Lewis Christensen

About Lewis Christensen

Versatile program manager and business growth catalyst with a deep-rooted passion for analytical problem solving and a proven track record of managing $500M+ in real assets and budget across multiple organizations. Outstanding communicator with Active TS/SCI-SAP under continuous evaluation and possesses a natural ability to forge collaborative relationships with internal/external stakeholders. Master’s degree focused on Strategy & Leadership.PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION & CHANGE MANAGEMENTLow morale and substandard performance due to toxic leadership and management. Examined organizational culture, researched employee performance, identified critical communication nodes, and implemented a shift in culture. Achieved 98% approval on climate survey with 50% increased take rate; won Squadron of the Year.CROSS ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDINGSiloed departments and poor communication deteriorated relations with our Prime customer. Analyzed cross-organizational communication, identified problem areas, and executed a plan to forge executive relationships between both organizations. Aligned priorities and increased communication led to 100% customer satisfaction.STRATEGIC PLANNING & PROCESS IMPROVEMENTRapid organizational expansion led to training resource shortfalls. Negotiated based on shared interests with the supported unit to conduct joint training which increased the pool of resources to levels that accommodated both organizations. Increased training yielded 37 new intel professionals and 57 new aviators in a 6-month timeframe.PUBLIC RELATIONS & STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONDue to an informational vacuum, US taxpayers were relatively uneducated in the use of remote aircraft to achieve strategic effects against enemy combatants. Conducted 21 print/video interviews, 1 domestic and 1 international symposium on capabilities. Exported knowledge to thousands and increased taxpayer support over past 6 years.ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & LEADERSHIPPrevious toxic leadership and micromanagement caused organizational paralysis. Empowered mid and lower-tiered leaders to make decisions, analyze and mitigate risk where able, and openly communicate shortfalls to higher tiers of the organization. Morale and productivity skyrocketed; yielded 102 promotions & awards won in the first year.

Experience

1. Senior Program Manager

   General Atomics

   Mar 2023 — Present · US

   Agile Mission Systems (AMS)/ Special Technology Group / Advanced Sensors Directorate / Airborne Systems Team- Manage diverse portfolio of programs related to: new and emerging sensor technologies, new aircraft vehicle design, podded sensors for existing aircraft, autonomous unmanned platforms, operational analysis and simulation modeling.(Total business portfolio consists of 6 programs valued in excess of $112M)

Education

• USAF Air Command and Staff College

  Master's of Art and Science, Joint Operational Warfare (Strategy & Leadership)

• Colorado School of Mines

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Engineering (Civil Specialty)