Leveraging his extensive experience in operational risk management, hazard analysis/mitigation, and team building, Gilkerson provides expert leadership and performance training in the Construction Industry as well as the Oil and Gas Industry where the consequences of human failure are unacceptable. His training and coaching raises team performance to that of a high reliability organization found in industries such as commercial aviation and nuclear power.

As Maintenance Supervisor in the newest state-of-the-art facility in North America, Gilkerson is responsible for overseeing Total Productive Maintenance functions in the Steelmaking area of the mill. Provides leadership for and supervises tenured union skilled labor and operators in maintaining and repairing mill equipment while maximizing production time. Plans and executes Preventive and Corrective Maintenance Program. Responsible for upholding AK Steel and OSHA Safety Programs on a daily basis by creating and maintaining a culture of safety first.

Senior Electronics Technician responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of critical electrical and electronic equipment in support of drilling operations on a 6th Generation drill ship. Operation, troubleshooting, and repair of Kongsberg Automated Vessel Management System, NOV Drilling Systems robotic equipment, Schaefer BOP controls, and Wartsila diesel engine controls. Provided leadership for Maintenance Department.

Manage and supervise the training, operations, logistics, and procedural compliance of 14 top enlisted and officer evaluators. Apply risk management to all aspects of submarine operations ensuring a high degree of safety in a hazardous environment. Advise the Submarine Force Command Team on policies regarding personnel programs, mission readiness, and training for a force of approximately 15,000 personnel.

Mentored and supervised a senior staff overseeing the training, certification, operations, and maintenance of 4 submarine crews. Advised the Squadron Commander on matters regarding personnel, scheduling, maintenance, and training for four submarine crews. Indirectly supervised a workforce of approximately 850 people by managing via multiple levels of subordinate supervision.

Personally managed the training, operations, maintenance, and procedural compliance of 135 officers and crew. Directly responsible for implementation, training, and monitoring all policies and guidance for one hundred and forty-five submarine Officers and crewmembers. Coordinated all activities for preparation and execution of shipboard deployment requirements, ensuring 100% on time underway and completion of mission tasking. Applied risk management to all aspects of submarine operations ensuring a high degree of safety in a hazardous environment. Under my direct supervision, the ship was recognized and awarded as the most battle ready ship in the squadron.

Supervised the maintenance, training, and qualification activities of 3 maintenance supervisors and 31 personnel. Responsible for proper operation and maintenance of highly technical navigation and telecommunications equipment. Responsible for the handling, transfer, and safe stowage of more than 2,000 highly classified documents and electronic media. Provided career information counsel and advice to one hundred fourteen personnel keeping them informed of important personnel programs and benefits.

Instructed over 200 personnel in the principles of ballasting and ship driving. Instructed over 100 entry level officers in Basic Submarine Telecommunications Procedures. Certified Master Training Specialist. Trained 22 instructors in curriculum development and delivery techniques. Developed and improved officer training curriculum improving graduate level of knowledge.