Shannon Phares
Human Performance Program Manager @United States Air Force
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WORK HISTORY
Human Performance Program Manager @United States Air Force
At the USAF Safety Center, I oversaw programs that strengthened compliance, reduced risks and hazards and increased effectiveness for employees across both the Air Force and Space Force. My work centered on understanding human factors, analyzing trends and turning those insights into training, policies and procedures that helped prevent incidents before they happened. My USAF service commitment will be complete with this role in August of 2026.I often consulted on Class A mishap investigations involving serious injury or major damage. In reviewing these cases, it became clear that human factors drove more than 80% of the issues. That insight allowed me to recommend risk mitigation initiatives that addressed the root causes rather than just the symptoms.To help leaders understand the broader safety environment, I guided 17 enterprise-wide culture surveys covering 1,800 employees. These surveys assessed behaviors, attitudes and perceptions and the results helped senior leadership focus resources on prevention efforts with the greatest impact.Building an engaged, high-performing team was also key. I focused on aligning each member’s strengths with their role, creating trust and setting the foundation for collaboration that improved both safety and performance.Another important part of my work involved advising leadership on ways to optimize performance in high-risk environments. I provided guidance on training pilots to recognize and recover from high-altitude hypoxia, an approach that helped improve readiness and response in life-threatening situations.I launched the Safety Human Performance Division Research and Analysis team, the first of its kind. This involved developing investigative processes, conducting research and analyzing data to uncover how human factors contributed to risks and mishaps. The team’s findings informed policy changes and helped shape long-term prevention strategies.
EDUCATION
San Diego State University
MS, Exercise Physiology
University of California, Davis
B.S., Exercise Physiology
ABOUT SHANNON PHARES
Outdoor adventure has always been part of my life. From racing as an 800m runner in college to mountaineering, mountain biking and adventure racing, I’ve tested myself in different environments and gained firsthand experience with the importance of the right equipment, preparation and mindset. That personal connection drives my professional interest in safety and risk management. I’ve conducted safety investigations, studied human performance and human factors and worked to improve how teams operate under stress.My career in the Air Force has been defined by leadership, but as I look toward the next chapter I want something different. After years of leading large operations and juggling complex responsibilities, I’m ready to shift my focus to work that connects with my passion for the outdoors and supports safety, innovation and teamwork, while looking toward being an individual contributor who is part of the team. Even as a leader in the Air Force, I always enjoyed working side-by-side with my team to accomplish our goals.I believe in standing up for what’s right, treating people with dignity and respect and showing gratitude for their contributions. My style is about collaboration, listening to the experts and trusting people to get the job done. I have not been a micromanager, but I’m willing to step in when needed. I believe in accountability, mutual feedback and giving people the chance to learn from mistakes. Humor, empathy and a positive outlook help me bring motivation even on hard days.In my next role, I want to be part of a team where mission and values align, where I can contribute through my experience in safety and human performance and where I can connect my love of the outdoors with meaningful work. My service in the Air Force will be complete in August of 2026. I can be reached at S••••••••@yahoo.com to discuss opportunities where I can add value to the team.
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