coordination in support of federal law enforcement and national security missions.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager, USAF Pathfinder Program
United States Air Force, USAF
Arlington, Virginia
06.2024 - Current
- Directed Secretary of the Air Force chartered initiative to leverage unique talent, enhancing national competitive advantage with 245 uniquely talented personnel across all military specialties.
- Guided high-impact ‘moonshot’ projects endorsed by 3- and 4-star leaders, developing innovative solutions for complex military challenges.
- Led 14 senior leader–tasked projects establishing SECAF’s Office of Competitive Activities, modernizing ISR capabilities and advancing National Defense Strategy.
- Oversaw global communications and large-scale events, transforming organizational structure and project management systems for Pathfinder.
- Converted startup vision into sustainable enterprise, securing stakeholder support for talent management reform.
Regional Director of ATC Operations and Procedures
United States Air Force, USAF
Rehinland-Pfalz, Germany
06.2021 - 04.2024
- Directed multinational crisis operations and complex ATC missions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in support of U.S., NATO, and partner nation objectives.
- Oversaw training, operations, and contingency planning for 335 personnel across 10 main operating bases, 14 forward operating bases, and multiple embassy liaison teams.
- Coordinated multinational airspace defense and counter-UAS operations, enabling secure execution of presidential, NATO, and US European Cpmmand missions under high-threat conditions.
- Led collaboration with State Department, NATO, and host nations to synchronize crisis response, secure embassies, and enable Afghan evacuation operations supporting 33,000 evacuees.
- Developed scalable airfield operations and tested remote/digital ATC towers; spearheaded $130M+ modernization initiatives.
- Directed rapid deployments, multinational landing zone programs, and ISR operations across 106 countries; managed restructuring of 309 billets.
- Joint & Interagency Integration: Led collaboration with U.S. Secret Service, State Department, NATO, and host nations to synchronize crisis response, secure embassies, and enable Afghan evacuation operations supporting 33,000 evacuees
- Operational Innovation: Developed scalable airfield operations and tested remote/digital ATC towers; spearheaded $130M+ modernization initiatives to enhance readiness against pacing threats
Air Traffic Control Facility Manager
United States Air Force, USAF
Various Locations
01.2017 - 06.2021
- Led ATC operations for 59 F-15 aircraft valued at $2.9B across 2,400 sq. miles of airspace and 17,000+ annual missions.
- Supervised 45 Airmen and 6 DoD civilians; coordinated FAA/military procedures for restricted and contingency airspaces.
- Managed $6M+ in navigation and ATC systems, ensuring uninterrupted mission capability.
- Advised leadership on personnel, readiness, and safety programs.
- Developed communication strategies during crisis situations to ensure clarity.
- Directed on-ground emergency management activities.
Instructor, Command and Control Plans
United States Air Force, USAF
Hurlburt Field, Florida
12.2014 - 01.2017
- Senior advisor for 143-member squadron training 1,600+ students annually across 14 joint/coalition C2 courses.
- Oversaw curriculum development and instruction spanning air, space, cyber, ISR, and mobility operations.
- Directed $2.4M modernization effort, reshaping 154 lessons and upgrading 220 systems.
- Led multinational crisis exercises preparing 1,600+ warfighters.
- Architect of the first PACOM-wide Airspace Control Plan, enabling rapid response capability for all theater assets.
- Delivered 215+ annual hours of instruction in airspace management and crisis command operations; 100% student qualification rate.
- Modernized instruction with evolving doctrine and threat scenarios.
- Directed emergency management readiness for 128 personnel.
Air Traffic Controller and Supervisor
United States Air Force, USAF
Various Locations
11.2000 - 01.2013
- Coordinated aircraft movements to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.
- Monitored radar displays for real-time flight tracking and safety alerts.
- Collaborated with ground control to manage airport traffic flow efficiently.
- Trained junior controllers on procedures and emergency response protocols.
- Participated in simulations designed to test responses in various scenarios.
- Monitored and coordinated aircraft movements in the air and on runways.
- Arranged aircraft diversions and suggested flight plan alternatives.
Education
MBA -
College of William And Mary
Williamsburg, VA06-2026
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Memphis
Memphis, TNSkills
- Active security clearance (TS/SCI)
- Crisis & Incident Management
- Emergency Response & Evacuation
- Joint & Interagency Coordination
- International & Diplomatic Coordination
- Air Traffic Control Operations
- Airspace Security / Counter-UAS
- Command & Control
- Strategic Planning
- Risk Assessment
- Innovation & Technology Integration
- Training & Curriculum Development
Certification
- FAA Control Tower Operator
- FAA Examiner
- Certified Remote Pilot-Part 107 (in Progress)
- Project Management Professional (in Progress)
Timeline
Manager, USAF Pathfinder Program
United States Air Force, USAF
06.2024 - Current
Regional Director of ATC Operations and Procedures
United States Air Force, USAF
06.2021 - 04.2024
Air Traffic Control Facility Manager
United States Air Force, USAF
01.2017 - 06.2021
Instructor, Command and Control Plans
United States Air Force, USAF
12.2014 - 01.2017
Air Traffic Controller and Supervisor
United States Air Force, USAF
11.2000 - 01.2013
MBA -
College of William And Mary
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Memphis
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