Terel Patterson
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
A proven senior military leader with over 20 years of experience and a master's degree in Business Management. Adept at strategic leadership, quality assurance, and continuous process improvement, with a track record of overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets. Certified in project management and Lean Six Sigma, I bring a wealth of knowledge to drive operational excellence. Accomplished in implementing innovative solutions, such as AI/ML applications, leading to substantial cost reductions. As the Diversity and Inclusion leader at Kirtland Air Force Base, I successfully fostered an inclusive culture and organized impactful community outreach events. Possessing a Secret Security Clearance, I have received numerous excellence awards for my outstanding contributions.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Quality Assurance Manager
Department Of The Air Force, Special Operations Command
04.2022 - Current
- Managed 383 Active Duty, Air National Guard, and civilian personnel in executing aircraft Maintenance Standardization and Evaluation plan
- Conducted objective quality sampling and validated 3K safety evaluations on 40 aircraft worth $2.3B
- Presented briefings to executive leadership regarding trends and compliance failures, while also initiating and providing input for policy changes to enhance compliance standards
- Implemented a $11M head strike prototype project through the Kaizen method, resulting in a successful system implementation across 5 Air Force Bases and a significant reduction in workplace injuries
- Identified and analyzed enterprise-level bottlenecks in safety and operational activities, utilizing formalized analysis methodologies
- Conducted thorough investigations into root causes and developed recommendations for widespread implementation
- Promoted shared knowledge and lessons learned with a high level of statistical confidence
- Oversaw Kaizen event project at Kirtland Air Force Base in collaboration with USAF Safety Center
- Collaborated with 9 base organizations to meticulously identify and rectify 233 hazardous waste violations
- Implemented proactive 'Poke-Yoke' solutions to prevent potential EPA fines, resulting in a cost savings of $117K
- Conducted and facilitated monthly group training sessions on Continuous Process Improvement
- Coordinated and supervised quarterly quality events
- Delivered Just-In-Time training to ensure timely knowledge transfer
- Educated 120 team members on fundamental and advanced tools of Lean Six Sigma
- Implemented AI/ML application techniques for safety reporting questionnaire and problem-solving survey tool, improved statistical reliability by 200%
- Established tool as standard for aircraft maintenance at Kirtland Air Force Base, resulting in yearly cost reductions of $25K
- Conducted in-depth analysis of 34 Lockheed Martin Technical Assistance Requests, working closely with engineers to lead the implementation of cutting-edge analytic solutions that achieved a perfect approval rate
- This initiative resulted in significant cost savings of $2M by preventing unnecessary aircraft maintenance expenses
- Led an Enterprise level dynamic team of quality inspectors, ensured the validation of 9 functional focus areas and 5 critical programs
- This comprehensive approach allowed for the identification of 12 major deficiencies in Air Force instructions, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of a workforce comprised of 3K personnel
- Evaluated interdisciplinary teams and individual training capabilities through analysis of quality assurance audit reports
- Performed comprehensive root cause analysis for workplace quality concerns and developed actionable recommendations for swift implementation
- Trusted advisor to high-ranking officials by providing invaluable safety and problem-solving council
- By offering analyzed error-proofing recommendations there has been successful prevention of unit-wide variances, ensuring the smooth operation and effectiveness of the unit.
Aircraft Maintenance Flight Chief (Human Resources and Development Manager)
Department Of The Air Force, Special Operations Command
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Managed and oversaw the inspection and repair process for New Mexico's largest military aircraft inspection and repair process totaling a value of $1.3B
- Implemented continuous process improvement in a multitude of functional areas, effectively reducing waste
- Conducted strategic personnel forecasting for future demand surges and personnel transitions
- In the role as supervisor of a 53 person section, held the responsibility for overseeing all aircraft inspections, projects, and Continuous Improvements
- Led the implementation of Theory of Constraints process improvement program
- During this project, evaluated 120 aircraft scheduled inspection cycles and established standardized CV-22 and MC/HC-130J airframe inspections
- As a result of these efforts, inspection variability was reduced by 23%
- In the role of Project Manager, oversaw the overhaul of the Aircraft Wheel and Tire section
- This involved a complete renovation of the facility, as well as new tools and equipment, totaling $1.2M
- Additionally, organized a process improvement event which resulted in a 70% expansion in the process of aircraft tire buildup and tear down for the enterprise
- Managed a $13M supply system logistics program
- Led 3 sections and optimized a 2K piece hardware facility through process improvement, and inventory waste identification
- Streamlined processes and facilitated the efficient delivery of 13 mission critical parts for Top Secret aircraft availability
- Identified a critical issue within the C-130J aircraft fleet and provided support to a project team in implementing an innovative visualization solution and designing a rapid prototype for nacelle repairs
- By leveraging design systems thinking, effectively mitigated the risk of engine support management system failure, thereby safeguarding 119 aircraft and 477 engines from potential catastrophic consequences
- Played a key role in implementing a streamlined isochronal $16M aircraft wash process
- Advised Improvement Event working group through critical thinking with reducing aircraft downtime by 5%
- Additionally, crafted standardized visual management boards/cages, which resulted in a 20% reduction in lost tools and equipment
- Responsible for aircraft and equipment maintenance management, special programs, preparation procedures for aircraft critical status reporting, and aircraft maintenance documentation veracity for presentation
- Demonstrated expertise in managing shift operations for 7 major aircraft Phase inspections, resulting in early aircraft delivery to operational status and improved maintenance scheduling effectiveness
- Responsible for the oversight of aircraft crash recovery operations for a fleet of 38 flying assets as the Safety Chief and Site Manager
- Prioritized strict adherence to quality standards and compliance
- Developed and executed 3 mass downed aircraft exercise scenarios and effectively coordinated 2 precautionary landing recoveries.
Maintenance Production Superintendent (Senior Operations Manager)
Department Of The Air Force, Special Operations Command
09.2019 - 10.2021
- Directed operations management control over the design of aircraft maintenance flow by steering 348 scheduled events and oversaw 20 diverse production cells comprised of 240 personnel
- Successfully facilitated 11K flight hours and 4K enterprise training missions
- Managed and motivated a dynamic team of 13 skilled personnel responsible for the maintenance and repair of downed CV-22 aircraft within a fast-paced and multidisciplinary environment
- Orchestrated recovery operations in austere landing zones, ensuring the seamless coordination of personnel and necessary support equipment
- Successfully rescued $78M aircraft, swiftly returning asset to base
- Experienced in compiling compelling case reviews for highly regarded USAF enterprise level unit award packages, with diligent attention to detail in reviewing 637 team achievements for the prestigious 2020 Air Education and Training Maintenance Operational Effectiveness Award
- Master aircraft support maintenance craftsman with expertise in all systems and work cells
- Skilled in decoding complex technical data analysis for data based decision making
- Led C-130J ramp longeron repair team by collaborating with civilian manufacturing entities to procure $36K replacement parts
- Enhanced aircraft structural within a $180K budget
- Prioritized 7 classified HH-60 helicopter weapon system dispenser switches for refurbishment in the Air Force Repair Enhancement Program
- This action yielded $50K in Department of Defense cost avoidance
- Oversaw the maintenance of the USAF's only helicopter engine test facility
- This facility supported 4 military bases by certifying 6 engines as safe for flight
- These certifications played a crucial role in enabling 630 Combat Search and Rescue flight hours, as well as 52 missions
- Composed an aircraft One-Time Inspection verification by validating the torques of in-flight refueling pod hardware across the fleet of C-130J aircraft
- Reported the findings to USAF headquarters, which resulted in the development of an enterprise Technical Compliance Technical Order for repair instructions to ensure fleet safety
- Drafted and submitted 37 engineer assistance requests to Bell Boeing manufacturing for repair instructions on CV-22 lower frame assembly composite damage
- Those requests successfully eliminated $6.2M in depot repair costs
- Collaborated with US Marine Corp divisional leadership to construct 12 hydraulic lines for deployed fleet of MV-22 aircraft
- Ensured quality and verified fabricated parts, eliminating need for parts cannibalization and saving 150 maintenance man hours.
Aerospace Ground Equipment Flight Chief (Human Resources Manager)
Department Of The Air Force, Special Operations Command
03.2018 - 09.2019
- Provided support equipment for 6 surprise US Presidential missions, guaranteeing controlled worldwide mission capabilities at an enterprise level
- Played a crucial role in advancing national security objectives as per the directives of the Secretary of Defense
- Recognized and acknowledged top performers within the workplace
- Authored and quality-checked 33 minor and major award packages and drafted 76 annual appraisals for members of the workforce
- Additionally, crafted new team achievement awards for employee personal, technical and professional growth
- Worked in collaboration with Lewis University to administer a series of 5 lunchtime courses, catering specifically to 32 military-affiliated students
- Accomplished 108 credit hours, culminating in the attainment of 4 esteemed Community College of the Air Force Associates Degrees
- Developed a divisional mentorship program to improve workplace skills and prepare employees for future roles in leadership
- Decreased annual appraisal discrepancies and implemented standardized writing analytical methods, stewarding statistical analysis and tools that revolutionized the ability to actively assess and adjust organization performance
- Established and implemented industry best practices for effectively managing Continuous Improvement projects, with a focus on surpassing predetermined targets
- Created 221-item/13 shop equipment inspection checklists based on voice of the Customer's requirements
- Led a 14-member process improvement team, achieving a 20% reduction in processing wastes
- Streamlined equipment inspection process from 16 days to 7 calendar days
- Improved quality assurance variability rates and Maintenance Management System Takt Time by 40%
- Project Managed the annual inspection criteria for 5 newly acquired aircraft frequency converters
- Led a team of 13 personnel through a comprehensive generation flow plan, resulting in 100% Quality Assurance audits
- Conducted benchmarking of industry best practices and authored a comprehensive report of key lessons learned for use by USAF enterprise maintenance units
- Improved negative aircraft support equipment maintenance trends by fostering a culture of change as a Change Agent, resulting in a 31% increase in Quality Assurance and achieving a 90% pass rate for support equipment inspection criteria, warranting an 'Excellent Rating.' Managed 6 Management Internal Control Toolset communicators by scrutinizing and authenticating 120 vital management programs
- Successfully improved divisional compliance from 56% to 94% in just 6 months
- Achieved optimization of workplace efficiency through implementation of 5S principles, resulting in increased storage capacity and improved workplace safety
- Streamlined Tool Supply room, recovering 70 square feet of space
- Successfully coordinated the retrieval of $500K worth of inventory and proactively mitigated safety hazards.
Master Instructor Supervisor
Department of the Air Force
01.2014 - 03.2018
- Educated and trained 500 international, domestic military, and civilian professionals in standardized professional curriculum
- Executed 973 objectives through 5K instructional course hours
- Awarded 637 Community College of the Air Force credit hours
- Achieved 100% graduation rate in integrating 16 Republic of Singapore Air Force personnel into USAF aircraft support maintenance
- Played a crucial role in securing $29.4B Department of Defense contract, enhancing United States and Republic of Singapore coalition partnership
- Developed and implemented a training tool to address a significant workplace turnover rate
- Spearheaded an initiative to streamline training requirements and certifications
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions for 19 senior leaders, resulting in a 40% increase in unit qualifications within a span of 4 months
- Guided and mentored 26 at-risk students, providing them with 35 hours of invaluable life and instructional guidance
- As a result, $494K was saved from the Air Force training budget
- Reviewed and updated 60 instructional hours, improving technical academic material
- Ensured 100% accuracy in training material and validation for $4.7M course
- Developed and facilitated the 'Transformative Excellence' course, delivering workforce leadership training to a team of 250 employees through impactful professional development workshops
- Coordinated a Kaizen Event to streamline sign in/out procedures for Electronic Technical Data laptops, resulting in a notable 50% reduction in wait times
- Managed and safeguarded 611 Information Technology Equipment items valued at $920K
- Maintained 100% inventory and accountability
- Authored innovative digital lesson plan methodology by validating teaching materials using three different media devices
- This conserved $20K in Information Technology budget costs and eliminated 100 teaching hours
- Conducted 6 comprehensive unit inspections by analyzing statistical trends and examining 290K lines of data automation
- Evaluated logistical support practices and past quality assessment performance metrics along with dashboard/scorecard tools
- Assessed USAF airfield ground vehicle inspection process and provided benchmarking for enterprise-wide improvements.
Maintenance Section Leader (Project Manager Advisor)
Department of the Air Force
04.2003 - 01.2014
- Responsible for the maintenance and inspection of 642 aircraft equipment items valued at $25M in support of a fleet of 137 F-16C/D aircraft
- Executed repairs in strict adherence to prescribed technical data
- Examined and reviewed 600 maintenance data system inputs for quality assurance
- Conducted training and provided guidance to 36 colleagues on documentation and error corrections, resulting in a 99% accuracy rate for data input integrity
- Provided professional instruction to a team of 25 aircraft maintenance personnel on the fundamentals of jet turbine engine electrical systems and troubleshooting analysis, resulting in an increase of workplace proficiency by 40%
- Conducted 140 Joint Oil Analysis samplings for the fleet of 137 F-16 Aircraft assigned, ensuring contamination-free oil containers for flight readiness
- Implemented adjustments to a faulty jet engine turbine centrifugal switch based on analysis of electrical schematics and wiring diagram
- Effectively averted engine overspeed and enhanced mission capability rate by 15%
- Facilitated the delivery of 114K support equipment items to ensure the readiness of the aircraft fleet enterprise
- Resulted in the ability to execute 28K flight hours and 20K training missions
- Assisted in the training and readiness of 300 combat pilots and 319 crew chiefs
- Achieved a total of 3K support equipment maintenance actions while maintaining a 100% quality assurance pass rate for 11 quality verification inspections
- These efforts played a key role in the unit being awarded the prestigious 2012 Air Force Maintenance Effectiveness Award
- Supervised and managed wartime exercise operations at an auxiliary airfield, overseeing a team of 8 personnel with maintaining 108 equipment items
- Enabled training 31K flight hours at the Barry Goldwater Missile Range, ensuring the safe utilization of live ordnances
- Improved support equipment service and delivery schedules through the implementation of process improvement methods
- Successfully transitioned from paper to digital records, resulting in streamlined inspections and maintenance intervals, leading to 100% equipment availability and zero mission failures
- Managed equipment logistics and transportation to remote landing site in support of a diverted aircraft due to an in-flight emergency
- Procured and ensured the delivery of 40 gallons of liquid oxygen and nitrogen to safely service the aircraft, ensuring the pilot's safe return to base.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL05.2018
MBA - Business Management
American InterContinental University
Schaumburg, IL09.2013
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
American InterContinental University
Schaumburg, IL06.2011
Skills
- Validation Protocols
- Quality Management Systems
- Corrective Action Planning
- Product Inspection
- Documentation Review
- Internal Auditing
- Technical Writing
- Performance Metrics
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Quality Risk Assessment
- Process Improvement
- Project Management
- Statistical Process Control
- Training Development
- Root Cause Analysis
- Quality Assurance Auditing
- Continuous Improvement
- Team Leadership
- Performance Monitoring
- Process Documentation
- Team Collaboration
- Data Collection
- Systems Analysis
- Deficiency Detection
- Best Practices
- Quality Control
- Data Analysis
- Operations Management
- Trend Analysis
- Audit Coordination
- Process Analysis
- Technical Reporting
- Bid Drafting
Accomplishments
2023 58th Maintenance Group General Lew Allen Award - Kirtland Air Force Base, NM
2022 58th Maintenance Group Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter - Kirtland Air Force Base, NM
2021 58th Maintenance Professional of the Quarter - Kirtland Air Force Base, NM
2019 58th Maintenance Squadron Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter - Kirtland Air Force Base, NM
2017 361st Training Squadron “Instructor of the Year” Award - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX
2016 General Leo Marquez Award - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX
2015 361st Training Squadron “Instructor of the Quarter” Award - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX
2015 361st Training Squadron Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX
2014 361st Training Squadron “Instructor of the Quarter” Award - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX
2013 56th Maintenance Group Outstanding Performer - Luke Air Force Base, AZ
2011 56th Air Wing Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter - Luke Air Force Base, AZ
2009 56th Maintenance Squadron Quality Assurance Honor Roll - Luke Air Force Base, AZ
2009 56th Maintenance Squadron Knuckle Buster Award - Luke Air Force Base, AZ
2006 56th Maintenance Squadron Quality Assurance Honor Roll - Luke Air Force Base, AZ
2006 56th Maintenance Group Outstanding Airmen of the Quarter - Luke Air Force Base, AZ
2005 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron Knuckle Buster Award - Undisclosed Location
2004 56th Maintenance Squadron Airman of the Quarter - Luke Air Force Base, AZ
Affiliations
- Diversity and Inclusion Leader at Kirtland Air Force Base. Collaborated with high-level managers to foster an inclusive culture through hosting 3 Air Base events with over 1K attendees.
- Elected President of volunteer fire department, successfully planned and executed 10 fund raising events. These events not only brought the community together but also raised substantial funds in the amount of $9K, which was then utilized to purchase vital wildland fire fighting protection gear.
- Volunteered 80 hours as a Key Advisor to a local civilian fraternal organization. Organized and arranged 1K care packages for local children. Successfully raised over $2K in STEM funding for local schools.
- Organized opening ceremony at Arizona Cardinals football stadium. The ceremony included 150 uniformed military personnel representing all branches of the military. As part of the pregame presentation, displayed a 100-yard American flag.
Certification
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging - LinkedIn Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA, Jan 2023
Generative AI Approaches to Business Challenges - LinkedIn Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA, Jan 2023
Generative AI for Business Leaders - LinkedIn Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA, Jan 2023
Certified Project Master - Institute of Project Management, Newtown Square, PA, May 2021
Certified Project Officer - Institute of Project Management, Newtown Square, PA, May 2021
Certified Project Professional - Institute of Project Management, Newtown Square, PA, May 2021
Certified Professional Manager - Air Education & Training Command, Maxwell-Gunter, AL, Jun 2019
Basic Instructor Course - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, Feb 2014
Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, May 2014
Training Supervisor Course - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, July 2014
Technical Writer Course - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, Aug 2014
Instructional System Design - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, Sept 2014
Advanced Instructor Certification - Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL, Nov 2015
Air Force Master Instructor - Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL, Jan 2016
Mission Generation Course - Kirtland Air Force Base, NM, May 2019
Processing CFC/HCFC Refrigerants, Certified Universal - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, Dec 2001
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Quality Assurance Manager
Department Of The Air Force, Special Operations Command
04.2022 - Current
Aircraft Maintenance Flight Chief (Human Resources and Development Manager)
Department Of The Air Force, Special Operations Command
10.2021 - 04.2022
Maintenance Production Superintendent (Senior Operations Manager)
Department Of The Air Force, Special Operations Command
09.2019 - 10.2021
Aerospace Ground Equipment Flight Chief (Human Resources Manager)
Department Of The Air Force, Special Operations Command
03.2018 - 09.2019
Master Instructor Supervisor
Department of the Air Force
01.2014 - 03.2018
Maintenance Section Leader (Project Manager Advisor)
Department of the Air Force
04.2003 - 01.2014
Associate of Applied Science - Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology
Community College of The Air Force
MBA - Business Management
American InterContinental University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
American InterContinental University
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging - LinkedIn Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA, Jan 2023
Generative AI Approaches to Business Challenges - LinkedIn Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA, Jan 2023
Generative AI for Business Leaders - LinkedIn Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA, Jan 2023
Certified Project Master - Institute of Project Management, Newtown Square, PA, May 2021
Certified Project Officer - Institute of Project Management, Newtown Square, PA, May 2021
Certified Project Professional - Institute of Project Management, Newtown Square, PA, May 2021
Certified Professional Manager - Air Education & Training Command, Maxwell-Gunter, AL, Jun 2019
Basic Instructor Course - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, Feb 2014
Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, May 2014
Training Supervisor Course - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, July 2014
Technical Writer Course - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, Aug 2014
Instructional System Design - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, Sept 2014
Advanced Instructor Certification - Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL, Nov 2015
Air Force Master Instructor - Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL, Jan 2016
Mission Generation Course - Kirtland Air Force Base, NM, May 2019
Processing CFC/HCFC Refrigerants, Certified Universal - Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, Dec 2001
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