Derek Walton Email & Phone Number

Alexandria, Va, Us

Arlington, Virginia, United States

As the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) Product Manager, I manage a team of contractors and analyze program activities such as financial management and cost analysis. Ensuring program security and maintaining compliance with ongoing changes is critical, and I compile and review budgets against performance data to make informed financial decisions. I develop and implement strategies to meet program objectives within time, cost, and quality constraints while supporting the JCO. Additionally, I integrate contractual changes, maintain realistic cost and schedule baselines, and influence internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.

Arlington, Virginia, United States

As Principal Specialist of Project Management, I developed strategy and policy to enable high-stakes defense projects, ensuring compliance with DoD and organizational standards. I led project teams to achieve milestones while implementing innovative solutions for complex defense and intelligence challenges in the C-sUAS mission area. By providing guidance in budgeting, cost analysis, and program planning, I supported seamless execution and delivery of mission-critical projects, while maintaining strict adherence to security protocols and regulatory requirements.

Arlington, Virginia, United States

As a Lead Specialist of Project Management, I executed analysis and development of counter-small unmanned aircraft systems (C-sUAS) strategy and policy in support of a major U.S. defense contract. I took on key responsibilities such as co-authoring the Department of Defense’s first C-sUAS strategy and implementation plan and served as a principal strategist for administrative governance processes, DoD-wide staffing actions, and Congressional engagement.

As an active-duty Army Aviation Officer, I held various leadership and staff positions, piloting the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, AH-64D Apache Longbow, and AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters as a Pilot-in-Command and Air Mission Commander. I also served as a unit Commander overseeing both manned and unmanned aviation platforms during a combat deployment. My deployments included Iraq, Syria, and South Korea.

Fort Lee, Virginia

As a Force Management Analyst, I developed requirements for the modernization of Army units and specific military systems. I presented these projects in monthly executive steering committees, securing approval at the General Officer-level. In less than two years, I successfully completed six major systems projects valued at over $2.5 billion.

Master Of Business Administration - Mba, Mba Candidate

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Business Administration And Management, General