Shaun Thomas

About Shaun Thomas

With a strong foundation in international program management, information security, and operations support, I bring extensive experience working at corporate headquarters, combatant commands, and the US Joint Staff Directorate. Throughout my career I’ve led and supervised teams of varying sizes in fast-paced, high-demand environments, demonstrating a commitment to leadership, strategic planning, and organizational excellence.I hold a Master’s degree in National Security Studies (2018) and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations (2015) from American Military University. My passion lies in Civil-Military Cooperation, Building Partner Capacity, and Security Cooperation Planning.Beyond my recent government expertise, I have over 15 years of IT and customer service experience, including SharePoint content management, enterprise administration, and executive-level IT support. I have provided direct IT assistance to senior military leaders in domestic and international settings, ensuring seamless operations and technology support.Certified in International Affairs and Network Management, I am technically astute, security-conscious, and deeply committed to customer service. My ability to translate IT knowledge into practical solutions enables me to enhance collaboration and efficiency across teams.After 21 years of active and reserve service, I retired as a Chief Operations Specialist (E-7) in the US Navy Reserve, where I honed my expertise in tactical operations, team leadership, performance evaluation, and asset management.I thrive in dynamic environments where I can apply my diverse skill set to bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and drive mission success.

Experience

1. Foreign Affairs Integration Officer, Allies and Partners Force Development, J7 (Gs-0130-13)

   The Joint Staff

   Oct 2016 — Present · DoD Compound, VA

   Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) Integration - Assists in development of annual J7 program of work, in coordination with all joint force development organizational elements, supporting the establishment of annual bilateral FLO engagement plans. Assists in management of bi-lateral Memoranda of Agreement/Understanding (MOA/U), supporting currently assigned FLOs to ensure existing MOA/U are extended prior to expiration with no lapses in coverage, and that new MOA/U are negotiated without undue delay. Provides accurate planning, professional execution, and timely products in support of Distinguished Visitor events. Supports all designated overseas leadership trips supporting the J7 forward engagement strategy.Serves as Foreign Disclosure Contact Officer for assigned FLOs, coordinating visits, requests for information, and access to JS personnel and programs. Develops and submits FLO awards and evaluations prior to rotation date.Initiates Joint Staff Action Packages (JSAP) on issues as required, and coordinates and responds to actions assigned. Consistently identifies, discusses, and analyzes J7 program of work challenges, especially those that affect the Joint Staff\'s ability to quickly share information with applicable multinational partners, and recommends process/product improvements to contribute to greater efficiency for all portions of the organization. Ensures external military personnel remain aware of FLOs assigned throughout the JS, and facilitates cross J-Directorate information sharing.Lead US planner (20••••19) for JS J7 and NATO HQ SACT cosponsored, annual International Concept Development and Experimentation (ICD & E) Conference, ensuring mission success of all applicable planning events and the conference itself while remaining within budget. Creates, staffs and tracks e-Acquisition (eAcq) approval package(s) as required for events.

Education

• Defense Security Service, Center for Development of Security Excellence

  Coursework, Information Security

• American Military University

  BA, International Relations

  2011 — 2015

• Northside High School, Roanoke County, VA

  Diploma, General Studies

  1981 — 1984

• Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies

  Coursework

• Old Dominion University

  Coursework, IT PRO

  2000 — 2000

• Defense Acquisition University

  Coursework, International Program Management

  2009 — 2016

• American Military University

  Graduate Certificate, National Security Studies

  2016 — 2017

• Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Management Institute

  Coursework, Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management

• American Military University

  MA, National Security Studies

  2016 — 2018

• University of Maryland Global Campus

  Coursework, Information Systems Management

  1994 — 1994

• Air University - Global College of Professional Military Education

  Curriculum, USAF Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy