Open to opportunities

Tara Feher

@tarafeher

Message

US Navy program leader delivering enterprise test, aviation operations, and safety outcomes for mission success.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead mission-driven programs where I can blend test & evaluation, technology integration, and aviation/safety operations—driving measurable cost, schedule, and readiness outcomes through data, process improvement, and strong stakeholder execution.

I’m a US Navy Leadership Development & Program Management executive who builds high-performing programs across test, evaluation, sustainment, and flight operations. I lead enterprise-level operations and technology integration valued at over $1B to deliver on-time, within-budget outcomes for complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

I direct multimillion-dollar budgets and vendor task orders, implementing cost-control measures that delivered $16M in savings while meeting quality, schedule, and ROI targets. I develop playbooks, dashboards, and audit frameworks to strengthen compliance, security, and readiness—turning performance data into clear recommendations for senior leaders.

Safety and risk management are core to how I operate. I’ve developed enterprise risk-mitigation programs that drove a 100% mission success rate, reduced error rates by 80% through operating procedure and qualification tracking improvements, and earned recognition for outstanding safety performance.

Across aviation maintenance and operations, I’ve led teams delivering 100% on-time performance across deployment cycles, while strengthening transparency and accountability through data-driven communication. I continually redesign processes for scalability and competitive advantage, and I bring formal training and certifications (including Program Management and PMP) to execute with rigor and purpose.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Director, Flight Ops & Safety

U.S. Navy

Oct 2022 - Oct 2025 (3 years)

Selected Aircraft Carrier Air Officer (Air Boss) for CVN 79, leading start-up and organizational design of a 640-person department and reducing error rates by 80% through improved operating procedures and qualification tracking. Directed integration of $1B+ in emerging technologies and infrastructure with NAVAIR and shipyard leadership to preserve timelines and avoid multimillion-dollar delays.

Flight Operations Leadership Aviation Safety Systems Program Execution Integration Technologies Stakeholder Management Risk Mitigation Budget Oversight Performance Metrics

Program Manager, Test & Eval

U.S. Navy

Jan 2020 - Sep 2022 (2 years 8 months)

Directed a $20M technology test and evaluation portfolio across next-generation unmanned systems, combat systems, and cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring on-time delivery and long-term operational performance. Built playbooks, dashboards, and audit frameworks for compliance and readiness, authoring recommendations that delivered $11.1M in cost savings.

Program Management Portfolio Management Logistics Planning Dashboards

Director of Aviation Maintenance

U.S. Navy

Jul 2016 - Jan 2020 (3 years 6 months)

Led a 167-person operations and maintenance team overseeing $97M in assets and a $1.7M annual budget, delivering 100% on-time performance across deployment cycles. Directed resource planning, performance reporting, and safety oversight for operations supporting six aircraft and 234 personnel, strengthening transparency through data-driven communication.

Team Leadership Budget Management performance reporting Resource Planning Asset Management

Deputy Director, Air Ops & Compliance

U.S. Navy

Apr 2012 - Jul 2014 (2 years 3 months)

Led a 148-person technical workforce through 18,000+ labor hours of facility restoration and 5,000+ maintenance projects, completing deliverables on time and achieving full operational certification after major infrastructure overhaul. Supervised a 68-member team executing 4,900 accident-free flight hours while maintaining 100% compliance with safety and qualification standards.

Compliance Management Safety & Standards Team Supervision Process Management Risk Control

Training & Standardization Program Manager

U.S. Navy

Sep 2009 - Mar 2012 (2 years 6 months)

Directed training and professional development programs for 150+ team members, managing a $2.9M operational training budget to ensure workforce readiness across multiple East Coast locations. Redesigned enterprise training and evaluation systems with standardized playbooks and performance metrics to improve consistency and scalability.

Training Program Management Performance Metrics

Operations & Readiness Program Manager

U.S. Navy

Sep 2005 - Sep 2009 (4 years)

Coordinated operational deployments and disaster relief missions, streamlining workflows to accelerate flight qualifications by 11 months ahead of schedule. Earned recognition as Squadron Pilot of the Year for leadership, safety, and operational excellence.

Operational Readiness Deployment Workflow Optimization Training & Qualification Acceleration Safety Leadership Continuous Improvement