Michael Howard
@michaelhoward
Senior program and project manager driving enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and operations transformation.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
I am a senior program and project manager with 20+ years leading enterprise initiatives across high-security federal and defense environments, with proven success managing portfolios exceeding $250M and delivering IT infrastructure, cybersecurity modernization, and operations integration.
I specialize in aligning stakeholders, driving strategic execution, and implementing governance—using NIST, RMF, and change management frameworks—to reduce risk and increase delivery velocity; I serve as an Enterprise JIRA project administrator and have delivered measurable improvements such as a 35% boost in milestone velocity.
My background includes building PMOs, managing multi-site infrastructure and cloud transitions, directing global deployments in support of large personnel bases, and ensuring federal acquisition compliance. I bring hands-on leadership of cross-functional teams, advanced risk management, and strong vendor and budget oversight to every engagement.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Cybersecurity Project Manager
Cherokee Federal - Criterion Systems
May 2023 - Present (2 years 6 months)
Manages 12+ enterprise cybersecurity initiatives across data centers, cloud transitions, and infrastructure refreshes, improving cross-team transparency and milestone velocity by 35%. Leads risk mitigation and ATO/POA&M processes aligned with NIST 800-53 for national laboratory projects.
IT Project Manager
Mission Support & Testing Services
Aug 2020 - May 2023 (2 years 9 months)
Managed end-to-end lifecycle of 9 infrastructure projects and a $36M hardware/software renewal program, delivering on time while building and scaling a PMO to improve enterprise project governance and delivery performance.
Senior Program Manager
U.S. Air Force, EUCOM
Jul 2016 - Aug 2020 (4 years 1 month)
Oversaw global deployments supporting 72,000+ personnel and $235M in IT/logistics modernization, and managed a $45M NOC redesign integrating 305 virtual endpoints under accelerated timelines.
Senior Program Manager
U.S. Air Force, PPA HQ
Jul 2011 - Jul 2016 (5 years)
Managed the $85M Defense Personal Property System and led regionalization efforts that produced $1.3M annual savings and $1.1M reduction in invoice backlogs through process automation and IT compliance programs.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
GUGolden Gate University
Master of Science, Project Management (Cybersecurity)
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Project Management with a concentration in Cybersecurity, expected December 2025.
UPUniversity of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science, Management
Completed a Bachelor’s degree in Management, focusing on leadership and organizational operations.
Community College of the Air Force
Associate of Applied Science, Supply Chain Management
Awarded an Associate’s degree in Supply Chain Management while serving in the U.S. Air Force.
Axia College
Associate of Arts, General Studies
Completed an Associate’s degree in General Studies.
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
PanamaJob categories
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