Keith Cassant MAOL, SPHR, CEH

Experience

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  The Y (YMCA)

  Apr 1995 - Jul 1997

  Lifeguard & Swim Instructor

  Part time Lifeguard while in High School

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  United States Army

  Jul 1997 - Sept 2019

  Worked 3+ years in Army Music Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) Senior Leaders Course (SLC) and Advanced Leaders Course (ALC). Mentored, coached, assessed, counseled, and accounted for 198 SLC students and 268 ALC students. Led the development, updates, and submission of mid-grade and senior military leadership lesson plans via the curriculum development department. Guided logistics and resource management for budgets, acquisitions, maintenance, and accountability of NCOA property valued at $245K+.● Recognized for mastery of Kolb’s Experiential Learning and Bloom's Taxonomy by being selected among 1,000+ Army instructors under the Combined Arms Support Command as the 2018 Teacher of the Year, spanning influence over 250K Soldiers● Led 27 semesters of senior and advanced leadership instruction for 539 Reserve Component and Active Duty Army leaders, enhancing mission capabilities for 71 organizations worldwide● Evaluated academic performance for 300+ students in over 450+ hours of instruction, to include areas of oral communication, written communication, research ability, leadership, and teamwork Show less Deputy Director for a 40+ employee company for 6+ years; managing the production and output of Human Resource, Security, Logistics and Resource Management departments. Directed the planning and production of Army Band performances; led, trained, and mentored 35 in coordinating all logistical requirements for musical groups varying in size from 5-35 musicians. Maintenance supervisor, accountable for the maintenance of $2.3M worth of organizational equipment. Implemented all executive training guidance. Performed as Drum Major and saxophonist in own productions.● Promoted to Deputy Director to oversee all department production based on mastery of leadership skills, high standards of excellence, and training & development techniques that increased output while fostering morale● Interviewed and assessed the conduct of 40+ employees within the company to work in operations and planning departments; displayed a mastery of selecting only the best candidates for the most prestigious branch in the company● Coached, trained, and mentored a staff of 35 in logistical coordination for 750+ musical performances, personally setting a standard of excellence by coordinating a record-setting 100+ performances in only a 10-day period Show less Managed Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion training, operations, risk, and emergency management; developed, planned, and supervised billeting, facility maintenance, security, and welfare of over 750 U.S. and Joint National forces, Civilians, and Iraqi Security Forces. Supervised the operations of two separate facilities, servicing over 1.5K personnel in Baghdad, Iraq. Coordinated and synchronized logistical and administrative support among local agencies and authorities to facilitate doctrinally sound, realistic, and efficient training on over $500K worth of equipment. Managed tasking, operations, and military schooling of over 905 employees.● Promoted to Senior Operations Director at parent company for excellence in research ability and attention to detail in identifying discrepancies and inconsistencies in reports or forms; fostered high standard of excellence in employees● Ensured safekeeping of sensitive and classified information maintained by central hub spearheading the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), managing both the security teams and the infrastructure with 0 incidents of breaches or leaks● Conducted intelligence briefings with Department of State, Joint Special Operations, and senior military executives, ensuring collaboration and sharing of threats to security and national interests and 0 effective attacks from ISIS● Verified contract production and managed project scope of Two-Phase base revitalization contract; provided oversight of over $5M worth of taxpayer dollars were properly used in contract scope Show less Managed a 41-person joint service team that safeguarded the safety and security of all 30,000 International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) personnel operating in Bagram, Afghanistan and the Parwan Province. Conducted the risk management and emergency response for perimeter and internal security of Bagram Airfield. Supervised tactical ground patrols and coordinated flight hours for the Bagram Security Zone.● Managed 1,288 combat patrols throughout the Bagram community that resulted in the capture of three High Value Enemy Targets and 13 Enemy Combatants, hindering enemy actions and deterred further attacks on Coalition Forces● Coordinated both ground and air firepower for over 300 missions between Joint Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces to secure and safeguard the 30K Coalition Forces and the local Afghan populace of Parwan Province● Investigated 55+ attacks against infrastructure, interests, personnel; prepared and provided reports of investigation findings to senior executives on all areas of interest, to include threat intelligence, action, response, and outcome Show less Advanced Skills Course Instructor, training all Army musicians in precision marching and ceremonial music performances and all levels of Army Band leadership on how to properly direct ceremonial procedures. Course Manager within Directorate of Training; monitoring, scheduling, and conducting musical ensemble training for all students’ graduation requirements. Facility Manager for all building use coordination by Army, Navy, and Marine Corps personnel. Drug Prevention Coordinator, handling testing for all employees and conducting all drug prevention training. Transportation coordinator, licensing all new drivers and safely transported all students to education and training events.● First-ever recipient of the U.S. Army School of Music Instructor of the Quarter award for particular pay-grade, recognizing professionalism and dedication to excellence, previously only awarded to higher level employees● Developed and implemented an entirely new lesson plan that cut training time for the U.S. Army School of Music Ceremonial Instruction from 26 weeks to 10 weeks; saved the Army over $50M in annual funding and 120 man-hours● Provided Ceremonial Instruction to over 700 Army Musicians in a 3-year period, with 0% attrition, that would fill the ranks of 71 organizations around the world and successfully assume designated roles Show less Division Chief of Plans, Operations, & Training. Supervised 22 Soldiers and responsible for the planning, coordination, support, tracking and execution of all 1 ID Band missions and training events; Squad Leader, responsible for supervision, accountability, health and welfare of ten Soldiers; Section Leader, responsible for tasking and musical training of six Soldiers; Unit Drum Major and trainer for 38 member marching band; Unit Driver Instructor; responsible for training 5-Ton drivers; Unit Bus and 5-Ton Driver responsible for safely transporting Soldiers and equipment. ● Performed over 100 missions on saxophone including a highly successful lID 2008 USAREC tour reaching 50,000 people in five states and broadcast to over 2 million● Supervised and processed the approval, planning, coordination and execution of over 225 musical missions, reaching over one million people and broadcast to 4 million● Accountable for the lives of 38 Soldiers and $500,000 worth of equipment as the unit bus and 5-ton driver to over 50 missions, logging over 5,000 miles without incident● Recognized by BG Cipolla for flawless coordination of a seven day, 12 Soldier, Wisconsin recruiting mission providing Army Recruiting with 1,086 leads for the U.S. Army Show less Operations Program and Project Manager, in charge of four Soldiers responsible for coordination of all musical missions and tracking operational statistics; Squad Leader, responsible for supervision, accountability, health and welfare of four Soldiers; Section Leader, responsible for tasking and musical training of five Soldiers; Performs as unit's Drum Major and trainer for 30 member Marching Band; Unit bus and five ton driver, responsible for safely transporting Soldiers and unit equipment. ● Project Manager for Task Force Riley railroad operations, which received over $5M worth of equipment over 30 days, and supervised over 100 employees● Supervised two employees as program manager in the tasking and coordination of over 120 musical projects● Project Manager for Operation Gyroscope II; secured 2 facilities, 5 vehicles, set up communication to receive unit transfer, and resulted in unit being mission ready 2 months ahead of schedule Show less Operations Program and Project Manager, responsible for coordinating the U.S. Army Infantry Center Band's Musical Mission. Drum Major in charge of the appearance and marching precision of the unit during parades and military reviews. Assistant Squad Leader responsible for the accountability and military training of a six Soldier squad in the absence of the Squad Leader.● Managed a 3 person team in the coordination of over 100 musical support projects for military command, local, and the recruiting missions● Accountable for the security and maintenance of over $31,000 worth of automation equipment and government property; repaired major computer malfunction that saved the Government over $1,000● Led company for over 75 performances supporting the local commands for over 75,000 Soldiers and civilians Show less Project Manager, responsible for coordinating the 1st Infantry Division Band's Musical Mission. Assistant Squad Leader responsible for the accountability and military training of a four Soldier squad in the absence of the Squad Leader.● Project manager for 63 musical support projects that reached an audience of over 150,000 people● Trained three soldiers to work as Operations Project Managers, resulting in a seamless transition● Trained weapon and marksmanship skills to 40 employees that resulted in 100% rile qualification Show less

  • Senior Trainer, Curriculum Writer, & Assistant Dean

    Feb 2016 - Sept 2019

  • Army Music Deputy Director

    May 2006 - Feb 2016

  • Training, Operations, Risk, & Emergency Manager

    Nov 2014 - Jun 2015

  • Joint Defense Operations, Risk Management, Emergency, & Security Manager

    Feb 2012 - Feb 2013

  • Advanced Instructor & Course Manager

    Aug 2008 - Aug 2011

  • Senior Program Manager

    Mar 2006 - Aug 2008

  • Program & Project Manager

    Jun 2005 - Mar 2006

  • Program & Project Manager

    Apr 2003 - Jun 2005

  • Project Manager

    Jul 1997 - Apr 2003
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  Savior Protection Ministries

  Nov 2017 - Jun 2024

  Instructor & Consultant in Security, Leadership, and Resiliency

  Employed by a non-profit organization to assist both secular and religious entities in creating or improving security programs and protocols, as well as training security teams to handle possible hazards or threats to the safety of congregants and personnel within the church campus. Formerly known as Savior Protection Ministries, and rooted in Christian principles and trained through holistic real-world perspectives, Eastgate Group is capable of training security teams in both secular and spiritual environments. Whether it's training church teams to secure the natural environment so that the supernatural can operate, or providing consultation and wisdom to private businesses and entities for protection and security, Eastgate Group brings a diverse team of individuals from backgrounds such as law enforcement, military, and even IT, that can provide a wide array of first-hand insight, expertise, and experience to fit nearly any need in today's ever-changing array of threats. From virtual and online security to physical and personal protection, let Eastgate Group guide you or your team to an increased level of protection and peace of mind. "Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” - Psalm 122:7, ESV• Recognized as top security and education specialist, having led over 1,000 students from 71 military bases around the world• Coached over 50 church security members in high value protection of security of children, monetary offerings, and personal protection of the pastor, resulting in a 100% decrease of breaches and thefts• Donated over $2,000 worth of leadership consulting and instruction training for church leadership teams by volunteering own personal time and resources in 4 clinical sessions Show less

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  Wells Fargo

  Jun 2019 - Dec 2020

  Leader for the training, development, care, empowerment, and oversight of branch team members as they provide world-class service in educating and assisting Wells Fargo customers meet their financial needs and goals.• Recognized for excellence by being assigned to backfill at a Level 2 affluent branch; managed 12 team members on service and product platforms for 50+ customers daily with no interruption or negative impact of service quality• Selected ahead of 6 peers, all with more time in the role and company, to manage own branch after only 16 months, due to superior financial planning and management abilities provided to over 200 customers in a 2-month window• Trained, led, and motivated over 20 tellers and bankers in the vital duties of Risk Management, Operational Security, and Customer Service; consistently leads above-company average processing and handling of over $1M weekly• Recognized for championing diversity and inclusion in the Veteran community; featured on company intranet twice, partners with new Veteran employees, and represented Wells Fargo on 10+ local nonprofit Veteran transition events Show less

  • Branch Manager

    Jul 2020 - Dec 2020

  • Branch Manager, Military Apprentice

    Jun 2019 - Jul 2020
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  U.S. Coast Guard

  Jan 2021 - Nov 2021

  Training Program Specialist

  Scheduled and issued C-School training orders for Coast Guard Active Duty, Reserve, Civilian, and Auxiliary members to attend Coast Guard hosted, commercial, Army, Navy, Air Force, and other agency training, to include but not limited to leveraging Direct Access systems, including Training Administrative System (TAS) or respective systems.• Responsible for executing the USCG training program, particularly all necessary schooling and deployment training for Patrol Forces Southwest Asia in Bahrain, and all Operations and Engineering Officers, totaling 7K+ personnel• Leveraged expert knowledge of Joint Training and Federal Travel Regulations, and DoD training policies to ensure valid and effective use of assignment of quotas to 500+ personnel and issuance of $1M+ in training travel orders• Recognized for superior performance as one of the top 3 specialists in the Education, Training, and Quota Management Command within first 4 months in the position and in executing 300+ travel orders• Sought out for superior skills in Microsoft Office Suite, having provided more efficient products in Excel and Access to track, manage, and analyze training needs for 1K+ USCG members Show less

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  Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

  Nov 2021 - now

  Performs outreach, branding, education, and advocacy services to bring resources and insight about the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to Veterans, Military Spouses, Transitioning Service Members (TSMs), and associated NonProfits at events, both in person and digital, and through various social media platforms, podcasts, and other communication mediums. I advocate on behalf of Veterans, Military Spouses, and TSMs to assist Hiring Managers within CISA understand the value that Veterans, Military Spouses, and TSMs bring to their teams and the organization, as well as the advantages afforded to Hiring Managers when hiring people within these categories. Manages CISA's Veterans Program for the 750+ Veterans currently employed with the agency. Monitors and manages CISA's Skillbridge Program. Show less Responsible for coordinating and tracking the development of CISA-wide cyber, infrastructure, and resilience strategies and administering strategic planning processes to help guide senior-level decision-making. Maintains and executes a portfolio of difficult to complex assignments, projects, and/or tasks as directed. Attends high-level meetings on behalf of the Associate Chief and promptly reports all key points and follow-up action items assigned. Provides advice and guidance to resolve, implement, or manage difficult and complex program or policy issues. Evaluates the adequacy of, and recommends new or revised, security policies, standards, procedures, integration, and execution. Show less

  • Veterans Program Manager

    Aug 2023 - now

  • Vulnerability Evaluation Management and Program Analyst

    Nov 2021 - Jul 2023
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  VET S.O.S. Podcast

  Jun 2024 - now

  Co-Host

  Providing a lifeline to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses through the sharing of information and resources about veteran support organizations and key personnel in the veteran support community who are helping our community succeed.