Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Additional Highlights
Generic

Chelsea Cogswell

Los Angeles

Summary

Technical Program Manager with 10+ years of experience leading large-scale, high-impact projects across the U.S. Department of Defense and Space Systems Command. Skilled in program leadership, technical lifecycle management, and building cross-functional alignment between engineering teams, executives, and stakeholders. Expertise in strategic planning, governance frameworks, risk management, and evaluation systems. Strong record of delivering mission-critical solutions in complex environments while mentoring and developing high-performing teams.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief of Director’s Action Group

Space Systems Command (U.S. Space Force, DoD)
10.2024 - Current
  • Senior advisor to executive leadership across space acquisition, engineering, and operations.
  • Directed strategic integration of enterprise-wide initiatives, high-level contract reviews, and portfolio coordination.
  • Developed onboarding and continuity programs to accelerate personnel integration and strengthen team resilience.
  • Modernized workflows and tracking systems (SharePoint, TMT, classified platforms) to enhance collaboration and accountability.

Deputy Program Manager

Space Systems Command (U.S. Space Force, DoD)
05.2022 - 10.2024
  • Oversaw a multimillion-dollar space acquisition portfolio, managing ground system development, infrastructure readiness, and operational support.
  • Directed budget execution, program integration, and stakeholder communication in alignment with national security priorities.
  • Managed program risks and guided cross-functional teams in mitigation strategies.
  • Coordinated site development and facility readiness for space operations.

Technical Program Manager

United States Space Force
10.2019 - 04.2022
  • Product Owner for government-led software development team delivering applications to diverse end users.
  • Directed system design, development, testing, and deployment while maintaining cybersecurity standards.
  • Implemented agile practices to improve user workflows, reduce waste, and accelerate delivery cycles.

Transitions to Operations / Scrum Master Roles

01.2019 - 01.2020
  • Guided rapid tech development informed by stakeholder feedback; managed critical non-functional requirements for successful product launches.
  • Increased integration team output by 300% in three months through Agile/Scrum process improvements.

Event Manager

United States Air Force
07.2016 - 07.2018
  • Directed execution of diplomatic and protocol-sensitive events for international dignitaries and U.S. leadership.
  • Managed budgets, logistics, and vendor coordination, consistently delivering high-profile events with flawless execution.

Finance & Payroll Technician

01.2009 - 06.2011
  • Delivered customer service for military pay, travel, and benefits; improved accuracy and timeliness of transactions.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Humanities

United States Air Force Academy
01.2016

Skills

  • Technical Program & Project Management
  • Leadership & Team Development
  • Strategic Roadmapping & Governance
  • Engineering Lifecycle Management
  • Risk Identification & Mitigation
  • Cross-functional Stakeholder Management
  • Process improvement
  • Agile software development
  • Stakeholder management
  • KPI tracking
  • Coaching and mentoring

Timeline

Chief of Director’s Action Group

Space Systems Command (U.S. Space Force, DoD)
10.2024 - Current

Deputy Program Manager

Space Systems Command (U.S. Space Force, DoD)
05.2022 - 10.2024

Technical Program Manager

United States Space Force
10.2019 - 04.2022

Transitions to Operations / Scrum Master Roles

01.2019 - 01.2020

Event Manager

United States Air Force
07.2016 - 07.2018

Finance & Payroll Technician

01.2009 - 06.2011

Bachelor of Science - Humanities

United States Air Force Academy

Additional Highlights

  • Experience leading evaluation systems, data frameworks, and impact measurement processes.
  • Skilled at aligning technical teams with executive strategy, ensuring both mission readiness and organizational compliance.
  • Familiarity with social impact and fundraising through philanthropic and non profit volunteering.
Chelsea Cogswell