Christian Leon
Fairfield
Summary
Senior Human Resources Director and Military Veteran with a Secret Security Clearance and 26+ years of proven experience in the United States Air Force. Accomplished measurable results while leading teams of 60 advising senior leaders and driving organizational performance through people strategy in complex, dynamic, fast paced environment. Possess a comprehensive background in influencing without authority and delivering data-driven HR solutions, with deep expertise across workforce planning, organizational design, leadership development, employee relations and change derived from conducting domestic and global operations in the United States, Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Managed risk upon multiple lines to protect assets, property, and equipment valued over $239M while meeting the expectations of senior leadership. Possess extensive knowledge in Human Resources, Air Refueling Operations, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Recruiting Service. Recipient of multiple awards for outstanding performance and professionalism. Career supported by a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics Degree.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior HR Director/ People Operations Leader
364th Recruiting Squadron, United States Air Force
McClellan Park
09.2023 - Current
- Acted as strategic HR advisor to senior leaders for 96 employees across 38 locations.
- Utilized workforce and performance data to diagnose issues and inform leadership decisions.
- Led unit self-inspection program, managing eight validators and 36 self-assessment checklists to ensure compliance and operational readiness.
- Drove efficiency initiative with 101 squadron members, resolving 32 deficiencies and boosting recruit production to 104%.
- Ensured production of 106% of new enlisted contracts, contributing to squadron goal for 2025.
- Directed unit's self-inspection program overseeing eight validators and 36 self-assessment checklists.
- Analyzed workforce and performance data to identify issues, providing actionable insights for leadership decision-making.
- Achieved strategic management resulting in 37 special warfare reservations and a 229% year-over-year increase.
Workforce Strategy & Organizational Design Lead
60th Air Mobility Wing, United States Air Force
Travis AFB
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Directed organizational design and workforce strategy for $239 million transformation initiative supporting growth.
- Analyzed manpower across KC-46 aircraft bases with Major Command to identify untapped civilian authorization opportunities.
- Oversaw design process for intrusion detection system contract, ensuring compliance with security requirements for classified operations.
- Chaired mission planning center working group to synchronize 12 teams for critical facility establishment at Travis.
- Coordinated development of position descriptions and advertising efforts, enhancing recruitment strategy for talent in datalink operations.
- Facilitated change management by assisting leaders in navigating ambiguity and resistance during organizational transitions.
Senior Manager - People Operations & Leadership Development
60th Support Squadron, United States Air Force
Travis AFB
06.2020 - 05.2022
- Led 55 airmen in largest military personnel flight in Air Mobility Command, enhancing support for two wings and 96 units.
- Processed 3,000 travel orders and 8,000 performance evaluations while creating 44,000 identification cards to streamline operations.
- Deployed 3,000 personnel while maintaining operational readiness and efficiency.
- Processed 3,000 travel orders, 8,000 performance evaluations, and created 44,000 identification cards.
- Identified performance gaps and high-potential talent, collaborating with leaders to develop targeted improvement strategies.
Human Resources Manager
60th Operations Squadron, United States Air Force
Travis AFB
07.2019 - 05.2020
- Partnered with senior leaders to enhance workforce readiness, training, and organizational effectiveness.
- Designed and implemented training programs that reduced onboarding cycle time by 30% and delivered $1.4M in annual savings.
- Resolved issues in awards program, securing $59,000 in annual awards for 32 personnel.
- Monitored civilian payroll and certified timecards, leave, and awards for 900 members.
- Oversaw the Squadron's 843 thousand dollar budget, which supported ten Flights' temporary-duty assignments, aircraft fuel, and equipment procurement.
Human Resources Specialist
9th Support Squadron, United States Air Force
Beale Air Force Base
07.2016 - 07.2019
- Ensured readiness of 138 personnel across 35 unit tasking codes for deployment, meeting air expeditionary force mission requirements for six combatant commands.
- Executed mortuary officer duties for one active duty and six dependent cases, ensuring $13,000 in entitlements were safeguarded for grieving families.
- Led $250,000 in aero club aircraft upgrades and generated $1.8 million in outdoor recreation sales, increasing arts and crafts net income by 21% to enhance quality of life for 4,900 personnel.
- Facilitated 100 visits from 120 distinguished visitors, enhancing relationships with coalition partners.
- Facilitated European Union ambassador's visit, enabling engagement with 22 key regional leaders.
- Orchestrated Air Force surgeon general's visit, highlighting combined air operations center mission.
- Developed comprehensive logistics and transportation plan for inaugural United States Air Forces Central Command change of command at Al Udeid Air Base.
Career Development Advisor/Workforce Development Specialist
60th Support Squadron, United States Air Force
Travis AFB
05.2015 - 06.2016
- Facilitated success of largest Air Mobility Command First Term Airman Center by leading 22 classes and conducting 1,200 hours of mandated training for 440 first-term airmen.
- Achieved highest mission-ready throughput rate in command history.
- Established partnerships enabling first-ever Navy seamen graduation from First Term Airman Center program, increasing exposure to global mobility missions.
- Coordinated joint operation procedures for First Term Airman Center, improving inter-service collaboration.
- Designed 24 hours of operational and strategic leadership courses for company grade officers, enhancing leadership development.
- Developed management skills of junior officers, surpassing major command objectives in leadership development courses.
- Provided insights into effective leadership practices and professional enhancement for flight commanders and officers in charge.
- Enhanced effectiveness of First Term Airman Center through strategic course offerings and targeted training initiatives.
Senior Operations Program Manager
Air Refueling Squadron, Unites States Air Force
Travis AFB
08.2012 - 04.2015
- Led 124 airmen, delivering 116 million pounds of fuel to 5,000 coalition aircraft during 377 airstrikes and 107 shows of force.
- Advised commander on morale and discipline as squadron's first sergeant for eight months, identifying suicidal actions of one airman and coordinating treatment.
- Engaged leadership for recognition of airmen, securing one wing Airman of the Year award, four senior airman below-the-zone selections, and three distinguished graduates from Airman Leadership School.
- Maximized KC-10 channel missions, addressing airlift shortfalls and redeploying 500 personnel while contributing to two outstanding ratings during inspections.
- Coordinated closely with United Arab Emirates' multi-role tanker transport squadron, enabling participation in first Emirati tanker combat mission in Iraq.
- Mitigated theater-wide airlift shortfall through effective utilization of KC-10 channel missions to redeploy personnel.
- Received Senior Noncommissioned Officer bi-monthly award for exemplary service and leadership excellence.
- Enhanced operational effectiveness by maximizing KC-10 mission capabilities to resolve airlift challenges.
Positions of Increasing Responsibility
United States Air Force
Various Locations
09.1999 - 07.2012
- Oversaw 60 personnel at three detachments in support of global remotely piloted aircraft operations.
- Achieved 8,000 hours of full motion video support for operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom while leading eighteen enlisted crewmembers.
- Facilitated 40,000 hours of video and close air support, culminating in 57 successful airstrikes against enemy targets.
- Coordinated response to engine failure during combat air patrol, safeguarding $4 million MQ-1B through decisive communication.
- Provided crucial aircraft capability insights during NATO's first MQ-1B combat search and rescue exercise to maintain crew readiness.
- Implemented advanced capabilities with $39 million hyperspectral and $2.8 million high-definition cameras, enhancing mission success.
- Mentored squadron members, resulting in six quarterly award winners and three annual award winners.
- Handled emergency notifications to facilitate member reunification with families.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics
Embry Riddle
Prescott, AZ05-2014
Associate of Science - Aviation Operations
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL09-2008
Skills
- Workforce planning and talent strategy
- Organizational design and transformation
- HR analytics and decision support
- Employee relations and risk management
- Change leadership
- Talent acquisition strategy
- Stakeholder management
- HR operating model and collaboration
- Employee experience and culture alignment
- Leadership coaching and effectiveness
- Influence without authority
References
- Frank Acosta, (707) 470-9428
- Elizabeth Wagner, (707) 424-0528
- Lester Naoe, (210) 993-6660
Languages
- Spanish
Timeline
Senior HR Director/ People Operations Leader
364th Recruiting Squadron, United States Air Force
09.2023 - Current
Workforce Strategy & Organizational Design Lead
60th Air Mobility Wing, United States Air Force
06.2022 - 08.2023
Senior Manager - People Operations & Leadership Development
60th Support Squadron, United States Air Force
06.2020 - 05.2022
Human Resources Manager
60th Operations Squadron, United States Air Force
07.2019 - 05.2020
Human Resources Specialist
9th Support Squadron, United States Air Force
07.2016 - 07.2019
Career Development Advisor/Workforce Development Specialist
60th Support Squadron, United States Air Force
05.2015 - 06.2016
Senior Operations Program Manager
Air Refueling Squadron, Unites States Air Force
08.2012 - 04.2015
Positions of Increasing Responsibility
United States Air Force
09.1999 - 07.2012
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics
Embry Riddle
Associate of Science - Aviation Operations
Community College of The Air Force