Barry Kerness, PMP

Experience

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  U.S. Army

  May 1983 - Jun 2003

  Company Commander / Executive Officer / Operations Officer / Artillery Officer

  • Directed the training and resources of a basic training battalion that trained more than 1.2K Soldiers annually; prepared and conducted experiential learning activities in 50+ subjects.• Reorganized and motivated an HR staff that failed its previous compliance inspection, boosting the efficiency rate from 55% to 95%. • Directed the training, discipline, welfare and morale of 80+ American and Korean soldiers; earned a reputation for firm, yet compassionate mentorship.• Developed employee support programs that resulted in achieving 150% of retention goals.• Planned and executed replacement of 75 truck fleet as part of modernization program. Show less

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  Ahtna Development Corporation

  Jun 2003 - Jan 2008

  Program Manager

  • Flawlessly administered two contracts valued in excess of $52.4M while overseeing contract growth of $16.8M over three years. • Revamped operations within the project office that completely erased a 52% backlog of billing to the Federal Government.• Combined the duties of the General Manager and Operations Manager for cost savings of $101K in salary to the organization while maintaining 100% customer support. • Served on the contract negotiating team; worked several proposals concurrently, ensuring timely delivery; recommended management concepts and approaches to proposal strategies.• Streamlined operations and improved productivity through effective reporting, prioritization and customer communications.• Led the seamless transition from the incumbent contractor to a new contractor with zero interruptions in service, ensuring 100% award fee. Show less

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  Salient Federal Solutions

  Feb 2008 - Oct 2012

  Program Manager

  • Expertly managed the contract for the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) Artillery and Chemical Trainers. • Aggressive oversight of all contract activities directly resulted in documented cost savings or cost avoidance for the customer of $2.1M.• Collaborated with the client to develop integrated and effective solutions that met or exceeded all contract requirements; customer service always a top priority.• Analyzed internal processes while recommending and implementing procedural or policy changes to improve and streamline operations while promoting overall contract accomplishment. • Exceeded the operational readiness standard of 90%; maintained operational readiness for virtual training devices at 99.99% over the life of the contract.• Authored the technical portions of a winning proposal for a $2.98M contract that resulted in $1.4M in revenues for the organization.• Conducted analysis and risk assessments; recommended risk mitigation strategies.• Evaluated each facet of operations and provided recommendations for improvements in procedures, products and equipment.• Directed daily operations with planned work methods and schedules; established priorities based on the organization’s goals. • Managed the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) directed moves of two field offices.• Integrated the addition of a new suite of training devices for the Army resulting in an operational readiness rate of 100% for the training devices and increased value of the contract by 5%.• Managed assigned personnel with an emphasis on performance metrics, positive motivation and career growth & development.• Quickly resolved operating compliance issues by identifying appropriate resources for investigation and resolution. Show less

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  AhtnaSTS

  Nov 2012 - now

  Project Manager