Dedicated and highly accomplished leader with over three decades of exemplary service in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in combat camera operations, public affairs, and visual information management. A proven track record of strategically managing people, educational programs, setting and maintaining high standards, and fostering influential industry relationships. Committed to excellence and mission readiness, with a career reflectsing a history of leadership, mentorship, and exceptional performance.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief, Video Standardization/Evaluation & Training
1st Combat Camera Squadron, U.S. Air Force
02.2018 - Current
Strategically managed the squadron's Videography and Broadcaster educational program, meticulously establishing and upholding standards for 80 members. Cultivated influential relationships with industry representatives and orchestrated the development of cutting-edge educational programs, contributing invaluable subject matter expertise. Diligently scrutinized and optimized every facet of the videographer education and training programs, staying at the forefront of educational advancements, with an unwavering commitment to their potential application in the realm of combat camera missions. This steadfast dedication directly translated into remarkable achievements, as our members consistently outperformed their peers, earning prestigious awards at both major command and Air Force levels, surpassing any other unit in the Air Force.
Spearheaded a transformative initiative by leading the planning and execution of four squadron exercises within a single year, culminating in the successful completion of over 5,000 training hours and more than 7,000 training tasks, involving 67 participants. These exercises comprehensively prepared Combat Camera Airmen for the rigors of operational missions across diverse scenarios, including challenging no-light/low-light conditions, both contested and non-contested environments, and critical humanitarian situations. Additionally, designed and implemented an extensive evaluation system for these exercises that provided daily feedback and data used to identify areas of improvement, allowing to continually shape future training for optimal results and mission readiness.
Researched and evaluated emerging video and audio equipment, applications, and audiovisual technology, serving as the squadron's subject matter expert and main point of contact for equipment vendors. Responsible for preparing an annual Visual Information Equipment Plan along with managing equipment testing and providing written evaluation reports to unit and career field leadership. Collaborated with manufacturers and distributors to assess new equipment and technologies and occasionally engaged with news and social media to promote the mission and history of combat camera.
Senior Enlisted Leader
Air Force Public Affairs Agency, U.S. Air Force
05.2014 - 08.2017
Provided strategic counsel to the Air Force Public Affairs Agency Director on the comprehensive management of public affairs, visual information, and the combat visual documentation mission involving a team of 280 communicators. Acted as the agency's representative in high-level Air Force initiatives, contributing to the planning and implementation of global education, training, and career development programs for public affairs professionals.
Revitalized the Military Visual Journalism Program for Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, designing application processes, criteria, and overseeing selection for the prestigious Department of Defense program at Syracuse University, enhancing the professional growth of the top 8 Air Force photojournalists and broadcast journalists annually.
Launched and supervised the setup of a one-of-a-kind Combat Camera Special Tactics operating location, carefully handpicking and employing exceptionally skilled Combat Camera Airmen to offer exclusive assistance to Air Force Special Operations Command, marking the first such dedicated support in 23 years.
Station Superintendent
American Forces Network, U.S. Air Force
05.2012 - 05.2014
Leveraged a coaching approach to lead and mentor a team of 17 military members and 1 civilian employee at a geographically separated radio and television station. Oversaw all station operations, including audiovisual documentation and production, coordinating command themes, and determining command information priorities. Achieved recognition as Europe's Station of the Year for 2013, showcasing strong leadership and strategic execution skills.
Managed a multi-million-dollar equipment account, ensuring the proper use, accountability, and maintenance of all station broadcast gear. Maintained 100% control with zero loss, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and resource management abilities, essential for aligning strategy with mission expectations.
Elevated team performance by providing comprehensive mentorship to broadcast journalists, imparting expertise in principles, concepts, and practices of audiovisual documentation and production. Leveraged diverse audiovisual resources and post-production services, enabling team members to autonomously execute intricate video assignments from inception to completion. This guidance led to the team's remarkable achievement of 31 broadcast awards and produced two-time winners of the Defense Media Activity's Broadcast Journalist of the Year award.
Education
Organizational Leadership -
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course
Ramstein Air Base, Germany
2014
Organizational Leadership -
U.S. Air Force Senior Non-commissioned Officer Academy
Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
2010
Associate of Applied Science, Audiovisual Production -
Community College of The Air Force
Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
2001
Advanced Motion Media Studies, Military Visual Journalism Program -
Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York
1999
Skills
Leadership
Organization and Time Management
Multitasking Abilities
Self-Motivated
Dependable and Responsible
Leading Diverse Teams
Cultural Awareness
Interpersonal Communication
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Attention to Detail
References
Renee Tyron, (843) 963-3447, katherine.tyron.1@us.af.mil, Current Supervisor
Larry Clavette, (540) 903-7238, lpclav@gmail.com, Former Supervisor
Timeline
Chief, Video Standardization/Evaluation & Training
1st Combat Camera Squadron, U.S. Air Force
02.2018 - Current
Senior Enlisted Leader
Air Force Public Affairs Agency, U.S. Air Force
05.2014 - 08.2017
Station Superintendent
American Forces Network, U.S. Air Force
05.2012 - 05.2014
Organizational Leadership -
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course
Organizational Leadership -
U.S. Air Force Senior Non-commissioned Officer Academy
Associate of Applied Science, Audiovisual Production -
Community College of The Air Force
Advanced Motion Media Studies, Military Visual Journalism Program -
Syracuse University
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