Customer Service, Project-Event-Conference Management, and Protocol

DEXTER O. APPLEBERRY

Project, Event, & Conference Manager

571-***-**** ******.*.**********@*****.*** Woodbridge, VA 22191

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Self-motivated, highly dedicated Project, Event, and Conference Manager with over 20 years of experience supporting senior leadership at the Department of the Army and U.S. Air Force. Proven ability to plan and execute high-profile ceremonies, international engagements, and national security conferences. Expert in strategic planning, resource optimization, and fostering teamwork to deliver seamless, mission-critical events and projects.

Core Competencies

Project Management

Event & Conference Coordination

Protocol & Diplomatic Engagements

Intergovernmental & International Affairs

Strategic Planning & Critical Thinking

Leadership Accountability & Team Development

Resource Management & Logistics

Public Speaking & Stakeholder Engagement

Professional Experience

Senior Protocol Specialist - Project, Event, and Conference Manager

Army Protocol Office, Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army The Pentagon, Washington, DC

August 2010 - February 2025

Provided protocol, conference, and event management in support to the Secretary of the Army, Chief of Staff of the Army, Sergeant Major of the Army, and other senior level leaders.

Planned and executed 500+ high-visibility events, including Medal of Honor ceremonies, Army Birthday Balls, Army-Navy Games and Outreach Receptions, Department of Defense - Pentagon Wounded Warrior Visits, high-level defense and security summits, and strategic leadership forums.

Coordinated projects, logistics, scheduling, and stakeholder communications for Members of Congress, General Officers, Senior Level Executive Civilians, and International Dignitaries.

Oversaw venue selection, guestlist databases, seating arrangements, flag protocol, and VIP liaison responsibilities to ensure diplomatic and operational integrity.

Protocol Specialist, Special Event Coordinator, and Operations Specialist

U.S. Army Garrison - Walter Reed Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC

September 2008 - August 2010

Managed planning and execution of 150+ national ceremonies, conferences, and special events, including a major NASCAR event and the Walter Reed Centennial Celebration.

Developed event timelines, budget estimates, and risk-mitigation plans to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

Coordinated and executed mission-critical operations across joint task forces, applying adaptive problem-solving and resource optimization to ensure seamless logistical support and operational readiness in high-pressure and dynamic environments.

Commander, Combat Support Flight

23rd Services Squadron Moody Air Force Base, GA

June 2006 - June 2007

Commanded a 200-member cross-functional flight, integrated military, civilian, and contracted personnel, and optimized performance and resource allocation across a $25M portfolio.

Led cross-functional oversight of 21 facilities delivering recreation, ceremonial, and life-support services, optimizing performance across fitness, food, library, lodging, and mortuary operations.

Developed and implemented action plans for rapid-deployment readiness, ensuring 72-hour alert capability in support of global combat forces.

Deputy Chief of Programs

Multi-National Corps–Iraq (CJ-1) Camp Victory Complex, Baghdad, Iraq

January 2006 - June 2006

Managed $100 million in Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) assets, including distribution of donated resources and oversight of AAFES, AFN broadcasting, AT&T communications, AFE, and USO entertainment.

Enhanced combat capability and morale for 160,000+ U.S. and coalition personnel through R&R operations and recreational programming.

Supervised test control and education officers, ensuring program compliance and operational efficiency.

Chief of Protocol

480th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing Langley Air Force Base, VA

February 2004 - January 2006

Led protocol operations for a 2,000-person ISR wing with $1.7 billion in infrastructure and assets.

Coordinated visits and events for 1,000+ national and international dignitaries in a highly secure and classified environment.

Maintained zero protocol discrepancies by enforcing diplomatic and military etiquette standards.

Education

Master of Science in Information Technology (Systems Engineering Specialization)

University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, MD (Expected January 2027)

Bachelor of Science: Engineering Technology Management Minor: Business Administration Mississippi Valley State University Itta Bena, MS

Certifications & Training

Completed an intensive boot camp and preparing to sit for the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) exam this fall to formally validate and enhance project management expertise.

Data-Driven Decisions Development Training Course, Headquarters, Department of the Army, The Pentagon, DC

Protocol Officer Training Course, Protocol School of Washington, McLean, VA

Air Force Protocol Officer Training Course, Civil Engineering & Services School, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH

Advanced Officer Executive Leadership Training – Civil Engineering & Services School, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH

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