Program Manager Strategic Planning

David Wade

575-***-**** ************@*******.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wade-60434458

Senior Program Manager

Results-oriented Program Manager with a proven track record of success in managing and optimizing multimillion-dollar aircraft fleets. Adept at strategic planning, resource management, and team leadership, focusing on driving operational excellence and achieving mission-critical objectives. Recognized for innovative solutions, cost-saving initiatives, and exceptional leadership in dynamic, high-stakes environments.

LEADERSHIP IMPACT

Expertise in managing large and complex operations: Led the $1 billion T-38 fleet for Air Combat Command, overseeing 63 aircraft across 5 locations, achieving a remarkable 40% increase in sorties.

Strategic Business Expansion: Successfully orchestrated a $52 million business expansion, demonstrating proficiency in resource planning, streamlined operations, and bid development.

Safety and Compliance Leadership: Ensured state, base, and audit recertification for 5 consecutive years by applying OSHA, EPA, and state standards, showcasing commitment to safety and environmental standards.

Innovative Solutions: Implemented Lean, Value Stream Mapping, and process realignments, resulting in a 35% improvement in aircraft phase processes and enhanced support for T-38 fleet shop priority systems.

Exceptional Mentorship: Mentored and groomed personnel, contributing to developing award-winning individuals at various levels, from base to Air Combat Command.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Strategic Planning and Leadership

Budgeting and Planning

Resource Management

Training and Development

Operational Excellence

Business Expansion

Logistical Planning

HR Leadership/ People Driven

Customer Relationship Management

Safety and Compliance

Trend Analysis and Insights

US Security Clearance

Professional Experience & Accomplishments

AO GLOBE LIFE/AMERICAN INCOME LIFE, ALAMOGORDO, NM Jan 2024 – Present

Jan 2024 – Present: Regional Insurance Producer

Managed regional insurance contract for veterans expanding across 14 US states, from analysis of needs to acquisition of coverage and extending growth to veteran families.

Acquired license in 10 days, initiated licensure in 14 US states and broadened final expense coverage limitations. Established and held a 100% personal quality rating throughout the duration of tenure.

Influenced record sales year within American Income Life, expanding and improving veteran and family access to final expense benefits, ultimately enhancing preparation of veteran families culminating in nearly $20 million in sales in July 2024.

M1 SUPPORT SERVICES, HOLLOMAN AFB, NM Nov 2018 – Jun 2023

Dec 2018 – Jun 2023: Deputy Contractor Program Manager

Managed the $1 billion T-38 fleet for Air Combat Command across 63 aircraft at 5 locations, with end-to-end responsibility for ensuring no missed fly days or deployments. Sole responsibility for daily/weekly/monthly CDRL metrics report. Thoroughly integrated into logistics and supply management (DMS) to mitigate maintenance metric degradation.

Spearheaded broad operational planning and aircraft maintenance metrics to meet increased flying demands. Enhanced aircraft phase throughput improved a 12% faster regeneration of flying hours.

Innovated improvement idea solutions within the T-38 program, aiding repair processes and parts repurposing, ultimately enhancing fleet capacity to meet increased customer flying hour demands and identifying product improvement opportunities.

Led a $52 million business expansion by meticulously planning resources, streamlining operations, and developing winning bids.

Applied OSHA, EPA, and state standards to earn state, base, and audit recertification for 5 consecutive years. Developed and continuously enforced procedures to certify AS9110, demonstrating a commitment to aircraft maintenance safety, environmental standards, and quality assurance.

Successfully sourced cost-effective refurbishments for unavailable aircraft parts, leading to a contract award through the award fee process for implementing mitigating measures.

Implemented Lean, Value Stream Mapping, and process realignments, resulting in streamlined aircraft phase processes that accommodated pilot training requirements at five US locations.

Proactively trained personnel for early T-38 wing replacements, mitigating unnecessary removals and boosting structural integrity without additional aircraft, addressing field-level requirements effectively.

Nov 2018 – Jul 2019: Equipment Maintenance Manager

Oversaw maintenance programs, optimized workflows, and ensured mission-critical assets' reliability and readiness. Implemented strategic planning, resource allocation, and team leadership to meet stringent operational standards.

Leveraged the Award Fee program to deliver tangible benefits, initiating 10 annual incentive tasks that cut costs and spurred contract growth, ultimately saving the Air Force over $6M.

Addressed lagging indicators, led 60 contract personnel in 8 unique workshops, streamlined the aircraft phase process by 35%, boosted maintenance recovery time, and enhanced/streamlined T-38 fleet shop priority systems by capture/analysis of data.

Achieved record award incentive year and 27% increased production workflow, with faster aircraft return from phase inspection.

US AIR FORCE Nov 1988 - Dec 2018

Feb 2017 – Dec 2018: Squadron Deputy Director, Holloman AFB, NM

Led a team of 325 personnel in 5 functional areas, ensuring maintenance, support, and readiness of aircraft valued $2.5B. Managed enlisted performance reports, training, development, deployment, and growth; oversaw documents, publications, and strategy reviews.

Facilitated training of > 2,000 combat-ready pilots, leading to awards for outstanding performance at various levels.

Took decisive action to shelter a SECAF aircraft from hail, safeguarding a $47M asset and earning commendation from the Andrews AF Base Commander.

Recognized as a skilled mentor, fostering unprecedented growth, producing winners at the Air Combat Command, Numbered Air Force, Wing, and Maintenance Group levels, and contributing to organizational promotions.

Leveraged innate leadership skills and production experience, playing a pivotal role in achieving a 40% increase in aircraft sorties, culminating in the recognition of the squadron as the 49th Wing's Large Squadron of the Year.

Sep 2015 – Feb 2017: Deputy Director of Maintenance, Holloman AFB, NM

Led 400 personnel, overseeing sortie production of 42 aircraft valued at $402M, and managed the state's Southern crash recovery team.

Demonstrated exceptional response in three regional incidents.

Groomed the Senior Maintainer, who was handpicked to erect an MQ-1 static aircraft in the heritage park and graduated from an advanced production course, equipping him with advanced strategic planning and operations tactics.

Sep 2014 – Sep 2015: Maintenance Unit Superintendent, Osan AB, South Korea

Led 220 personnel in A-10 maintenance, overseeing a $350M aircraft fleet defending the front lines.

Achieved the highest Air Force utilization rate during an officer vacancy, generating an impressive 4.5K sorties.

Exceeded 6 out of 10 metric performance indicators and accomplished the remarkable feat of generating 14 aircraft in 12 hours, breaking records dating over 12 years back—recognized as the fastest in the Wing Commander's career.

Identified the need for a shift in strategy to generate aircraft for wartime missions in the first year. Implemented bi-weekly meetings and strategic improvements, with the team attaining a record-breaking 19.2 utilization rate across the A-10 fleet, generating 4.5K sorties and setting a new standard for aircraft generation efficiency.

Nov 1988- Sep 2014: F-15 Crew Chief, Master Instructor, Expediter, Section Chief, (Lead) Production Super, various locations.

Education Certifications

Bachelors in Arts, Business Administration/Management, New Mexico Highland University, Summa Cum Laude

Associate in Arts, General Studies, Gulf Coast State College

Associates in Applied Science, Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)

Associate in Applied Science, Instructor of Technology and Military Science, CCAF

Professional Manager’s Certificate and Occupational Instructor Certificate, CCAF

Harvard Mastering the Arts of Negotiation, Harvard Business School - Boston, MA

Project Management Professional Training, Project Management Institute - Holloman AFB, NM

Certified Master Instructor, 82d Training Wing Commander

Other Highlights

Elected/served as Chiefs’ Group (E-9) President and advisor to 5 base-wide counsels serving the needs of > 4,000 Airmen assigned to Holloman Air Force Base to advance enlisted Airmen, serve the community, and complement mission requirements.

Earned the distinct prestigious AF Citation of Honor during the Maintenance Unit Deputy position between 2013 – 2014.

Multiple letters received as Deputy PM from customers lauding mission success and direct influence on goal achievement.

Secret Security Clearance (NACLC), Active Duty/Contract

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