VANDY HOPSON
Grand Prairie, fbc,TX
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Contracts and Compliance leader with 25+ years of progressive Contract Management experience and proven leadership skills in cradle-to-grave contract lifecycle management, negotiations, regulatory compliance, and team development across Aerospace, Defense, Space and Satellite, Transportation and Technology sectors. Expert in FAR/DFAR, OTs, FMS/DCS, and ITAR/EAR compliance. Proven success in winning and managing government and commercial contracts valued at over $3B. Trusted advisor to executive leadership with a history of implementing high-impact policies, reducing risk, and driving bottom-line results.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Contracts
Comtech Telecommunications Corp
08.2023 - Current
- Lead all contract operations for Satellite & Space segment; manage and mentor team of contract professionals
- Develop and Implement policies and procedures for contract administration
- Developed new CLM system, SharePoint contract hub, and proposal review system increasing efficiency by 100%
- Negotiated and secured high-value contracts including EDIM ($49M), GTACS GFSR ($509M), AC2 ($52.5M), WAM ($30M+), and Amazon Kuiper MPA ($6.5M)
- Spearheaded negotiation strategies resulting in 40% GM and 25% ROS; achieved 95%+ award rate—highest in company history
- Reduced penalties by 50% through risk mitigation and successfully eliminated 60% of LD clauses by using keen analytical skills and effective communication
- Supported DCMA/DCAA/OFCCP audits
- Maintained active Security Clearance
- Director of Contracts
Comtech Telecommunications Corp
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Provide leadership skills and direction to a team of contract professionals
- Directed RFQ/RFP processes and tailored general/special provisions to meet agency-specific needs
Manager
DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC
09.2020 - 12.2022
- Supervised contracts/compliance team; ensured adherence to company standards and government regulations
- Led negotiations of complex Agreements (NDAs, MOUs, OTAs, Reseller, TAs, etc.)
- Retained active security clearance
Senior Manager
American Airlines, Inc
09.2016 - 07.2020
- Oversaw $1.5B government contracts portfolio; developed cradle-to-grave contracts process and compliance programs
- Launched audit and compliance monitoring programs; held U.S
- Government Security Clearance
Senior Manager
Elbit Systems of America
07.2014 - 09.2016
- Directed contracts team on JV programs with Rockwell Collins (e.g., NVCD and JHMCS/DJHMCS), key contributor to Contracts Center of Excellence
Sr. Manager
Constellium, Rio Tinto Alcan
01.2010 - 04.2014
- Contracts & Regulatory Affairs / Empowered Official, Led US/European compliance and contract processes; managed US/Intl sales staff; appointed Empowered Official
Contracts Manager / Export Compliance Coordinator
L-3 Communications
07.2007 - 12.2009
- Link Simulation & Training
- Managed $3B+ CLS contracts; administered international agreements; liaison for WashOps export compliance
Contracts Manager
Orbital ATK
05.2006 - 07.2007
- Oversaw $1B+ in Special Mission contracts; led negotiations and cradle-to-grave contract administration
Contracts Manager
MicroTurbo, Inc, Safran Group
02.2005 - 05.2006
- Directed contracts for repair/sales of aerospace equipment, managed U.S
- And International accounts
Contracts/Business Manager
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC
08.1999 - 02.2005
- Managed $75M–$500M DoD programs; led HR/Security/Payroll/Facilities and trained contracts personnel
Education
Master's Degree - Leadership
Ellis College of NYIT
Bachelor's Degree - Economics
Tougaloo College
MS -
East Central Community College
Skills
- Contract Management
- Contract negotiation
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Policy implementation
- Employee training
- FAR/DFAR
- OTs
- FMS/DCS
- ITAR/EAR Compliance
- Negotiation Strategy
- Commercial & Government Contracts
- Proposal Development
- Contract Types
- Team Leadership
- Training & Development
- Risk Mitigation
- Conflict Resolution
- Regulatory Compliance
- Audit Support
- Excellent Negotiation
- Communication Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Security Clearance
Affiliations
- Top 50 Multicultural Lawyers, Texas Diversity Council
- Voting Member, Certification Governing Board, NPMA
- Member, Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI)
- Federal Publications Seminar Training (NCMA)
- Certified Six Sigma Specialist
References
References
References available upon request.
Additional Information
- Security Clearance , Active SECRET
Certification
CCME Certification - World Contracting Commerce, Certificate Number 04030427-01-B1LF, Candidate Number 16081512
Accomplishments
2024 Marquis Who's Who Honored Listee
Top 50 Multicultural Lawyers, Texas Diversity Council - Texas Diversity Council
Orbital ATK A3 Award
BSSG Commendation Letter - Department of Defense
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureHealthcare benefitsTeam Building / Company Retreats401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingWork from home option4-day work weekPaid time offFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsLanguages
English
Native language
Spanish
Beginner
A1
Software
Microsoft Office
DelTek CostPoint
Unison
Management 2000 (M2K)
SharePoint
Contract Worx
DocuSign
SharePoint
Timeline
Senior Director of Contracts
Comtech Telecommunications Corp
08.2023 - Current
Comtech Telecommunications Corp
01.2023 - 07.2023
Manager
DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC
09.2020 - 12.2022
Senior Manager
American Airlines, Inc
09.2016 - 07.2020
Senior Manager
Elbit Systems of America
07.2014 - 09.2016
Sr. Manager
Constellium, Rio Tinto Alcan
01.2010 - 04.2014
Contracts Manager / Export Compliance Coordinator
L-3 Communications
07.2007 - 12.2009
Contracts Manager
Orbital ATK
05.2006 - 07.2007
Contracts Manager
MicroTurbo, Inc, Safran Group
02.2005 - 05.2006
Contracts/Business Manager
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC
08.1999 - 02.2005
Master's Degree - Leadership
Ellis College of NYIT
Bachelor's Degree - Economics
Tougaloo College
MS -
East Central Community College
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