Maurilio Barraza

About Maurilio Barraza

After 29 years of military service, I’ve had the privilege of growing from an enlisted service member to Chief Warrant Officer. This journey has shaped how I lead, how I approach challenges, and how I develop high-performing teams. To me, leadership is not just about hitting goals; it’s about empowering others to grow and succeed along the way. I’m a Learner at heart. Even after nearly three decades in service, I’m still driven by curiosity. I’m always seeking new ways to improve, whether it’s embracing new technology or refining processes. I believe the best leaders never stop learning—and that’s a mindset I apply every day. Adaptability has been a cornerstone of my career. The military taught me that things don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s facing an unexpected challenge or leading through change, I’ve learned the value of staying calm, thinking strategically, and adjusting when needed. Problem-solving is something I truly enjoy. I’m naturally Restorative—whether it’s troubleshooting systems, improving workflows, or resolving team challenges, I see every issue as an opportunity to grow and improve. Finding lasting, practical solutions is what drives me. Dependability and Responsibility are values I live by. My team knows they can rely on me to follow through, keep my commitments, and hold myself—and others—accountable. Leadership isn’t just about giving direction; it’s about being there when it matters most and setting the example, especially in tough situations. While I take my responsibilities seriously, I also believe in enjoying the journey. I strive to create a culture of trust, support, and growth where people can thrive, succeed, and become leaders themselves. Watching my team members grow into confident, capable leaders is one of the greatest rewards of leadership. As I transition to new opportunities, I’m excited to continue learning, leading, and collaborating with others. I’m eager to apply everything I’ve learned to create positive outcomes and help teams succeed—while keeping a little fun in the mix!

Experience

1. Senior Program Manager

   Naval Special Warfare Command

   Apr 2021 — Present · Virginia Beach, VA, US

   I lead the end-to-end management of a complex portfolio of high-performance vessels used by Naval Special Warfare teams. I oversee all aspects of fleet readiness, maintenance, logistics, team leadership, and operational planning—ensuring these specialized platforms are fully mission-ready for time-sensitive, high-stakes global operations.I manage the readiness and deployment of a fleet of high-speed, specialized vessels used for strategic missions. Direct cross-functional teams responsible for technical operations, logistics, and training, ensuring optimal performance under demanding conditions.I oversee the preventative and corrective maintenance of propulsion systems, onboard electronics, navigation equipment, and weapons systems. Ensure all work is completed safely, on schedule, and in alignment with rigorous technical standards and regulatory compliance.I develop and implement hands-on training programs focused on vessel operations, navigation, safety protocols, and emergency response. Evaluate team performance through realistic simulations to maintain a high level of readiness and operational excellence.I implement and enforce robust safety standards for hazardous material handling, fueling, and fire prevention. Conduct routine risk assessments and inspections to proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards.I track and report on fleet performance metrics, maintenance schedules, training compliance, and resource utilization. Provide senior leadership with data-driven insights to guide strategic decisions and optimize mission support.I collaborate across engineering, logistics, procurement, and operations to align resources, streamline workflows, and resolve technical or logistical challenges. Champion continuous improvement initiatives that increase operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Through strong leadership, technical acumen, and a mission-focused mindset, I ensure high-value maritime assets are fully prepared to support!

Education

• Thomas Edison State University

  Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.S.), Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician

  2009 — 2010

• Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering

• U.S. Naval War College

  Limited Duty Officer / Chief Warrant Officer Academy

• United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy

  Senior Enlisted Leadership

  2012 — 2012