Thomas Manns
Air Force Civil Engineer Human Resource Manager
Universal City,TX
Summary
Strategic and mission-focused leader with over 20 years of experience managing operations, infrastructure, and personnel within high-stakes, compliance-driven environments. Proven expertise in leadership development, technical program oversight, and resource optimization, consistently aligning operations with federal standards and mission objectives. Holds a Top Secret/SCI Clearance and brings a deep understanding of engineering plans, quality assurance, and financial stewardship, having directed multi-million-dollar budgets and led cross-functional teams in diverse and dynamic settings.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Civil Engineer, Functional Assignment Manager
United States Air Force
07.2021 - Current
- As the Strategic Talent Manager, I spearhead the oversight of assignment policies and career development for an impressive network of 16,000 Civil Engineers within the Department of Defense (DoD).
- Managed a substantial $24 million budget for Permanent Change of Station (PCS), strategically optimizing personnel distribution and fostering career progression.
- Served as as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, I deliver insightful guidance on Air Force assignment policies and innovative talent management strategies that drive organizational success.
- Direct over 40 impactful programs, ensuring seamless alignment with Air Force mission objectives and the evolving needs of our workforce.
- Implemented and lead the talent management process for 63 pivotal leadership and development positions, guaranteeing the selection of exceptional candidates who will shape the future of our organization.
- As a keynote speaker for the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Superintendents Courses, influencing leadership and development initiatives, inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Squadron Superintendent
United States Air Force
01.2020 - 02.2021
- Advised senior leadership (Squadron Commander and Deputy) on all military and civilian personnel matters, career development, and contingency operations.
- Led a workforce of 291 personnel overseeing maintenance and construction projects.
- Managed infrastructure and facility operations for a $4.2B Department of Defense's largest C-130 mission.
- Supervised preventative maintenance and sustainment of 789 facilities spanning 15.2M sq .ft., including two areal drop zones and tow assault strips, and 7.2K acres of property.
Manager, 25 AF Electrical Operations
United States Air Force
03.2013 - 01.2020
- Led and managed 330 SCIF technicians and facility managers, overseeing electrical planning, labor requirements, and national-level operation support.
- Conducted site surveys and reviewed facility requirements and engineering drawings, providing technical expertise to design engineers for mission-critical projects.
- Performed wing-level staff assistance visits, evaluating electrical system effectiveness, and ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Identified and developed infrastructure projects, resolving critical deficiencies across 165 global Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) facilities valued at $1B.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
MEAR TEAM Electrical Systems Craftsman & Team Lead
United States Air Force
06.2006 - 02.2013
- Led team ranging from 2-12 personnel in the installation and maintenance of electrical emergency power, fire detection, and security systems across 85 locations in support of the National Security Agency (NSA), Air Force ISR Agency, and other national agencies.
- Ensured compliance with AFOSH, OSHA, and EPA regulations while overseeing project execution, training new personnel, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to implement NSA's $3B Power, Space, and Cooling Program.
- Successfully upgraded outdated equipment to modern technology while minimizing disruption to daily operations at client facilities.
- Reduced downtime for electrical equipment by conducting regular preventive maintenance checks and addressing issues promptly.
- Collaborated with project teams to design, install, and commission complex electrical systems for various facilities.
- Established a solid track record of meeting deadlines and achieving project milestones through effective time management and prioritization of tasks.
- Optimized power distribution systems by implementing efficient wiring layouts and equipment configurations.
- Worked with facility personnel to identify and administer electrical system upgrades while maintaining needed material and equipment.
- Installed and maintained multiple backup generators, UPS systems, and HVAC systems and parts.
- Read and followed drawings, blueprints and other technical documentation to make accurate updates.
- Troubleshot and repaired problems with components of energized and de-energized electrical distribution systems.
Electrical Journeyman
United States Air Force
03.2003 - 06.2006
- Install, maintain, and repair overhead and underground high-voltage and secondary distribution systems.
- Led a 4-man team during the installation of equipment and underground power for new A/C system saving $45K in contract cost.
- Played a vital role during an overhead to underground project where his team installed 700 feet of high-voltage cables saving the government $240K in cost and improved aesthetics.
- Contributed to reduced project timelines by effectively managing materials, tools, and equipment.
- Collaborated with other electricians to complete large-scale projects on time and within budget.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry advancements through continuous education and training opportunities.
Electrical Apprentice
United States Air Force
02.2000 - 03.2003
- Installed, troubleshoots, and maintained electrical distribution systems and equipment ranging from 120 volts to 34,500 volts.
- Maintains an electrical distribution system of over over 200 miles and an airfield lighting system to include 20 distribution feeders, 4 substations, 2 runways and a generation plant.
- Reads and interprets electrical diagrams and schematics while conforming to all applicable regulations and NEC guidelines.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management
Wayland Baptist University
San Antonio 05.2001 -
Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Power Technicians
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL 05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Electrical Technician
Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, TX 05.2001 -
Skills
- Leadership & Workforce Development
- Technical Expertise & Regulatory Compliance
- Strategic Resource Allocation
- Budgeting & Finance Oversight ($24M)
- Operations & Infrastructure Management
- Quality Assurance & Program Evaluation
- Architectural & Engineering Plan Interpretation
- Problem-Solving & Risk Mitigation
- Security-Cleared Operations (Top Secret/SCI)
- Instruction, Mentorship & Training Programs
Certification
Leadership in Business
Timeline
Leadership in Business
02-2025
Business Administration
02-2025
Civil Engineer, Functional Assignment Manager
United States Air Force
07.2021 - Current
Squadron Superintendent
United States Air Force
01.2020 - 02.2021
Manager, 25 AF Electrical Operations
United States Air Force
03.2013 - 01.2020
MEAR TEAM Electrical Systems Craftsman & Team Lead
United States Air Force
06.2006 - 02.2013
Electrical Journeyman
United States Air Force
03.2003 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Science - Management
Wayland Baptist University
05.2001 -
Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Power Technicians
Community College of The Air Force
05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Electrical Technician
Wayland Baptist University
05.2001 -
Electrical Apprentice
United States Air Force
02.2000 - 03.2003
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