CRAIG M. KOVACS
*** ******* ***** **** • Bluffton, South Carolina 29909
******.*****@*****.*** • 843-***-**** (Home) • 843-***-**** (Cell)
OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE
• •
Safety Leadership Logistical Management Strategic Planning
Highly accomplished senior leader offering a distinguished and progressive career in leading safety
initiatives as well as distribution / airfield operations within high-volume domestic centers and
international locations. Exceptional leadership abilities with repeated success in building, motivating, and
guiding sizable teams in safe and secure performance of duties, including appropriate responds to critical
and crisis situations. Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments requiring flexibility, resourcefulness,
and focused decision making. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal talents; skilled in
forging consensus throughout entire organizations.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Innovative Leadership • Logistics Management • Airfield Operations
• OSHA / NFPA / FEMA/ • Safety Inspections
• Crisis Response / Intervention
• Team Training & Development • Counseling & Mentoring
• Safety Program Development
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
TARGET CORPORATION - Regional Distribution Center 1247 Sunbury Rd. Midway, Ga. 31320
Built a strong team orientated career utilizing advanced leadership techniques while focusing on fast
paced production control procedures that ensured the timely delivery of goods.
Facility Operations Executive (August 19, 2008 to Present)
Directly responsible for the continuous operations of a large scale distribution plant spanning over
1,000,000 square feet. Successfully maintained operations and maintenance programs to ensure maximum
up-tempo operations for a large shift currently utilizing the latest distribution technology. Review
operational functions, ensuring total compliance with all governing laws, codes, and regulations that
ensured timely delivery of all products.
Key Achievement:
Played a key role in implementing corporate and departmental policies / procedures, partnering
with senior management to facilitate change while responding to questions from staff and clients.
Instituted new safety focus directives as the Captain of the Emergency Response Team which
significantly reduced the amount of team member accidents throughout the distribution center by
58%.
Streamlined outdated reporting and purchasing practices which saved the organization up to
15% of budget related purchases that were no longer needed.
Responsibly managed the planning and disbursement of $100K annual budget while directing all
phases of operational equipment repair and replenishment.
Ensured total compliance to Best Practices Procedures and regulations in the areas of Facility
Operations and Safety which resulted in a no errors or findings for the Distribution Center.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS – Various Domestic & International Locations
Built impressive career of achievement and advancement leading to operational management of fire
station supporting safety of airfield, aircraft and accompanying facilities.
Safety Director / Crash Chief (August 25, 1988 to August 18, 2008)
Direct all facets of operational, crisis, and logistical management of fire station responsible for
maintaining safety of 100+ sophisticated vehicles and support facilities. Develop / implement strategic
plans and operational tools enabling effective management of multimillion-dollar facilities. Assign and
schedule teams as large as 75 associates; evaluate performance, recommend / approve professional
development opportunities and mentor staff. Develop and deliver comprehensive safety and crisis
management programs, including training on security measures defined by OSHA, NFPA, FEMA, and
MSDS, along with proper operation and maintenance of fire and safety equipment, vehicles, and tools.
Key Achievements:
Successfully led all facets of set-up and management of international airport in high-stress
environment with primary focus on safety and security.
Conducted over 30 safety inspections on 80 person aviation facility ensuring total compliance
with OSHA, NFPA, and FEMA requirements.
Directed numerous mandated life safety programs and drove adherence to standards resulting
in 25% increase in team production.
Led over 1,000 responses to emergencies relating to aircraft mishaps, hazardous material
spills, structural fires, mass casualties, and vehicle crashes.
Responsibly managed the planning and disbursement of $500K annual budget while directing
all phases of construction of new $5.9 million firehouse.
Consistently promoted ahead of peers to positions of increasing responsibilities due to
knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities.
Earned numerous awards and recognitions for superior performance and achievements.
EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics with Minor in Safety & Management (2008)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL – GPA 3.75
Certifications
Federal Emergency Management Agency National Incident Management (2006-2007)
Hazardous Material Awareness Certificate (2002)
Hazardous Material Transportation/Accident Certificate (1997)
Emergency Medical Technician (1994)
Department of Transportation National Airport Fire Fighting (1994)
Professional Development
Extensive Training in OSHA, NFPA, FEMA, and MSDS regulations and guidelines
Annual training in identification and prevention of substance abuse and sexual harassment