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.