Don Sawyer

About Don Sawyer

Drawing from 30+ years of leadership experience spanning military and corporate environments, I help organizations and transitioning veterans bridge the gap between military service and civilian career success.AS A PUBLISHED AUTHORI\'ve authored three Navy leadership books translating deckplates experience into practical leadership for military and corporate leaders:• \"From the Deckplates: A Chief\'s Guide to Naval Leadership for New Officers\"(2026)- Essential guide for newly commissioned Officers learning from Chiefs (forthcoming from Casemate Publishers)• \"The Chief\'s Crucible: Forging Leadership in Your First Year\"(2026)- Comprehensive roadmap for newly promoted Chiefs navigating the technical-to-leadership transition.• \"From the Deckplates to the Boardroom: Translating Navy Chief Leadership for Corporate Success\"(2025)- For Chiefs transitioning to corporate leadership (available on Amazon).My books are used to build authentic, effective leaders. MY EXPERTISE • Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Strategy • Horizontal vs. Vertical Career Growth Models • Veteran Talent Acquisition & Development • Team Building & Organizational Development • Strategic Leadership & Mentorship • Leadership Development & Transition Coaching • Corporate-Military Leadership TranslationMY APPROACHI believe veterans\' most valuable skills often remain \"invisible\" on traditional resumes. I focus on helping veterans translate their military experience into civilian success while guiding organizations to recognize and leverage the unique capabilities veterans bring.I share insights on effective leadership strategies, organizational development, and career growth pathways. I\'m particularly passionate about how horizontal skill development; creating versatility and resilience in today\'s rapidly changing workplace.My professional philosophy centers on data-driven decision making, mentoring emerging leaders, and fostering efficient communication across all organizational levels.Whether you\'re a Chief transitioning to corporate leadership, a Junior Officer learning from Chiefs, or a corporate leader seeking to leverage military talent, I provide authentic, experience-based guidance.Let\'s connect if you\'re interested in leadership strategies, organizational transformation, talent development, creating more effective pathways for military-to-civilian career transitions, or bringing practical, deckplates-tested leadership principles to your organization.

Experience

1. Senior System Analyst

   Titanium Cobra Solutions

   May 2024 — Present · VA, US

   Support PMA-281 in the pivotal CV2 installation, integrating these systems within naval platforms and conducting vital System Operational Testing. Work with PMW-750 and PMW-160 to integrate CANES applications and conduct thorough Systems Integration Testing across a spectrum of networks and Naval platforms. Instrumental in shaping the HACSIM, ensuring TACLANE, CANES, ADNS, and network switches function harmoniously. Steering NAVWAR/PEO C4I to troubleshoot and resolve CV2 network connectivity issues. Coordination with PMWs 160 and 270, PMA-281, and the USAF 692 COS at Eglin AFB to advance CV2 NAVY operations, bolstering connectivity across naval and shore networks. Actively participate in education and information exchange for CV2 at Eglin AFB and Washington Navy Yard, DC.

Education

• Capella University

  Doctor of Business Administration, Organizational Leadership and Development

• Louisiana Tech University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Secondary Education and Teaching (History and Math)

• Troy University

  Master's degree, MSM, Project Management

  2018

• Excelsior University

  Bachelor's Degree, Counseling Psychology

• Troy University

  Master of Science (M.S.), Human Resources Management and Services