Project Management Program Manager

RICHARD HOWARD

New Castle, ***** PA 865-***-**** ***********@*****.***

Summary

Accomplished Executive Leader with over 30 years of proven experience in high-stakes operations, strategic project execution, and driving organizational transformation across diverse sectors. Expertise in delivering visionary leadership and managing complex, cross-functional teams within highly regulated environments such as DOE, DoD, USACE, and the commercial nuclear sector. Demonstrated ability to improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, and optimize resource allocation to achieve key business objectives. Strong track record in project management, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance for large-scale initiatives. U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate with advanced credentials in engineering, project management, and Six Sigma process improvement. Recognized for exceptional leadership in executing multi-million-dollar projects, enhancing organizational performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Known for building and leading high-performance teams, driving cost reductions, and ensuring safety and compliance across all levels of operation.

Core Competencies

Project Leadership

Environmental Remediation

Cost and Schedule Integration

DOE/DoD Programs

Radiological

Decontamination

Regulatory Compliance

Cross-functional

Resource Allocation

Client Relationship

Deadline Management

Six Sigma Methodology

Operational Efficiency

Federal Safety Compliance

Capture Strategy

Tactical Leadership

Chemical Weapons Destruction

Customer service presentation

Experience

LEU+ Utility Program Manager 01/2025 to Current

WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY Cranberry, PA

Led operations for utility-specific small modular nuclear reactor projects across North America, overseeing budgets exceeding $50M and ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.

Managed project delivery teams of up to 30 engineers and technicians, aligning execution with client expectations, contract requirements, and scope changes.

Ensured strict adherence to safety standards and regulatory compliance, resulting in zero safety incidents and 100% compliance during annual NRC audits.

Directed capital improvement and maintenance programs at four nuclear facilities, increasing system efficiency by 18% and reducing downtime by 12% year-over-year. Financial Broker / Field Underwriter 02/2021 to 01/2025 SYMMETRY FINANCIAL GROUP

Delivered consultative financial services to over 150 families, focusing on long-term protection strategies and equity growth through tailored investment plans.

Leveraged strong analytical skills to assess client financial needs, resulting in a 20% increase in client portfolio performance within 12 months.

Managed end-to-end client relationships in a fast-paced sales environment, maintaining a 95% client retention rate.

Closed an average of $500K+ in financial products monthly, consistently ranking in the top 10% of regional advisors.

Project Manager 02/2020 to 10/2020

PERMA-FIX ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Seattle, WA

Directed emergency response operations for a radioactive spill at a major research hospital, ensuring containment within 3 hours and zero public health impact.

Led a cross-functional team of 15 specialists in executing a full environmental remediation plan under federal safety protocols.

Coordinated with LANL and multiple federal agencies, streamlining communication and expediting regulatory approvals by 40%.

Achieved full site clearance and operational recovery 2 weeks ahead of schedule, minimizing facility downtime and research disruption.

Program Manager 01/2016 to 02/2020

INGENIUM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Oak Ridge, TN

Led multi-million-dollar DOE and DoD programs focused on environmental remediation and infrastructure upgrades, overseeing portfolios exceeding $120M.

Built and scaled high-performing teams from 5 to 40+ staff, enabling rapid execution of strategic initiatives across multiple project sites.

Delivered complex infrastructure and cleanup projects 15% under budget and 20% ahead of schedule, while maintaining full compliance with federal guidelines.

Spearheaded cross-agency collaboration, resulting in a 30% increase in funding efficiency and accelerated program authorization timelines.

Business Development Associate 10/2014 to 01/2016

NUCLEAR MARKETING SERVICES, INC. Knoxville, TN

Spearheaded client engagement and capture strategies focused on DOE/NNSA sectors, securing $25M+ in new contracts over 18 months.

Developed and implemented capture plans that increased proposal win rates by 35%, positioning the company as a preferred vendor in the federal space.

Drove revenue growth by applying technical project management expertise to align service offerings with client mission needs and compliance standards.

Partnered with technical teams to tailor solution briefs, improving client responsiveness and reducing sales cycle times by 22%.

Project Manager 06/2012 to 09/2014

Y-12 NATIONAL SECURITY COMPLEX (Contract: Gemtech) Oak Ridge, TN

Oversaw high-profile mercury remediation initiatives in sensitive nuclear environments, managing projects valued at over $30M across DOE-regulated sites.

Led remediation operations with zero safety violations, maintaining full compliance under 24/7 regulatory oversight.

Delivered fast-turnaround results, reducing project timelines by 25% while upholding strict federal and environmental standards.

Coordinated with internal stakeholders and federal inspectors to resolve technical issues in real time, earning recognition for exceptional response efficiency.

Critical Path Project Manager 12/2011 to 05/2012

URS CH2M OAK RIDGE LLC (UCOR) (Contract: StrataG)

Managed deactivation and decommissioning (D&D) of the historic K-25 facility, a legacy uranium enrichment site under the DOE cleanup program.

Led cross-functional teams of 50+ personnel, completing project milestones 3 months ahead of schedule while maintaining safety and compliance.

Optimized schedule and critical path activities, resulting in a 15% reduction in project delays and improved coordination across DOE contractors.

Successfully aligned deliverables with DOE objectives, contributing to the overall reduction of long-term surveillance and maintenance costs by $8M.

Project Manager / Technical Advisor 06/2009 to 12/2011 B&W Y-12 LLC (Contract: Omega Technical Services) TN

Advised on deactivation and decommissioning (D&D) strategies for large-scale nuclear facilities, supporting DOE and contractor operations across multi-site portfolios.

Developed and implemented CONOPS to guide technical execution, improving task coordination and reducing schedule conflicts by 30%.

Led utilities deactivation planning, ensuring seamless isolation of critical systems and compliance with nuclear safety standards.

Played a key role in crafting environmental compliance strategies, contributing to successful regulatory audits and zero non-conformance findings.

Deputy Project Manager, High Risk Equipment 08/2007 to 06/2009 BECHTEL CORPORATION

Directed a 180-person team and managed a $129M budget for the K-25/K-27 decontamination and demolition project, delivering project milestones on time and within budget.

Ensured operations continued under strict Nuclear Safety Basis protocols, achieving a 100% safety record throughout the project duration.

Led cross-functional teams across engineering, safety, and environmental departments, improving task execution efficiency by 20%.

Coordinated with regulatory bodies and internal teams to maintain full compliance with DOE and NRC requirements, minimizing regulatory delays and improving audit outcomes. Project Manager 10/2004 to 08/2007

BECHTEL CORPORATION

Led $272M in DOE environmental projects, overseeing a team of 100+ personnel across multiple high-profile cleanup and remediation sites.

Managed project scope, budgets, and timelines, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery while maintaining full compliance with federal and environmental regulations.

Coordinated multi-disciplinary teams, improving project efficiency and reducing operational costs by 15% across several key initiatives.

Maintained direct communication with stakeholders, ensuring alignment on project goals and securing 90% client satisfaction ratings.

Six Sigma Black Belt 04/2001 to 10/2004

BECHTEL CORPORATION

Executed Six Sigma improvements on multi-billion-dollar chemical weapons destruction programs, enhancing process efficiency by 22%.

Led continuous improvement initiatives that reduced waste and operational delays, resulting in a 15% decrease in project costs across the program.

Implemented data-driven solutions, optimizing key operational workflows and increasing overall productivity by 18%.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure full compliance with federal regulations, contributing to successful program audits and zero non-conformance issues. Project Manager, FUSRAP 02/2000 to 04/2001

BECHTEL CORPORATION

Managed national radiological cleanup efforts for 46 DOE legacy sites, overseeing a team of 200+ personnel and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Successfully transitioned operations of cleanup efforts to the USACE, resulting in a 20% increase in operational efficiency and smoother integration of ongoing activities.

Coordinated project timelines, resources, and budgets, completing the cleanup initiatives within 5% of the projected cost and ahead of schedule.

Developed and executed detailed plans for site remediation, reducing radiological risks by 40% and securing regulatory approvals for all sites.

Senior Project Controls Engineer 08/1999 to 01/2001 BECHTEL CORPORATION

Oversaw cost and schedule integration using EVMS for Navy and industrial remediation programs, ensuring alignment with project goals and optimizing resource allocation.

Managed multiple remediation projects with a combined budget of $100M, delivering results 15% under budget and meeting all schedule targets.

Streamlined EVMS reporting processes, improving project visibility and enabling 30% faster decision-making on cost and schedule adjustments.

Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure projects were completed on time, resulting in zero major delays across all remediation efforts.

Executive Assistant to Operations Manager 09/1998 to 08/1999 BECHTEL CORPORATION

Supported executive operations across a $1.2B project portfolio, ensuring seamless coordination between senior leadership and project teams.

Managed key deliverables for over 15 projects within the portfolio, ensuring on-time and within-budget execution.

Assisted in streamlining project reporting processes, improving transparency and decision-making efficiency by 25%.

Contributed to the successful allocation of $500M in resources, aligning project goals with organizational objectives and maintaining full compliance with federal standards. Engineering Group Supervisor & Environmental Engineer 01/1996 to 01/1998 xxx

Led technical teams focused on DOE remediation and site recovery operations, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards across multiple federal sites.

Directed a team of 30+ engineers and specialists, delivering site recovery projects 10% ahead of schedule while meeting all regulatory requirements.

Managed project scope and resources, contributing to the successful recovery of 50+ DOE sites, with a 95% success rate in meeting remediation goals.

Developed and implemented innovative recovery strategies, resulting in a 20% reduction in operational costs and enhanced team productivity.

Radiological Engineer & Facility Manager 05/1991 to 07/1996 LOCKHEED MARTIN ENERGY SYSTEMS Oak Ridge, TN

Managed radiological and nuclear facility operations, overseeing environmental remediation efforts across multiple high-risk sites while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards.

Led cross-functional teams in the execution of remediation projects, completing over 20 high-priority initiatives on time and within 95% of the allocated budget.

Developed and executed compliance programs, achieving 100% compliance during regulatory audits and ensuring continuous alignment with federal and environmental safety guidelines.

Coordinated with environmental agencies and internal teams, reducing operational downtime by 15% and improving overall facility performance.

Field Artillery Officer 05/1985 to 05/1991

UNITED STATES ARMY USA

Held leadership roles in artillery fire coordination and unit operations, ensuring precision and efficiency in high- stakes combat environments.

Directed a team of 50+ personnel during operations, improving response times and tactical decision-making by 20%.

Recognized and awarded for service excellence and tactical leadership, contributing to mission success and strengthening unit capabilities.

Spearheaded artillery training programs, improving team proficiency by 30% and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.

Education

M.S.: Environmental Engineering 01/1996

University of Tennessee Knoxville

B.S.: Electrical Engineering 01/1985

U.S. Military Academy West Point

Certifications

Licensed Professional Engineer (TN)

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Six Sigma Black Belt

Inactive Q Clearance (DOE)

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