Chris Monahan
Malua Bay,Australia
Summary
Results-driven leader with extensive domestic and international expertise. Highly skilled in building and motivating test and development teams, prioritizing customer service, safety, security, program management, and continuous improvement. Proven track record of optimizing resources and effectively controlling budgets to drive success across government initiatives. Successfully orchestrated strategic policy, legislative policy, and regulation development, while adeptly managing change and implementing legislation. Experienced in overseeing complex procurement and test programs, with a particular focus on drone policy, intelligence, simulation, and security issues.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Manager, National Operations and Standards (SES Band 2)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
03.2018 - 03.2024
- Responsible for policy and legislation of all aviation safety standards including licensing, flight operations, airworthiness, air navigation, airspace, aerodromes, remotely piloted aircraft systems and advanced air mobility for Australia
- Responsible for oversight of all nationally administered regulatory services and surveillance, including general and sport aviation, aircraft certification and production, air navigation services, airspace, aerodromes and remotely piloted aircraft systems
- Responsible for policy development and briefs related to current and future legislation to Senate Estimates, Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Deputy Prime Minister and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development
- Enhanced operations and implemented technological innovations in collaboration with senior leadership.
- Increased overall team productivity by implementing innovative management strategies and streamlining communication channels.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to drive continuous improvement in overall company performance.
- Created, managed, and executed business plan and communicated company vision and objectives to motivate teams.
- Successfully navigated complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and industry standards, mitigating potential legal risks.
- Directed the successful integration of new technologies into existing operations, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.
- Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure alignment of goals and facilitate collaboration across departments.
Manager, Flight Standards Branch
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Led the Branch in the development and maintenance of standards and guidance material, as well as the provision of policy and technical advice for Flight Operations, Air Traffic Management System and ICAO compliance
- Guided the Branch to a highly successful ICAO audit validating current policies and compliance with ICAO
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Senior Defence Official/Defence Attaché
US Embassy
01.2010 - 12.2015
- Principal diplomatic and military advisor to ambassadors, defence forces and executive branch leaders
- Provided clear and timely recommendations on policy and capability for vital bilateral relationships
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Director, (Commander) 53rd Test Management Group
Eglin AFB
01.2008 - 12.2010
- Directed all aspects of operations to include testing, flight operations, maintenance, engineering, personnel, IT, diversity, welfare, logistics and contracting for 800+ personnel in 20+ squadrons and units
- Planned, budgeted and executed an annual program that delivered the full spectrum of new hardware, software, weapons, maintenance, sustainment methodologies and Techniques, Tactics and Procedures for domestic and international partners
- Focus on 5th Generation aircraft capabilities and F-22/F-35 sustainment
- Managed cross functional teams to support initial, spiral and sustainment operations, training and safety programs
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Director, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Cell
ISAF Headquarters
01.2007 - 12.2008
- Key liaison between ISAF and NATO leaders that managed diplomatic, safety and security programs in support of the full spectrum of NATO operations
- Led team that provided in country support to NATO forces across Afghanistan.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
Director, NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission
NATO Air Headquarters
01.2006 - 12.2007
- Successfully negotiated an international agreement for resource contribution between nations with competing interests
- Resolved disputes between nations and codified international flying standards for NATO air policing operations
Director, (Commander) 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron
Eglin AFB
01.2004 - 12.2006
- Led the unit to develop new hardware, software, weapons and tactics for all Combat Air Forces assets
- Crafted the strategic vision for a 300+ person unit including flight, safety and maintenance recommendations
- Created, modified and updated technical orders and operating procedures for flight and ground operations of aircraft and airfield components
- Conducted 200+ test programs per year in support of national priorities
Education
MBA -
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Master of Science - Aeronautical Science
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of California At Davis
Skills
- Test and Development
- Finance/Program Management
- Government Relations
- Public Consultation
- Foreign Military Sales
- Aviation policy
- Strategic Partnerships
- Stakeholder Management
- Decision-Making
- Policy Development and Enforcement
- Problem-Solving
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Majorstrengths
- Leader and diplomat able to analyse, communicate and act on complex multi-layered issues.
- Experience in aligning National Strategy and developing coherent implementation programs.
- Extensive Test and Development experience to include utilising COTS capabilities to meet needs.
- Capable leader of diverse and multi-location operations to leverage success.
- Extensive experience in bringing complex systems online and integrating legacy systems.
- Comprehensive experience in regulation life cycle from policy development to implementation.
Additionalinformation - Militaryservice
Colonel U.S. Air Force Retired
Security Clearance
active NV2 and previous TS SCI CI SSBI
Timeline
Executive Manager, National Operations and Standards (SES Band 2)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
03.2018 - 03.2024
Manager, Flight Standards Branch
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
01.2016 - 12.2018
Senior Defence Official/Defence Attaché
US Embassy
01.2010 - 12.2015
Director, (Commander) 53rd Test Management Group
Eglin AFB
01.2008 - 12.2010
Director, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Cell
ISAF Headquarters
01.2007 - 12.2008
Director, NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission
NATO Air Headquarters
01.2006 - 12.2007
Director, (Commander) 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron
Eglin AFB
01.2004 - 12.2006
MBA -
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Master of Science - Aeronautical Science
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of California At Davis
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