Courtney R Wells (TS/SCI)
804-***-**** ********.****.*****@*****.*** www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-r-mills
Professional Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Program Manager and Transformational Leader with over 20 years experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects and programs on time and within budget. Proven track record in strategic planning, portfolio management, stakeholder engagement, and driving process improvements to achieve organizational excellence. Skilled in risk management, budgeting, and resource allocation, with a strong ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities. Excellent communicator and leader, adept at fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Seeking to leverage expertise in program management, Lean, Agile and process improvement for business development and growth.
Skills
Certified Scrum Master
Product Management
Agile, SAFe, De-centralized Agile
Digital Release Management
Lean Six Sigma
Servant Leader
Quality Management
Resource Management
Cross-functional Collaboration
Decision-Making
Strategic Planning
Team Building
Change Management
Quality Management
Stakeholder Management
Adaptability
Experience
Director Professional Services and Project Manager 09/2024 - Present
Systems & Software, Harris Cincinnati, Ohio
Led a project management team to deliver comprehensive software solutions for city-owned utilities across the U.S. Managed all phases of software development, including configuration, testing, customer training, and release management.
Collaborated with company leadership to define strategic goals, driving business growth and continuous improvement. Streamlined project management processes using visual dashboards, documentation, and standardized workflows.
Served as Project Manager for a multi-million-dollar Customer Interface Service Software deployment, overseeing client engagement and coordinating multiple on-site sessions to meet requirements. Led a cross-functional team of technical experts across the U.S. and Canada.
Director and Chief Product Management 04/2022 to 01/2024
General Electric (GE) Aerospace Cincinnati, Ohio
Standardized Value Stream Mapping and Lean initiatives, streamlining Demand and Delivery processes for Next Generation engineering teams, Information Assurance, and Department of Defense stakeholders, enhancing efficiency and agility in project execution.
Developed strategic, multi-phase roadmaps aligning diverse requirements with overall business objectives, ensuring effective prioritization and resource allocation.
Established a comprehensive framework to improve communication and collaboration among stakeholders, including business leaders, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity teams, Digital Technology leaders, and Aerospace Engineering teams, resulting in seamless integration and optimized project outcomes.
Led transformation initiatives to implement Planning Strategy and Portfolio Management standards across 10 Scrum Pods and shared service teams, driving CIO and leadership engagement in prioritization and standardization processes.
Introduced measurement standards and data-driven analysis methods to improve On-Time Delivery performance, focusing on high-impact defects, root cause analysis, corrective action plans, and stability controls.
Senior Technical Product Manager 05/2019 to 04/2022
General Electric (GE) Aerospace Cincinnati, Ohio
Unified multifaceted functions within the $200M+ Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Engines Modernization Program in GE Aviation's Digital Supply Chain, coordinating efforts to synchronize, upgrade, and streamline data management, compliance, and production protection.
Provided coaching to multiple project teams and standardized work development processes to enhance Quality Assurance (QA) User Acceptance Testing and 'Go-Live' procedures, resulting in 40% increase in efficiency for major releases.
Served as Technical Product Manager for a critical business solution at risk, swiftly optimizing Agile practices, culminating in a successful production release and earning commendation from leadership for "Delivering with Focus
Developed and implemented the ERP Playbook Portal, encompassing over 60 Standard Work and Best Practices, and provided training to 35+ Technical Product Owners and teams across 5 ERPs, leading to streamlined digital solution releases.
Orchestrated Quarterly Big Room Reviews across five ERPs and facilitated Quarterly Big Room Planning for over 10 scrum and shared service teams, resulting in increased efficiency by over 15% through team training and coaching initiatives.
Director of Operations/Plant Manager 05/2018 to 05/2019
Castellini Group of Companies Cincinnati, Ohio
Led team of 250 staff members in a culturally diverse environment at a Fresh Kitchen Start-Up company, overseeing a Leadership Team composed of Procurement, Quality, Inventory, Shipping and Receiving, Operations, and Maintenance/Engineering to 20% increase in annual sales volume.
Restructured Inventory/Operations Staffing, fostering a positive lean motivated team culture that enhanced productivity and collaboration within the organization.
Implemented Lean Manufacturing principles, resulting in a 5% increase in plant yields and a 10% reduction in overtime costs, optimizing operational efficiency.
Spearheaded cost-saving initiatives projected to save over $1.2 million annually through Root Cause Analysis, KAIZANs, corrective actions, enhanced accountability, and control measures, contributing to the company's bottom line.
Served as Project Manager for Standard Operating Procedure Development and Bill of Material (BOM) revision for over 500 SKUs, successfully creating and implementing Change Management procedures to ensure seamless transitions and operational excellence.
Technical Process and Reliability Engineering Manager 12/2015 to 05/2018
Honeywell Pottsville, PA
Provided leadership and mentorship to a team of manufacturing process engineers, reliability engineers, and technicians, ensuring their professional development and fostering a culture of excellence.
Led continuous improvement campaigns, resulting in a 10% reduction in equipment failure rate, translating to annual savings of $300k and ensuring smooth production operations. Increased plant capacity through streamlined Preventive Maintenance Procedures, further enhancing operational effectiveness.
Managed $1.2 million in Yield Improvement Projects and achieved $500k in cost savings through reliability improvement projects, demonstrating a commitment to optimizing operational efficiency and reducing expenses.
Oversaw and supervised process improvements in quality, yield variance, and operating equipment efficiency, resulting in annual revenue exceeding $120 million and managing a $3 million annual budget.
Drilling Operations Supervisor 06/2013 to 12/2015
Chesapeake Energy Oklahoma City, OK
Successfully saved $10 million annually through process improvements in Rig Move Operations, surpassing project performance goals and demonstrating a commitment to cost-saving initiatives.
Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures for various stages of drilling an oil well, establishing best practice standards to ensure consistency and efficiency in operations.
Implemented improvements that resulted in a 20% reduction in Rig Move Time for over 30 operations, achieved through streamlined documentation processes and enhanced operational efficiency.
Supervised operations on drilling rigs across multiple locations in Oklahoma, Ohio, and West Virginia, serving as the lead coordinator between various logistical and operational assets for all regional large-scale rig movements, ensuring seamless coordination and optimization.
Aviation Officer 06/2003 to 06/2013
United States Army United States, Afghanistan
Served as Operations Manager overseeing 500 employees responsible for Aviation Maintenance and Technical training, managing over 40 technical programs and Maintenance Manager for aviation training devices valued over $200 million.
Commanded 320 aviation personnel, leading successful operational and logistical actions in support of Organizational Mission, ensuring compliance with safety, training, medical, and governmental regulations.
Achieved the designation of Pilot in Command of UH-60L D/N, a distinction earned by only 2 out of 10 peers in the battalion, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership in aviation operations.
Managed Tactical Operations Center operations in Afghanistan, overseeing mission tracking, critical Medical Evacuation Missions, and Quick Reaction Force decisions, and analyzing the battlefield in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Commended by leadership for standardizing the largest Air Assault in Afghanistan personnel control plan.
Education
Change Management Certification 10/2024
Cornell University Ithaca, NY
Project Management Certification Program (Agile & PMP) 09/2024
Cornell University Ithaca, NY
Executive Masters: Business Administration 06/2016
Purdue University West Lafayette, IN
B.S. Aerospace Mechanical Engineering 05/2003
United States Military Academy West Point, NY
Award and Recognition
Awarded Bronze Star Award for missions in Afghanistan Certified pilot for UH-60 & OH-58 Helicopters