Lisa Bercher

Experience

• 

  Federal Aviation Administration

  Sept 1992 - now

  In this executive leadership role, I serve as the Program Manager for the $2.7 billion Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement Program (TAMR). Specifically, I’m responsible for managing a cross-functional team of 80 employees and 600+ contractors, covering the areas of prime acquisition & non-prime contracts, investment analysis, decisions & implementation, deployment & site work, and Automation Service Requests. I also direct multi-billion dollar investments for NextGen Capabilities that will be integrated into Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) from 2019 – 2035. As the agency representative responsible for ongoing inter-agency agreements, collaboration and cooperation with Department of Defense (DoD), I provide guidance and a corporate view to operational ATC facilities, NextGen Capabilities based on the agency’s goals, program goals, operational goals/constraints, and cross-program dependencies. As a strong communicator and innovative collaborator, I’m also responsible for leading a senior team of dedicated managers. Under my guidance, they regularly implement curriculum-based approaches to employee performance management, leadership development for employees, accountability practices, and progress on goal achievement. Show less In this strategic management role, I was responsible for providing oversight and ensuring the integration of System of Systems (SoS) mission-critical programs and projects. Specifically, I managed the synthesizing/analysis of the acquisition, requirements, development, deployment and implementation data for multi-billion dollar programs in order to increase awareness of risks, issues or opportunities that exist and recommend approaches for mitigating, addressing and exploiting. I was also accountable for identifying critical path programs and capabilities requirements dependent on external stakeholders (e.g., planning procedural changes, airspace, technical operations certification or training requirements, air traffic standards & training, etc.). I led multidisciplinary teams through unique programs, and provided mentorship, assistance and general support to a range of personnel with varying degrees of experience and skillsets. Other relevant job duties I performed in this role included:• Facilitating the development of integrated views of schedules and risks to identify critical path requirement dependencies on external stakeholders • Serving as the sole point of contact for projects/programs that require a Directorate-level representative to be ‘on point’ for integrating and synthesizing information across multiple directorates• Providing guidance and a corporate perspective to operational ATC facilities in order to filter deployment and implementation options based on understanding program goals, operational goals/constraints, and cross-program dependencies• Successfully developing, deploying and maintaining multi-million dollar programs• Managing a team of senior staff members Show less In this 10-month detail assignment, I served as the focal point for assessing and determining opportunities in the FAA's global footprint. Specifically, I developed concepts and requirements for the assessment, identified existing data sources and data development needs to prepare the assessment, and prepared test cases for the assessment to gauge opportunities where changing the FAA footprint might better address global trends.I was also a member of the Data-Informed Prioritization Task Force, which identifies global trends, scenarios or data for discussion with the Global Leadership Government/Industry Roundtable (e.g., development of a test scenario for assess global certification activities and engage industry to validate effectiveness and value-added). Other relevant job responsibilities included:• Developing a Concept of Operations that supports the Data-Informed Prioritization Task Force by developing solutions that address a lack of International standards for data gathering and repository as well as no ability to forecast or provide international trending data. • Developing comprehensive briefings for the Data-Informed Prioritization Task Force to brief the Strategic Initiative Group (SIG), International Advisory Board (IAB), International Steering Committee (ISC) and the Executive Council (EC) Show less As the manager of en-route automation modernization (ERAM) implementation and integration, I provided oversight and ensured daily functionality/productivity of mission-critical programs and projects, including ERAM, the largest single governmental program in history at $2.4B.Other crucial job responsibilities I fulfilled in this role included:• Managing operations in alignment with the Air Traffic Organization and Program Management Organization’s mission, vision and strategy• Being accountable for deploying systems to support operations, surveillance, and automation initiatives• Mentoring and leading cross-functional teams through unique programs and projects• Facilitating thorough reviews of timelines, costs and departmental budgets; ensuring synchronization between timelines, budgets, risks and performance• Conducting regular studies to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the effectiveness and viability of programs• Developing FAA policies, Portfolio Level Agreements (PLAs), operational protocol, standards, and performance metrics• Liaising with internal/external stakeholders, unionized bargaining units, agencies and resource• Serving as a member of the Performance Control Board and the Integrated Review Board Show less In this technical leadership role, I managed a team of 23 staff that supported safety operations and maintained systems at one of the FAA’s largest service delivery points. Specifically, I oversaw the expansion and enhancement of multiple facility systems/programs and led teams through complex requirements to ensure headquarter-driven modernization programs, air-traffic control services, and the flying public experiences could be simultaneously aligned and managed.Other important responsibilities I held in this position included:• Proactively leading coordination across multiple lines of business within the facility to ensure a team-based approach to system enhancement or sustainment activities• Overseeing the use of over $7 million federal and contractor resources to support key organizational objectives• Analyzing work processes, operational methodology, and project objectives• Serving as a Technical Expert in the development, configuration, testing, and implementation of key en route services• Leading the planning and assimilation of numerous large-scale projects (focused on airspace adaptation and technical system integration)• Collaborating with engineers, planners, contractors, and system users during the implementation of new & modified systems; offering technical support & troubleshooting on an as-needed basis• Acting as mentor to teammates and staff members, fostering communications, and promoting self-development, training, and professional growth• Facilitating the integration of appropriate systems and service certifications aligned with internal policies Show less In this multidisciplinary leadership role, I upheld several mission-critical roles while supervising and supporting employee operations on behalf of multiple projects and programs on regional, national, and international levels. Specifically, I oversaw the maintenance and operation of NAS equipment, facilitates, and designated systems; fulfilled technical and administrative leadership to staff members and technicians; and coordinated efforts with numerous internal and external organizations (Department of Navy, Delta Airlines, United Parcel Service, and multiple airport authorities).I was also responsible for supporting and completing information technology system upgrades and implementations; working with Host, Display System Replacement, and DSR Support System Complex; recommending and deploying hardware and software systems in order to promote program efficiency and success; facilitating on-site technical assistance as well as remote support to Field Technicians; and ensuring software quality by conducting routine, thorough tests and analyses. Show less

  • Program Manager, Terminal Automation Modernization/Replacement

    Feb 2016 - now

  • Chapter 265 President

    Jun 2016 - Jun 2019

  • Manager, AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES INTEGRATION

    Dec 2013 - Feb 2016

  • SME for Global Leadership Initiative for the FAA office of International Affairs

    Nov 2014 - Aug 2015

  • Manager, EN ROUTE AUTOMATION MODERNIZATION (ERAM) IMPLEMENTATION AND INTEGRATION

    Jan 2011 - Dec 2013

  • TECHNICAL OPERATIONS AUTOMATION MANAGER

    Mar 2005 - Jan 2011

  • MANAGER / SENIOR ADVISOR / COMPUTER SCIENTIST

    Sept 1992 - Mar 2005
• 

  NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Jan 1993 - Dec 1994

  Computer Programmer

  Computer Programmer for flight simulators

• 

  The Bercher Group

  Apr 2019 - now

  Independent Corporate Consultant, Strategic Advisor, Speaker

  I founded The Bercher Group to help with corporate strategic planning, motivate teams, transform workplace culture, and to be a motivational speaker and role model for young women.