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
$5.4M+Selected operational savings
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 operational conditions.
Leadership
Synchronized personnel, equipment, schedules, logistics, risk response, and operational handoffs for more than 350 mission platforms.
Outcome
Maintained 97% operational readiness across 57 locations during a 15-month deployment.
- Program integration
- Global operations
- Logistics
- 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
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
A broader record of execution.
Selected examples that demonstrate repeatable leadership across projects, programs, portfolios, and organizational capabilities.
P7095 pre-production initiative
35 builds · 19 design/BOM issues resolved
Maintenance-readiness improvement
150+ personnel · 62 supported organizations
Theater maintenance operations
$3.9M recurring annual savings
PMO governance and reporting
Executive dashboards · standardized risk reviews
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.
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 and lessons learned to strengthen the next delivery cycle.
ABOUT ELLINGTON
Mission focus.
Enterprise perspective.
Ellington Releford is a program, portfolio, and operations leader with experience spanning national security, enterprise technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, and organizational transformation.
His career combines 26+ years of U.S. Army leadership with senior roles supporting Los Alamos National Laboratory, Amentum, and Rheem Manufacturing. He is known for translating strategy into executable plans, strengthening governance, and building cross-functional alignment in high-consequence environments.
Selected credentials
MBAPMPSAFe® SSMCSMA-CSMCSPOLSSMBBDMLDevOps
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