Aaron Sanders Email & Phone Number

Camas, Washington, United States

We make the world's most powerful GIS software. Esri is the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping. Since 1969, we have supported customers with geographic science and geospatial analytics, what we call The Science of Where. We take a geographic approach to problem-solving, brought to life by modern GIS technology. We are committed to using science and technology to build a sustainable world.•Consult, develop, educate, and implement ArcGIS training solutions, programs within the U.S. National Government's Health and Sciences organizations to aid in the application of leading-edge software solutions, specifically the United States Census Bureau, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), General Services Administration (GSA) and Social Security Administration (SSA) customers.• Create, design, and communicate customer-facing sales & training strategies through the application of Salesforce & Power BI, and collaborate with Account Managers, Technical Advisors, Solutions Engineers, Event Coordinators, and the Adoption Strategy (Change Management) teams to deliver high quality, immediately effective training that meets our customers organizational mission, objectives, and goals.• Manage and provide oversight of customer agreements to ensure optimization of Esri’s ArcGIS resources that optimize the specific customers return on investment leveraging the complete suite of software, applications, tools, and education & training resources.

Portland, Oregon, United States

Role Summary: As a leader in international rescue operations for the 304th Rescue Squadron, I oversee the comprehensive strategy for developing elite deployable rescue teams. My responsibilities encompass strategic networking, forecasting, and rigorous training programs to ensure peak readiness for global deployments and critical exercises.Key Responsibilities:•Strategic Collaboration: Forge vital connections across the Department of Defense, positioning our teams at the forefront of readiness for deployments and exercises.•Training and Exercise Planning: Provide visionary long-term planning for training and exercises, bolstering operational efficacy and team readiness.Major Accomplishments:•Mission Analysis: Led a pivotal project that refined pre-deployment training, enhancing operational efficiency and success in rescue missions and establishing a new training area in Central Oregon with support from state and local government agencies.•Leadership Development: Orchestrated a leadership seminar, managing a $40K budget to elevate the leadership capabilities of 16 military members, promoting organizational excellence.•Communication Solutions: Initiated and led the acquisition of a Secure Video Teleconference capability, enabling global collaboration and enhancing operational flexibility.•Mentorship and Training Facilitation: Dedicated mentor to Air Force Special Warfare members, ensuring they meet the rigorous training requirements essential for mission success.•Interoperability Enhancement: Played a key role in facilitating the Department of State Personnel Recovery Managers Course, strengthening Defense and State collaboration.•Training Program Management: Secured $90K in funding for a new-hire training program, increasing the capacity and capabilities of USAF Special Warfare enablers.•Technology Implementation: Leveraged advanced navigational technology in search and rescue operations, significantly enhancing mission effectiveness and saving lives.

District Of Columbia, United States

Role Summary: In my capacity as Personnel Recovery Director, I excel in orchestrating critical rescue operations, aligning with Combatant Commands and leveraging interagency collaboration to secure the safety of personnel in complex environments.Major Accomplishments:•Strategic Rescue Operations Leadership: Spearheaded rescue efforts within high-threat zones, effectively coordinating with intelligence and special operations to ensure rapid response capabilities.•Community-wide Impact through Collaboration: Conducted working groups and debriefings for a high-profile contingency, fostering a culture of continuous improvement by integrating lessons learned across the special operations community.•Policy Innovation: Authored the inaugural Personnel Recovery Policy, establishing vital objectives and enhancing operational coordination, significantly mitigating risks for Special Operations members.•Technological Advancement in Rescue Operations: Led a website development project to create an emergency reporting system, improving support for personnel across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.•Pioneering Technology Solutions: Served as a liaison to a technology engineering organization, driving forward the research, development, and deployment of an emergency geolocation device, surpassing customer expectations and filling critical capability gaps.

Spokane, Washington, United States

Role Summary: As the manager of the Pre-Team Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) Technical Training course, I oversee the comprehensive development and delivery of critical training programs for SERE Specialists. Leading a dedicated team of students, instructors, and administrative staff, I ensure that all training aligns with Air Force standards and operational requirements.Major Accomplishments; •Talent Assessment System Management: Successfully managed a $250,000 contract for a talent assessment system, enhancing the SERE career field selection program through effective collaboration with customers, contractors, and developers.•Course Modernization: Revamped the course syllabus with updated objectives and instructional methodologies, significantly improving learning outcomes for SERE candidates.•Instructor Leadership and Mentorship: Provided leadership and mentorship to instructors, fostering an environment where students achieved rigorous survival objectives while ensuring their safety.•Charitable Fundraising Leadership: Organized and chaired a fundraising event with a volunteer team, raising $20K in charitable donations. 400+ people attended. •Logistical Support for Critical Selections: Coordinated logistical support for the Combat Rescue Officer assessment and selection process, contributing to the identification of qualified candidates for a critically manned career field.•Recognition of Leadership Excellence: Honored as the 58th Special Operations Wing Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter for outstanding leadership and management.

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Role Summary: I oversee comprehensive rescue planning and resource management across pivotal regions including the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa, ensuring the effective deployment and coordination of specialized rescue operations.Major Accomplishments: •Leadership in High-Stakes Environments: Served in director-level roles across critical regions, with 5 deployments to Iraq, Syria, and the Horn Of Africa, showcasing leadership and operational expertise.•Award-Winning Performance: Honored as the Special Tactics Group and Special Operations Wing SERE Specialist of the Year multiple times, among other prestigious recognitions.•Strategic Liaison Work: Acted as a key liaison with the Department of State, FBI, and Intelligence Community, enhancing interagency cooperation and operational success.•Policy Influence: Embedded within Embassy Crisis Management Teams, and influenced significant security policy changes directed by Ambassadors in East Africa.•Mission-Critical Planning and Collaboration: Led rescue mission planning, advising senior military and interagency personnel, directly contributing to the success of complex operations.•Interoperability and Rescue Efforts: Decisive actions fostered full interoperability across the Air Force, Special Operations, and federal agencies, culminating in the successful rescue of foreign nationals.•Operational Analysis and Improvement: Conducted personnel tempo and tanker aircraft gap analyses, influencing strategic adjustments and improving operational efficiency and predictability.•Direct Operational Leadership: Spearheaded the response to a downed aircraft event, directly resulting in lives saved and testing crisis management capabilities.•Innovation in Geolocation: Addressed critical geolocation gaps, validating new requirements and enhancing operational coverage for special operations.

Okinawa, Japan

Role Overview: I have actively contributed to international rescue operations across East Africa, Afghanistan, and the Pacific, demonstrating versatility, leadership, and compassion in high-pressure environments.Key Achievements:•Global Humanitarian Efforts: Played a crucial role in Operation Tomodachi, delivering disaster relief after the Great Sendai Earthquake, and acting as a liaison to Japanese partners.•Critical Incident Debriefing: Led the aviator debriefing process for 7 downed aircraft incidents in Afghanistan, ensuring the well-being of personnel and sharing vital lessons learned with Geographic Combatant Commands.•Interforce Coordination: Served as the Air Force Rescue Liaison with Army and UK forces, enhancing communication and cooperation, crucial for successful rescue missions.•International Collaboration: Facilitated a personnel recovery site visit with Norwegian Special Operations, harmonizing US and Norwegian rescue planning and operational communications.•Budget Management Expertise: Developed a $75K budget for travel, training, and equipment, aligning resources with organizational goals.•Survival Skills and Training Leadership: Completed a rigorous jungle survival course in the Philippines and led a comprehensive jungle training plan, significantly advancing the skills of Pararescuemen and Combat Rescue Officers.•Courage in Action: Recognized for an act of courage and quick thinking during a motorcycle collision in Japan, where I led a rescue and triage effort, showcasing commitment to saving lives, irrespective of the situation.

Bachelor Of Applied Science - Basc, Workforce Development And Training, Cum Laude

Associate'S Degree, Survival & Rescue

Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Distinguished Graduate

Enterprise Management

Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I

Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Ii