Richard D.

Experience

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  US Army

  Jul 2002 - Nov 2008

  Served as the instructor operator for the initial deployment in support of Iraq combat operations. Provided over 250 hours of flight instruction, evaluated/trained 29 Army pilots, and created associated flight standards and operational procedures.  ✢ Ensured soldiers were adequately prepared for operational rotations throughout different theaters of operation.  ✢ Instructed soldiers on initial qualifications for Warrior A, and assisted in developing the operator readiness program.. ✢ Selected by leadership to field the inaugural U.S. Army Warrior A system in an active combat environment. ✢ Supervised flight operations to evaluate weather, manage customer interactions, and maintain safety standards. Show less

  • Warrior A Instructor Operator/Writer

    Oct 2006 - Nov 2008

  • Shadow UAS

    Jul 2002 - Oct 2006
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  Raytheon Technical Svc

  Oct 2008 - Nov 2010

  Consulting, Training and Development Specialist - ERMP UAS Standardization Instructor

  Governed the development of the instructor training program and facilitated the refinement of the qualification program. Offered detailed feedback to clients with respect to training status changes or adjusted completion timelines.Key accomplishments: ➺ Held total accountability for ensuring flight safety and mitigating risk for training missions.➺ Created and deployed training standardization and requirements and developed training schedules for 42 instructors across a variety of disciplines. Show less

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  Textron Systems

  Nov 2010 - Nov 2017

  Instructor Operator

  Oversaw and managed operations of 42 Individual contributors across five sites, including professional development, workplace safety/health, recruitment, and timekeeping, operational readiness, performance evaluation, scheduling/assignment, and training needs/gap analysis. Organized and scheduled customized training, monitored status, gathered data to build status reports, and provided briefings. Arranged and maintained precise, updated documentation to ensure project performance. • Led project to revamp pilot training program, receiving quotes, identifying and contracting new vendors, consolidating locations, and adjusting work schedule resulting in a 25% training time reduction, 5% cost reduction and increase schedule adherence/reliability. • Developed curriculum development for the U.S. Army and contractor flight training that resulted in process improvement allowing instructor to be 15% more accurate with assessment and reduce academic workload 5%.• Utilized EVM (Earned Value Management) including ETC (Estimated Time to Completion), SPI (schedule performance index) and CPI (cost performance index) to monitor project progress and status. • Communicated with all internal and external stakeholders including project managers, C-level executives, and senior military commanders on project status.• Conducted public presentations and produced technical documents (Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, Sharepoint, Excel)• Collected and sourced data and assisted in development of bids in conjunction with business development, while working from a low-rate production to full rate production in the DoD lifecycle. Show less

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  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  May 2016 - Aug 2016

  Medical Scanning Assistant (Vocational Rehabilitation Program)
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  Insitu Inc

  Nov 2017 - Sept 2019

  Field Service Representative

  Managed a flight team of five operators conducting 1200 hours of flight support per month. Spearheaded end-to-end maintenance and shift flight operations to include collaboration with multiple sub and prime contractors to ensure operational readiness and mission effectiveness. Organized maintained and managed records and scheduling to ensure effective and efficient performance. • Maintained operational readiness rate of 95%, while scheduling and controlling project activities.• Tracked record keeping, ensuring records were updated and maintained in accordance with all regulations, best practices, and corporate guidance.• Implemented risk mitigation strategies and managed risks, planning risk responses to identified and anticipated risks and monitoring status to mitigation performed as expected. • Accountability for staff site operations, and communication. Show less

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  General Atomics Systems Integration

  Sept 2019 - Jan 2023

  Instructor Operator / Field Service Representative

  Provided expertise to test operations across multiple challenging environments. Analyzed all activities and ensured adherence to all governing regulations Serve as a subject matter expert for the full spectrum of UAS flight operations of army unmanned aircraft operations. • Supports planning, briefing, debriefing, resource management, and safety resulting in a 0% incident rate and 0 workplace injuries. • Mentoring and coaching junior team members and stakeholders, establishing and maintaining relationships through written, verbal, and presentation communications. • Performs administrative duties to ensure accurate record keeping, project performance, and status reporting.• Communication with diverse cross-functional teams to achieve objectives with strict deadlines, including prime, subcontractors, customers, engineering, and management utilizing analytical, interpersonal, verbal, and written communications. • Work directly with government representatives to assess risks, analyze and improve processes/procedures, and monitor sustained compliance. • Performed duties to gather requirements, understand roadblocks, develop situations and gain support for changes Show less

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  Sonoran Desert Institute

  Mar 2023 - now

  Adjunct Faculty

  Integrate educational and professional experiences to facilitate online classroom education. Create excellent value by providing high-quality instruction and support to students.• Provide constructive and detailed feedback to students through presentation, written, and verbal communication methods.

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  Tampa Bay Academy of Hope

  Apr 2024 - now

  Project Manager

  The project manager at the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope is tasked with strategic oversight and operational leadership of the Veteran Adult Reentry Program. This position entails project planning, execution, and stakeholder management, requiring robust program governance and performance monitoring to ensure effective delivery and quality assurance. Responsibilities include resource allocation, risk management, and enhancing operational efficiencies across the board. The role also involves assisting in grant writing and fundraising initiatives, demanding a strong capability in financial oversight and budget management. Emphasis on cross-functional team leadership and change management is critical, as the role requires the Project Manager to foster an environment of continuous improvement and innovation within the organization. Show less