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Program Management

Our experts leverage years of management experience with current requirements to improve performance and motivate teams. We bring a range of integrated tools and processes for managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk. Our tools are tailorable to your individual effort and can be adapted to measure progress that matters. We specialize in integrating all elements of program management to achieve customer’s objectives and efficiently and effectively manage programs and can help your team craft required program documentation, such as a Program Protection Plan (PPP), Acquisition Strategy (AS), Capability Production Document (CPD), and others.


No two engagements are alike. Our support spans a variety of tasks that support optimum program management solutions.

We offer a range of integrated tools and processes for successfully managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk on defense programs of all types and sizes.

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Featured Experts

Our hand-picked associates are defense acquisitions’ brightest, most innovative experts.

Nearly 35 years of direct experience leading and managing highly complex aerospace programs as an acquisition and logistics leader. Former Deputy Chief of Staff, USAF, and Vice/Deputy Commander, AFMC.

Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)

Warren Berry

Warren Berry, Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)
45+ years of USAF experience, including executive leadership/management of complex major R&D organizations as well as direction of human systems, space, plans and programs, small business, and domestic/international partnerships. Former Director, AFRL.

SES, DAF & Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Jack Blackhurst

Defense acquisition leader focused on delivering advanced capabilities that strengthen national and allied readiness. Brings deep experience guiding multibillion‑dollar programs across DOE, NASA, national defense, and allied partners. Former B‑2 program director with a record of driving operationally aligned acquisition outcomes and cross‑agency mission integration.

Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Cory Brown

Cory Brown, Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Enterprise Leader with a 34-year record of leadership establishing strategic visions, developing strategies, coaching, mentoring, and accomplishing short/long-term objectives for complex evolving environments. Former Senior Site Lead and PM Senior Functional, WR-ALC.

NH-04, DAF (Ret)

Demetrius "D" Brown

Strategic defense executive in complex acquisition, driving modernization and coalition readiness across major DOD and allied portfolios. Former director for the KC 46, MQ 1/MQ 9, and Global Hawk enterprise lines, bringing deep program acumen, cross domain integration expertise, and a track record of shaping high impact capability delivery in rapidly evolving operational environments.

Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Chris Coombs

Chris Coombs, Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Strategic senior executive with a strong record leading complex defense organizations and major weapon system portfolios. Former PEO for C3I & Networks (AFLCMC/HN) and director of the Fighter Bomber Directorate (AFLCMC/WW), bringing enterprise‑level acquisition leadership and integrated combat capability expertise.

Major General, USAF (Ret)

Dwyer Dennis

Dwyer Dennis, Major General, USAF (Ret)
30+ years USAF and defense industry experience. Former commander or vice for three USAF procurement centers: Nuclear Weapons, Electronic Systems, Space and Missile Systems, as well as the program executive for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

Major General, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)

Terry Feehan

Terry Feehan, Major General, Industry Executive & USAF (Ret)
35+ years of acquisition experience working with various technologies in the USAF and Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Served in senior positions as Deputy Program Executive Officer for C3I&N, Division Deputy,and Deputy Program Manager of Targets & Countermeasures in MDA.

NH-04 (GS-15), DAF (Ret)

Tanya Lambert

30+ years of experience in DoD product support/sustainment, aircraft/munitions maintenance, defense acquisition, SCM, and retail supply. Former Pratt & Whitney senior executive and Director, AFLCMC/LG.

Colonel, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)

Ray Lindsay

Ray Lindsay, Colonel, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
30+ years of engineering and management experience; successfully led multiple, complex organizations of 10,000+ people, owning direct oversight of up to $10B annually; former JSF deputy program executive officer (PEO) and director.

Rear Admiral, USN (Ret)

Randy Mahr

Randy Mahr, Rear Admiral, USN (Ret)
Strategic senior executive leading large, complex defense organizations and driving enterprise level transformation. Former AFLCMC commander, interim AFMC commander, PEO of Rapid Sustainment Office, AFRL commander, and SMC vice commander —bringing deep organizational leadership and cross enterprise integration experience across the Air Force’s most critical technology and acquisition missions.

Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)

Robert McMurry Jr.

Robert McMurry, Jr., Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)
35+ years experience leading large, complex organizations as an acquisition, test, and operations expert. As AFLCMC commander, built a new organization responsible for “cradle to grave” management of nearly all USAF systems.

Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)

C.D. Moore

C.D. Moore, Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)
Over 40 years of direct experience leading and managing highly complex aerospace programs as an acquisition and logistics leader. Former ASC Commander (now AFLCMC) and VP, F-35 Sustainment, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Lieutenant General, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)

Tom Owen

Tom Owen, Lieutenant General, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Executive leader with 30+ years of experience; two-time PEO, deputy PEO and program manager responsible for airlift, tankers, trainers, fighter and bomber aircraft, aircraft simulators, agile combat support (ACS) systems and armament weapon systems.

SES, DAF (Ret)

Lynda Rutledge

Lynda Rutledge, SES, DAF (Ret)
35+ years program management experience across weapon programs development, procurement, and sustainment. Former deputy PEO, Fighters & Bombers Directorate and deputy director, Big Safari program office, AFLCMC.

GS-15, DAF (Ret)

Brian Rutledge

Brian Rutledge, GS-15, DAF (Ret)
Years of diverse leadership and program management experience in weapon system and software/IT development. Former Deputy Director, AFLCMC Business Enterprise Systems and Plans & Programs Directorates and KC-46 Test Program Director.

Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Pete Sandness

45+ years experience with US and Allied military forces, including active-duty service and as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Integration responsible for planning and analysis of the USAF $229B FYDP research, development, and procurement acquisition portfolio.

Colonel, USAF & SES, DAF (Ret)

Bobby Smart

Bobby Smart, Colonel, USAF & SES, DAF (Ret)
30+ years of experience leading complex, technology driven programs. Specialized expertise in product line strategy, investment planning, design, manufacture, program management and field sustainment of high performance IR/RF systems.

Industry Executive (Ret)

Carl Smith

Carl Smith, Industry Executive (Ret)
35+ year career as an innovative thinker on sustainment strategies for traditional weapon systems to commercial derivative applications. Former C-17 director of logistics and recognized PBL and public-private partnership expert.

Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Gregg Sparks

Gregg Sparks, Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Senior executive with over 35 years of experience as an engineer and program manager. As the USAF S&T Executive, directed the USAF’s cutting-edge $5B S&T investment portfolio. Recognized SME in all aspects of weapon system cybersecurity, mission systems, digital engineering, and S&T.

SES, DAF (Ret)

Jeff Stanley

35+ years of experience; recognized leader in airworthiness, systems engineering, and program management throughout the life cycle for the nation’s most complex and critical aviation platforms (F-35, B-1, C-17, and F-15) and weapons systems, including joint service and multinational contexts.

GS-15, DAF (Ret)

Bob Stanton

35+ years of experience as a senior USAF acquisition, logistics, and maintenance officer; defense industry VP; ops research analyst; and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Expert in complex program portfolio management and product field support.

Colonel, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)

Brian Waechter

Brian Waechter, Colonel, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
40+ years of executive leadership in the USAF acquisition enterprise, including support of weapon systems life cycle management. Two-time PEO, deputy director, wing commander and program manager responsible for airlift, bomber, tanker and trainer aircraft, aircraft simulators, ACS systems, and propulsion systems.

SES, DAF (Ret)

Paul Waugh

Related Capabilities

​Expand each section to learn about our specific business strategy related capabilities below.

Government Compliant Business Systems

We can help you understand the government marketplace and navigate the sometimes-complex relations surrounding contract performance and administration.

Because of our contracting experts’ broad and deep experience, Dayton Aerospace is able to de-mystify doing business with the US Government. We understand the differences between the commercial and government marketplaces and can guide clients through a comprehensive review of their internal processes to assess readiness to undertake and successfully perform government contracts. We also provide clients with easy to implement guides and templates to directly assist them in reviewing and responding to government-unique terms and conditions in solicitations. Most importantly, we ensure senior management fully understands the risks and potential pitfalls of doing government business. Our support is valuable well before your first government contract, as we help companies examine Federal Government business opportunities and develop fully compliant and successful responses to government requirements. After contract award, we can help resolve business system compliance issues that may arise during contract performance.

Mentoring & Coaching

We help clients maximize their personal and professional potential through creative coaching, thought-provoking exercises, and client-driven mentoring.

Dayton Aerospace experts have a unique perspective on Department of Defense (DOD) leadership and professional development environments. Today’s leaders face daunting programmatic, organizational, and personnel challenges. The demands on senior leaders’ time make it challenging to reflect, identify, and chart a course to enhance overall leadership and management skills. Our experts have been where you are, and, with a client-driven mindset that is distinct from counseling or training, we help create a space for active exploration and collaboration to improve your capabilities as a senior leader. We start with a discovery process that helps identify areas for improvement and then distill those areas into an action plan. We can also help you think through leadership challenges, strategy and vision, and organizational change management. Dayton Aerospace’s executive coaching and mentoring provides you with the unique opportunity to actively explore better ways to succeed at the highest level.

Integrated Planning/Scheduling (IMP/IMS) & Risk Management

An IMS that incorporates earned value metrics and risk mitigation provides the visibility and leverage you need in today’s competition for limited budgets.

Dayton Aerospace experts were there when the integrated master plan/integrated master schedule (IMP/IMS) concept was both conceived and first deployed on the F-22 program, creating a legacy of Dayton Aerospace IMP/IMS expertise. That legacy continues as authors and contributors to current Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and US Air Force (USAF) official IMP/IMS guidance. As a leader in IMP/IMS planning, development, maintenance, and processes, we help programs get over the hurdle faster—and with fewer false starts. Working closely with program managers, engineers, cost/financial managers, subject matter experts (SME), and customers, when necessary, to capture all program related events, goals, resources, and critical paths. Our comprehensive risk management process facilitates an integrated approach to identify, plan, and link risk mitigation with the program IMS.

Acquisition Program Manpower Modeling

The Sustainment Acquisition Composite Model (SACOM) provides consistent manpower requirements and frees program offices from providing additional Program Objective Memorandum (POM) justification.

Dayton Aerospace’s SACOM, originally developed for Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), accurately forecasts manpower requirements using a balanced qualitative and quantitative approach designed for broad applicability across all program office organizations in any phase of a program’s life cycle. It has been validated on over 300 diverse programs, including aircraft, electronics, munitions, hardware, software, space, and others. SACOM has been employed at every AFMC product center, logistics center and program office, as well as numerous other Department of Defense (DOD) and government program management organizations including USSOCOM, USTRANSCOM, USSTRATCOM, NAVAIR/CV-22, NAVPEO C4I & Space, NAVSEA, DISA, DHS, USCG, Army TACOM and USMC. The model calculates manpower requirements by assessing five key Workload Interfaces, each containing five scored Workload Drivers. The results predict the combined military, civilian, support contractor, and home office functional personnel, as well as a breakout by functional specialty. SACOM can also be used to predict manpower requirements for a program’s future states. Implementation is simple and annual scoring effectively accommodates programmatic changes which often impact manpower requirements.

Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)

Our experts were involved in incorporating and refining the IPT concept into DOD program management. We know the critical factors that are essential for making IPTs work for your organization.

The Department of Defense (DOD) adopted integrated product teams (IPTs) as the preferred approach for development, review, and oversight of the acquisition process. Finding the right balance between functional and product leaders is key to an effective IPT. This balance, coupled with the right leadership, is essential in making IPTs work for your organization. Dayton Aerospace consultants have extensive experience in actually working within and leading both government and contractor IPTs. We also have a deep understanding of an integrated management framework and the tools for making IPTs efficient. Our experts will listen and tailor our approach specifically for your organization and desired outcome. We have the people who can assist, mentor, and train your industry or government team, answering questions vital to your success.

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