01Project
Deliver a defined outcome
Radome modernization
Scope · Schedule · Budget · Risk · Deliverable→PROGRAM · PORTFOLIO · OPERATIONS
Turning complex strategy into disciplined execution.
I lead mission-critical technology, infrastructure, and operational initiatives—from defined project delivery to enterprise portfolio governance.
Rio Rancho, New Mexico · Open to remote, hybrid, and select on-site leadership opportunities
Battlefield-tested operator.
Enterprise transformation strategist.
$200M+Technology portfolio governed
15%Portfolio delivery improvement
$15.8M+Selected savings & cost avoidance
26+Years of military leadership
SCALE OF LEADERSHIP
From project delivery to portfolio strategy.
I have led work at every level—from delivering defined, mission-critical projects to coordinating related initiatives and governing enterprise portfolios.
02Program
Coordinate related projects
Infrastructure & site-operations modernization
Dependencies · Resources · Benefits · Alignment→03Portfolio
Prioritize strategy and investment
$200M+ DOE/NNSA technology portfolio
Governance · Funding · Risk · Executive decisionsSELECTED WORK
Leadership at every level.
Each case study shows how I move from complexity to measurable outcomes while protecting mission, people, and performance.
01Portfolio leadership$200M+ DOE/NNSA Technology PortfolioLos Alamos National LaboratoryEnterprise governance and performance leadership across mission-critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, operational reliability, and transformation initiatives.
Challenge
Create reliable executive visibility across financial, schedule, resource, risk, and delivery performance while strengthening strategic alignment.
Leadership
Implemented portfolio governance, stage-gate controls, integrated planning, standardized risk reviews, and a monthly executive dashboard cadence.
Outcome
Improved portfolio delivery performance by 15% and strengthened prioritization, risk response, and leadership decision-making.
- Infrastructure modernization
- Cybersecurity & compliance
- Enterprise applications
- Process transformation
02Program leadershipInfrastructure & Site-Operations ModernizationAmentum · Mission-Critical OperationsDirected a coordinated program of infrastructure upgrades, system integrations, planned shutdowns, maintenance optimization, and operational-resiliency initiatives.
Challenge
Modernize interdependent infrastructure while sustaining continuous operations, controlling shutdown risk, and aligning technical work with site priorities.
Leadership
Integrated facility upgrades, critical-system redundancy, maintenance planning, SAP-enabled work management, engineering dependencies, resources, and operational handoffs.
Outcome
Reduced system downtime by approximately 10%, increased operational predictability, and sustained availability for critical operations.
- Program integration
- Infrastructure modernization
- Operational resilience
- SAP work management
03Project leadershipMission-Critical Radome ModernizationAmentum · Infrastructure & OperationsDelivered a defined modernization outcome through integrated shutdown, construction-interface, and operational-readiness planning in a sensitive environment.
Challenge
Complete a time-bound infrastructure upgrade while protecting mission continuity and coordinating complex technical dependencies.
Leadership
Managed scope, schedule, risks, contractor activity, engineering interfaces, resources, stakeholder communications, and transition-to-operations planning.
Outcome
Achieved the planned modernization and safe return to operations while minimizing disruption to mission-critical activities.
- Defined deliverable
- Integrated schedule
- Cross-functional team
- Completion criteria
04Program leadershipTheater Communications Deployment & SustainmentUnited States Army · 57 locationsCoordinated interconnected deployment, integration, maintenance, logistics, and transition projects across a distributed operating environment.
Challenge
Sustain secure, reliable communications across geographically dispersed sites under demanding environmental and operational conditions.
Leadership
Synchronized personnel, equipment, schedules, logistics, risk response, and operational handoffs for more than 350 mission platforms, including implementation of a heat-mitigation solution that prevented service outages.
Outcome
Protected data, voice, and video continuity while maintaining 97% operational readiness across 57 locations during a 15-month deployment.
- Program integration
- Engineering problem-solving
- Continuity management
- Mission readiness
05Transformation programLean Manufacturing TransformationRheem ManufacturingLed cross-functional Lean and just-in-time transformation across manufacturing lines, engineering, supply chain, and production operations.
Challenge
Accelerate production readiness while eliminating waste, resolving design constraints, and aligning work to the Factory Master Plan.
Leadership
Directed Kaizen events, pre-production builds, design and BOM issue resolution, and coordinated execution across engineering and manufacturing teams.
Outcome
Completed transformation milestones two months ahead of plan and generated more than $1.5M in savings.
- Lean transformation
- Kaizen
- Cross-functional delivery
- Cost reduction
PROJECT & PROGRAM EXPERIENCE
A broader record of execution.
Additional examples of how I translate strategy into governed delivery, operational readiness, enterprise adoption, and measurable results.
01ProjectExecutive Portfolio Dashboard ImplementationLos Alamos National Laboratory · July 2022–Present assignmentStrengthened executive visibility, trend analysis, and evidence-based portfolio decisions.
Actual role
IT Project Manager II / Project Lead
Leadership contribution
Lead requirements, data integration, KPI design, and monthly executive reporting across financial, schedule, resource, risk, and delivery performance information.
Result
Strengthened executive visibility, trend analysis, and evidence-based portfolio decisions.
- Power BI
- KPI development
- Data integration
- Executive reporting
02ProgramCritical-System Availability & ResiliencyAmentum · September 2019–May 2022 assignmentReduced system downtime by approximately 10% and sustained critical operational availability.
Actual role
Infrastructure & Operations Project Manager
Leadership contribution
Led risk analysis, redundancy, preventive-maintenance, and integration activities across mission-essential infrastructure.
Result
Reduced system downtime by approximately 10% and sustained critical operational availability.
- Business continuity
- System redundancy
- Preventive maintenance
- Operational risk
03ProjectP7095 Renaissance Pre-Production InitiativeRheem Manufacturing · February 2018–September 2019 assignmentResolved 19 design and bill-of-material discrepancies to accelerate production readiness.
Actual role
Lean Transformation Project Manager / Cross-Functional Lead
Leadership contribution
Coordinated engineering, procurement, and manufacturing execution across 35 pre-production builds.
Result
Resolved 19 design and bill-of-material discrepancies to accelerate production readiness.
- New-product introduction
- Change control
- BOM analysis
- Production readiness
04ProgramAviation Night Vision Device Support & CertificationUnited States Army · 13 monthsSustained 100% readiness and generated $3.9M in recurring annual savings.
Actual role
Senior Operations & Logistics Manager / Program Lead
Leadership contribution
Established AN/AVS-6 maintenance support and partnered with the California Army National Guard to certify and recertify 94-series personnel.
Result
Sustained 100% readiness and generated $3.9M in recurring annual savings.
- Technical certification
- Interagency coordination
- Lifecycle support
- Readiness improvement
05TransformationGCSS-Army Enterprise Systems TransitionUnited States Army · Army service assignmentStrengthened asset visibility and standardized maintenance planning and performance reporting.
Actual role
Senior Operations & Logistics Manager
Leadership contribution
Led the organizational transition from legacy logistics systems to the SAP-based GCSS-Army enterprise platform.
Result
Strengthened asset visibility and standardized maintenance planning and performance reporting.
- SAP-based ERP
- Change management
- Asset visibility
- User adoption
06ProgramMulti-Unit Communications Security OperationsUnited States Army · Army service assignmentDelivered secure operational support with zero security incidents.
Actual role
COMSEC Account Director / Program Lead
Leadership contribution
Led 38 Soldiers supporting four battalions and 50 missions across 12 countries while enforcing disciplined accountability and compliance.
Result
Delivered secure operational support with zero security incidents.
- Security governance
- Compliance
- Audit readiness
- Distributed leadership
07ProjectBRAC Secure-Network DecommissioningUnited States Army Europe · Round 37 BRAC closure periodCompleted compliant decommissioning activities while saving U.S. Army Europe more than $4.19M.
Actual role
Communications Infrastructure Project Lead
Leadership contribution
Planned and executed the controlled removal of 31 secure network infrastructure cabinets supporting base-closure requirements.
Result
Completed compliant decommissioning activities while saving U.S. Army Europe more than $4.19M.
- Network decommissioning
- Configuration control
- Cybersecurity compliance
- Cost management
08ProjectBosnia Communications Infrastructure ModernizationUnited States Army · Army service assignmentDelivered modernized telecommunications capabilities while generating approximately $4.2M in savings.
Actual role
Engineering Project Team Member
Leadership contribution
Helped engineer and replace communications infrastructure supporting international operations in Bosnia.
Result
Delivered modernized telecommunications capabilities while generating approximately $4.2M in savings.
- Infrastructure engineering
- Systems integration
- Telecommunications
- International operations
09InitiativeMaintenance Inventory & Shop-Stock OptimizationUnited States Army · Army service assignmentProduced more than $2M in combined savings and cost avoidance.
Actual role
Senior Operations & Logistics Manager / Improvement Lead
Leadership contribution
Directed identification and turn-in of 86 excess stock lines and corrected a systemic inventory-control issue through analysis, coaching, and standardized controls.
Result
Produced more than $2M in combined savings and cost avoidance.
- Inventory optimization
- Root-cause analysis
- Cost control
- Regulatory compliance
10ProjectInstallation Life-Sustainment & Force ProtectionUnited States Army · Five installation-wide power-outage eventsPreserved continuity of critical installation operations throughout each event.
Actual role
Senior Operations & Logistics Manager / Project Lead
Leadership contribution
Planned, coordinated, and executed emergency life-sustainment, force-protection, and logistics activities during five installation-wide power outages.
Result
Preserved continuity of critical installation operations throughout each event.
- Crisis management
- Continuity planning
- Force protection
- Emergency logistics
EXECUTIVE PORTFOLIO
View executive portfolio PDF · 8 pagesFive executive case studies demonstrating portfolio governance, PMO transformation, mission-critical operations, global deployment, and Lean manufacturing leadership.
SELECTED HONORS & RECOGNITION
Leadership recognized through service and results.
Recognition spanning combat service, enterprise portfolio execution, operational readiness, professional excellence, and sustained leadership.
Bronze Star Medal
Awarded for exceptionally meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where outstanding duty performance contributed to mission success in a combat environment.
Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe
Inducted in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service, sustained leadership, professional excellence, and distinguished contributions to the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps.
Prominent Performance Award
Recognized by Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Program, Strategy, and Execution division for exceptional portfolio execution and leadership during the Super IT Division transformation.
Army Award for Maintenance Excellence
Contributed to an award-winning maintenance organization through readiness leadership and development of an NVG support program generating $3.9 million in recurring annual savings.
John D. Woodyard Leadership Award
Selected by peers and leaders for superior leadership performance during the Advanced Leaders Course.
Army Commendation Medal
7 awards recognizing sustained leadership, distinguished service, and exceptional operational performance.
Army Achievement Medal
5 awards recognizing exceptional performance, leadership, and meaningful contributions to mission success.
ABOUT ELLINGTON
Mission focus.
Enterprise perspective.
Ellington Releford is a mission-driven enterprise leader operating at the intersection of national security, technology, operations, and transformation. A former U.S. Army senior operations and logistics leader turned executive PMO strategist, he combines battlefield-tested discipline with executive-level business acumen to lead complex portfolios and transformation initiatives in highly regulated, high-consequence environments.
His career spans global military sustainment, secure mission-critical infrastructure, Lean manufacturing transformation, and enterprise portfolio governance. Equally comfortable briefing executives, aligning cross-functional teams, redesigning governance systems, or improving frontline workflows, Ellington brings structure and strategic clarity to difficult operational problems. His leadership approach combines military accountability, Lean continuous improvement, and evidence-based executive decision support—always anchored in measurable outcomes.
Selected credentials
MBAPMPSAFe® SSMCSMA-CSMCSPOLSSMBBDMLDevOps
“A battlefield-tested operator turned enterprise transformation strategist—leading mission-critical programs with the precision of a logistician, the discipline of a PMO executive, and the mindset of a continuous-improvement architect.”
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
Governance that enables delivery.
I build enough structure to create clarity and accountability—without slowing down the people doing the work.
Align
Connect investment and execution to the mission, strategy, and measurable outcomes.
Integrate
Unify scope, schedule, cost, resources, risk, and dependencies into one decision system.
Execute
Create ownership, operating cadence, and transparent controls that move work forward.
Improve
Use performance evidence, lessons learned, and a perpetual-learning mindset to strengthen every delivery cycle.
THE NEXT MISSION
Let’s build clarity, alignment, and measurable results.
Interested in discussing senior program management, enterprise PMO, portfolio leadership, or operational transformation opportunities? Let’s connect.
Rio Rancho, New Mexico · Remote, hybrid, and select on-site opportunities