Vernon C. Atkinson, PMP
Athens,GA
Summary
Driven and motivated project management professional with 7+ years of military experience, specializing in operational planning, logistics coordination, and personnel management. Problem solver with exceptional time management skills and an unwavering drive to deliver results. Adept in operating in high stress environments while demonstrating high levels of professionalism, adaptability, and decisiveness. Well versed in concept to execution planning for operations both domestically and internationally. Proven history of leading teams and developing culture that inspires high levels of cohesiveness to produce results and accomplish any goal.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Fires and Effects Coordinator
United States Marine Corps
09.2022 - 06.2024
- Planned, coordinated, and executed multiple operations both domestically and internationally, through requirements gathering and analysis, thorough coordination, resource management and personnel management, while balancing tight fiscal constraints to increase operational readiness by 64%.
- Collaborated with external stakeholders, including different military branches and allied forces, fostering effective communication and cooperation during joint exercises.
- Demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills, guiding a multidisciplinary team to achieve mission success during multiple exercises while meeting stringent timelines and objectives.
- Oversaw the inventory, embarkation for follow on phases of operations, and maintenance of an equipment set valued at over $1 million with zero discrepancies.
- Managed a diverse team of 10 personnel with 3 direct reports in multiple geographical locations through a successful deployment to Europe and the Middle East, ensuring the team maintained a high level of operational capabilities while also facilitating professional development and personal growth opportunities.
- Served as the task force liaison, collaborating with cross functional teams to ensure Marines on deployment were integrated into the US Navy ships’ defensive mission plans during high-threat situations, demonstrating a calm and decisive approach to crisis management.
- Managed the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) program for the unit, enhancing the team's proficiency in critical operational skills while fostering a culture of continuous learning to ensure personnel were well-prepared for complex and dynamic situations.
- Responsible for creating and presenting the unit’s fire support and defensive plans to stakeholders ahead of missions through the creation of slide decks, diagrams, and oral presentations.
- Performed critical risk analysis on deployment plans by ensuring proper resource allocation, analyzing the threat level in the environment, and taking steps to mitigate that risk.
- Successfully translated commander's guidance into actionable plans, showcasing adaptability and flexibility in response to changing mission requirements.
Fire Support Officer
United States Marine Corps
03.2021 - 09.2022
- Oversaw a gear set valued at over 1 million dollars, maintaining meticulous accountability, and ensuring material readiness of all equipment.
- Implemented efficient inventory control measures, minimizing loss or damage to equipment, and ensuring the team's operational effectiveness.
- Developed and executed detailed training plans for individual Marines, ensuring compliance with Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) requirements and enhancing their professional development.
- Established and monitored performance metrics, ensuring continuous improvement and adherence to the highest standards of excellence in fire support operations.
- Facilitated seamless communication between team members, senior leadership, and external stakeholders, ensuring a clear understanding of mission objectives and fostering collaborative efforts.
- Collaborated with multiple teams to integrate and apply fire support techniques with partner nations, showcasing adaptability and effective cross-functional communication and teamwork.
Company Operations Officer
United States Marine Corps
03.2020 - 03.2021
- Led a team of 136 Marines and Sailors, effectively translating the commander's guidance into actionable plans and coordinating company-level events to achieve strategic goals.
- Managed and mentored platoon commanders, inspecting and approving their training plans to align with the commander's intent, ensuring optimal performance and unit cohesion.
- Oversaw comprehensive individual training programs, fostering professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth among personnel.
- Coordinated logistical and operational requirements for various exercises, demonstrating proficiency in adhering to local regulations and range safety protocols, ensuring seamless execution of training events.
- Successfully managed a diverse and high-value equipment set of $23 million, ensuring optimal functionality, maintenance, and accountability for all company assets.
- Implemented and enforced standardized processes for equipment maintenance, resulting in increased operational readiness and prolonged lifespan of assets.
- Demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills, effectively liaising with multiple stakeholders to achieve consensus and drive successful project outcomes.
- Streamlined communication channels between the team and senior leadership, enhancing information flow and facilitating more efficient decision-making processes.
Platoon Commander
United States Marine Corps
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Thrived in high-pressure situations, making critical decisions to adapt to dynamic and challenging environments.
- Supervised a team of 26 Marines, with 4 direct reports, ensuring all operational requirements and logistical considerations were complete to facilitate the completion of multiple training evolutions.
- Established effective communication channels within the team and senior leadership, facilitating seamless information flow.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for professional growth.
- Accountable for the maintenance and operation of 3 M777A2 cannons and $23 million worth of military equipment, ensuring optimal functionality and readiness.
- Implemented efficient inventory control measures, minimizing equipment downtime, and ensuring timely maintenance.
- Prioritized safety protocols during live-fire events, resulting in zero accidents or injuries throughout 300+ missions.
- Implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential hazards, ensuring a safe and controlled operational environment.
- Prepared and communicated key status updates to senior leaders, providing detailed reports on the success of the event and areas for improvement on future events.
Education
MBA -
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12.2024
BS Business Administration -
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2016
Skills
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Conflict Management
- Budget Management
- Operational Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Risk Analysis
- Presentation and Communication Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Jira
Security Clearance
Secret (Active)
Certification
- Project Management Professional, PMI - 2024
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Deputy Fires and Effects Coordinator
United States Marine Corps
09.2022 - 06.2024
Fire Support Officer
United States Marine Corps
03.2021 - 09.2022
Company Operations Officer
United States Marine Corps
03.2020 - 03.2021
Platoon Commander
United States Marine Corps
09.2018 - 03.2020
MBA -
Liberty University
BS Business Administration -
Liberty University
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