Kurt Blankenship Email and Phone Number

★ Lead engineer responsible for science and technology analysis of advanced conventional weapons, including forecasts, characterization and capabilities assessment of threat systems. ★ Provided analytical leadership in support of US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center acquisition program milestones ensuring continued US warfighter and material success.★ Led collaborative research team of science and technology intelligence (S&TI) analysts along with global military intelligence (GMI) analysts to provide a comprehensive assessment and recommendations of changes to training environments for the US Army Training and Doctrine Command.★ Developed solutions to address critical mission capability gap by partnering with the US Army Research Laboratory (USARL) for the inclusion of the National Ground Intelligence Center as a stakeholder on a USARL research program.

★ Lead project engineer responsible for executing midsize engineeringprojects with aggressive timelines while interfacing with Government and industry customers.★ Prepared and reviewed engineering and technical analyses, reports, change proposals, and other technical documentation. Managed a cross-functional engineering team to plan, execute, document, and deliver Department of Defense contractual requirements.★ Engineering team lead for three Department of Defense (DOD) contracts, excelling as a project lead in an agile engineering environment. Demonstrated experience in both mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines as required to characterize sub-system design and performance.

★ Facilitated critical development projects as science and technology lead, directing any development projects across FAA airports to ensure compliance with technical requirements in accordance with federal funding mandates.★ Successfully delivered 100+ safety and security development projects throughout tenure with costs exceeding $170M.★ Leveraged sound business and financial acumen as well as engineering and aviation expertise to manage federal funds in keeping with established policies and procedures and stakeholder expectations.★ Approved statements of need and requirements specifications for equipment acquisitions impacting rescue and firefighting equipment, snow removal equipment, and weather reporting installations.★ Directed bidding operations, reviewing and approving contracts and then monitoring status and payment operations to protect stakeholder investments.★ Expertly managed simultaneous, disparate projects, coordinating various aspects of each project to ensure timely and appropriate deliverables.★ Employed engineering approaches to maximize existing assets, planning in detail to proactively address critical gaps in safety, security, and capacity of a complex, nation-wide system.★ Contributed expertise in aviation operations to direct electronic review of obstacle evaluations and aeronautical safety studies, coordinating among separate business lines to form and issue sound determinations in accordance with federal regulations.★ Developed and nurtured critical relationships with airport sponsors, state organizations, and other industry stakeholders, as well as external customers to facilitate planning, design, and development of complex, multifaceted projects in keeping with federal requirements.★ Worked closely with cross-functional teams, demonstrating a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness to align operations across separate locations for seamless financial, operational, and environmental integrations.

★ Led critical operations for organizations, driving safety and security throughout dynamic, fast-paced operations.★ Owned accountability for the maintenance requirements of aircraft, vehicles, and equipment, including CH-47D Chinook helicopters.★ Successfully executed 100+ aviation combat missions as Air Mission Commander and Pilot-in-Command throughout volatile environments.★ Earned 3 Air Medals while delivering 1,000+ accident-free hours of pilot experience.★ Streamlined operations to improve risk management program that resulted in the first cargo helicopter unit to fly 5,000+ hours on over 1,200 combat missions.★ Awarded Bronze Star Medal for overseeing operations that moved 55,000+ passengers and 13 million pounds of cargo.★ Achieved a 93% aviation-readiness rate, maintaining a rate that was 23% above Army standards and secured recognition as the highest CH-47 helicopter readiness rate in Iraq.★ Awarded the Army Commendation Medal in recognition for diligence, perseverance, and commitment to success.★ Created professional development programs for junior leaders to promote safe operations and mission success.★ Recognized and awarded for exceeding Army-wide reenlistment rates for 2 consecutive fiscal years, receiving commendations for excellence in employee retention in FY2008.★ Targeted by senior rater (Colonel/Brigade Commander) as a Top 5 of 40 managers in the organization.