Robert Red Harrelson

Dynamic Regional Project Manager with Fluor Gov’t Group, recognized for ethical leadership and a strong work ethic. Proven success in managing multi-million dollar projects, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring safety compliance. Skilled in analytical reasoning and adept at fostering team collaboration, consistently driving performance improvements across diverse environments. Active SECRET Clearance.

• Responsible for the research and development of KBR’s Multi National Division - Central South (MND-CS /G-Sites) performance data presentation for submission to the Commission on Wartime Contracting (CWC).
• Received 16 Certificates of Achievement/Appreciation/Recognition for outstanding support and dedication to the United States and Coalition Forces.

• Mick Bednarek, Vice President Mission Solutions, LTG Retired, +1 (757) 642-8808
• Sheila Brewer, Fluor Senior HR Director, Sheila.Brewer@fluorgov.com, +1 (864) 729-0241
• Gunnard Tahtinen, Fluor Project Manager retired, Africa, +1 (832) 416-5460
• Jim McAvey, KBR Senior Procurement Manager, Houston, Texas, Jim.mcavey@kbr.us.com, 713-515-2817

Key Achievement in East Africa

Rejoined Fluor in 2020 as a Site Supervisor V in Djibouti, Africa. After approximately four months I was promoted to Regional Project Manager – East Africa (replacing (Gunnard Tahtien – retired). Immediately met baptism by fire, at the direction of POTUS, we descoped four bases in less than one month however, with great Teamwork we succeeded.

Fast forward two years and we receive Notice to Proceed (NTP) to reopen two of the larger bases. The bases had been looted, destroyed, and uninhabitable. The USG wanted Fluor to be at Full Operating Capability (FOC) in 80 days. So many challenges with not flight to Somalia, no living accommodations, no offices, shops, etc. to perform our services efficiently. I flew to each site with ACO and Deputy Commander for Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. We all agree the bases should have been condemned and rebuilt but there were very important missions coming up, so we prioritized critical services and did everything in our power to push through and we did. Months later CJTF-HOA Commander MG Jami Shawley conducted site visits with the ACO and me … we overcame and succeeded when everything was against us.

While this was the number one priority for CJTF-HOA, the Fluor / KBR transition for Chabelly and Camp Simba was in full swing. All the cards were stacked against me transiting two bases, reopening two bases and trying to get up to 600+ employees for East Africa. Our Team done exceptionally and Somalia is still coming to life with eleven Undefinitized Change Orders (UCOs) that are underway.

Additionally, contractors begun being detained, deported, etc. entering the Republic of Djibouti. I myself had numerous meetings with Mike Wiseman, KBR Program Manager and Stephenie, HR Manager. All contractors we’re at stand still yet I had services I had to provide in Somala. I set up meeting with he UIS Embassy Economic Chief, Regional Security Officer, and Deputy Station Chief. I was informed that Djibouti was not honoring the Statuses of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the issue had been sent up to the Secretary of State. I knew I could do more, I went to the Republic of Djibouti Minister of Interior and Minister of Labor for days and finally got a sit down. I explained that Fluor only used Djibouti as a transient location as were not permitted to fly into Mogadishu for Security Concerns. After 3-4 meetings, I maintained strict OPSEC but showed/explained our personnel movement in/out of Somalia every 4 months for R&R. Fluor was granted unimpeded entry/exit going forward. Once other contractors, US Embassy, and CJTF-HOA Command Team found out what happened I was given awards by the respective parties and also facilited a meeting between Djibouti Ministers, US Embassy, and CJTF-HOA Team who had not been on speaking terms and not had meetings in 1+ year due to disagreements. This was a Good News Story for East Africa Operations as a whole.

Bottom line, I didn’t give up, I refuse to fail, I had a customer relying on Performance Work Statement (PWS) services to be performed and I must fulfill those services as Safely as possible with the utmost Quality.