RUSHIN GIDDENS
Tallassee,AL
Summary
Results-driven Engineering and Operations Leader with over 30 years of experience in project management and process improvement. Led multi-state operations and complex project portfolios using lean, Six Sigma, and value stream mapping methodologies. Delivered multimillion-dollar cost savings and improved productivity across telecommunications, utilities, and construction. Managed large-scale budgets and vendor relationships while prioritizing safety and quality.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
PROJECT MANAGER
Lennox AES
Tallassee, Alabama
05.2020 - Current
- Manage HVAC installation, maintenance, and capital replacement projects across a portfolio of 18,000+ retail locations, ensuring on-time delivery, budget compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Oversee project budgets, resource allocation, and vendor performance, improving cost control and project execution efficiency.
- Develop and implement streamlined installation and maintenance processes that reduce project cycle times and optimize resource utilization.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams, subcontractors, and field personnel to ensure quality workmanship, safety compliance, and successful project completion.
- Conduct site surveys, scope development, vendor management, and project scheduling to support operational and customer requirements.
- Led electrical, gas, and HVAC infrastructure upgrades across commercial environments, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and standards.
- Secured and supported growth of key customer accounts, including Cinemark and Dollar General programs.
- Built and maintained relationships with customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to foster collaboration and business continuity.
PROJECT MANAGER
AT&T Southeast
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Selected to lead the rebuilding and transformation of Utility Operations across Alabama, utilizing strong leadership, workforce development, and operational excellence strategies to improve organizational performance.
- Managed budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning to align with operational objectives and ensure effective cost control.
- Collaborated with leadership teams to identify operational challenges, develop strategic solutions, and achieve key business objectives.
- Managed technician productivity and performance initiatives while implementing safety programs and operational best practices that enhanced efficiency and compliance.
- Maintained high standards of quality assurance by monitoring work performance, enforcing operational procedures, and driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Coordinated Asset Tracking System (ATS) for accurate asset management and operational accountability, enhancing inventory control processes.
- Fostered customer relationships through proactive communication and timely issue resolution, strengthening service delivery.
- Promoted a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement, resulting in enhanced operational performance and customer satisfaction.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER/PROJECT MANAGER
AT&T Southeast
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Successfully delivered all assigned project objectives, contributing to the achievement of 100% of targeted milestones for the Cell Tower Build-Out Program.
- Coordinated project activities to achieve milestones, uphold quality standards, meet budget objectives, and satisfy customer expectations.
- Monitored workforce productivity and operational performance, implementing best practices that improved efficiency, quality, and project execution.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored field teams supporting the successful deployment of the Fiber Cell Tower Build-Out Program across East Alabama.
- Led safety and quality assurance initiatives, conducting audits, inspections, and regular safety meetings to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Managed employee performance, coaching, and disciplinary actions to foster accountability and support professional development within the team.
- Provided leadership support for key operational functions, including VTS administration, fleet management, and capital asset oversight.
- Partnered with leadership and cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges and implement continuous process improvements.
PROJECT MANAGER, SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT
AT&T Southeast
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Led the modernization of AT&T's Quality Management System (QMS) through the application of Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Directed DMAIC and Kaizen initiatives that streamlined business processes and improved service delivery performance.
- Managed cross-functional projects from initiation through implementation, assembling and leading diverse teams to achieve strategic business objectives.
- Identified and implemented process improvements generating measurable business value, including annual cost savings and productivity gains.
- Developed and implemented workforce dispatch strategies aligning technician skillsets with job requirements, enhancing productivity and first-time completion rates.
- Facilitated weekly project reviews, assigned team deliverables, and provided executive leadership with progress updates, performance metrics, and risk assessments.
- Consistently achieved or exceeded project objectives related to cost reduction, operational efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Served as a trusted advisor to leadership teams, leveraging data-driven analysis and Continuous Improvement principles to support organizational decision-making.
AREA MANAGER
AT&T Southeast
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Directed network operations across Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, providing leadership for 14 supervisors and up to 225 field technicians.
- Led workforce productivity, performance management, and operational excellence initiatives that improved efficiency, service delivery, and employee accountability.
- Managed operational budgets, resource planning, and forecasting to align resources with organizational objectives and achieve financial targets.
- Oversaw the management and utilization of operational assets and equipment, ensuring availability, accountability, and cost-effective deployment.
- Championed safety programs and compliance initiatives, enhancing employee safety culture and reducing operational risks.
- Established and maintained quality standards across field operations, ensuring consistent execution and improving customer satisfaction.
- Built strong relationships with internal and external customers, ensuring responsive service, issue resolution, and continuous improvement in customer experience.
- Represented Utility Operations at Vice President-level staff meetings, communicating operational performance, strategic initiatives, and business priorities.
NETWORK MANAGER
AT&T Southeast Utility Operation
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Developed and implemented Utility Operations, establishing organizational processes, operational standards, and aligning workforce.
- Represented Utility Operations in General Manager-level staff meetings, providing operational updates, performance metrics, and strategic recommendations.
- Managed accountability and lifecycle oversight for critical operational assets and equipment to support field operations effectively.
- Led technician productivity initiatives and implemented safety programs that improved operational performance and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinated Asset Tracking System (ATS) to enhance inventory management, optimize asset utilization, and streamline reporting.
- Maintained high standards of quality assurance by monitoring field performance and ensuring compliance with company procedures and customer expectations.
- Assisted with budget planning, resource forecasting, and operational expense management to support business objectives.
- Fostered strong customer relationships through responsive service delivery, issue resolution, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Engineering
Auburn University
Auburn, AL01-1995
Skills
- Project & Program Management
- Budget & Cost Control
- Vendor management
- Asset Management
- Lean & Six Sigma
- Continuous Improvement
- Process Optimization
- Operational Excellence
- Strategic Planning
- Change Management
- Quality compliance
- Team leadership
Personal Information
Title: Engineering and Operations Leader | Project Manager | Six Sigma Black Belt
Certification
- Certifications
- IASSC Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
- Lean Black Belt Certification
Accomplishments
- Increased Mississippi productivity by 12% through operational process improvements and workforce optimization (2005-2006).
- Improved Alabama and Mississippi productivity by 8% by implementing performance management and continuous improvement initiatives (2007).
- Drove a 12% productivity increase across Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky, earning the Key Contributor Award for outstanding operational performance (2008-2009).
- Led a Six Sigma/POCA cost-reduction project that generated $1.11 million in annual savings through the optimization of Buried Service Wire installation and maintenance processes.
- Successfully delivered the East Alabama Cell Tower Build-Out Program, achieving 100% of project milestones, schedule targets, and performance objectives.
- Achieved Best-in-Class safety performance for crew accident rates in 2014-2015, earning a second Key Contributor Award for exceptional leadership and operational excellence.
Timeline
PROJECT MANAGER
Lennox AES
05.2020 - Current
PROJECT MANAGER
AT&T Southeast
01.2013 - 01.2019
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER/PROJECT MANAGER
AT&T Southeast
01.2011 - 01.2013
PROJECT MANAGER, SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT
AT&T Southeast
01.2009 - 01.2011
AREA MANAGER
AT&T Southeast
01.2005 - 01.2009
NETWORK MANAGER
AT&T Southeast Utility Operation
01.2000 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Engineering
Auburn University