Craig Pfister

Current

• Unit Education & Training Manager at US Air Force Reserve 80th Aerial Port Squadron

Past

• Unit Human Resource Manager (NCOIC, Commanders Support Section) at US Air Force Reserve 80th Aerial Port Squadron, Atlanta, GA
• Distance Learning Instructor / Curriculum Developer at Transportation Proficiency Center, HQ AFRC, Atlanta, GA
• Unit Education & Training Manager at US Air Force Reserve 80th APS, Atlanta, GA

• Air Transportation Specialist (Reservist) at 83rd Aerial Port Squadron, Portland, OR
• Unit Education and Training Manager at US Air Force Reserve 83rd APS, Portland, OR
• Events Program Manager at Tualatin Hills Park & Rec District, Beaverton, OR
• Guest Services Manager (Start Up) at Embassy Suites Portland Downtown Hotel, Portland, OR
• Guest Services Manager (Start Up) at Seven Feathers Casino & Resort, Canyonville, OR
• Accommodations Manager (Start Up) at Best Western Oceanwalk Suites/Metropolitan Hotel, Hilton Head, SC
• Guest Services Manager at Players Club Resort, Hilton Head, SC
• Logistics Specialist at US Air Force 319th Supply Sqd, Grand Forks AFB, ND
• Logistics Specialist at US Air Force 52nd Supply Sqd, Spangdahlem Germany

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9 more...

Education

• American Military University
• Community College of the US Air Force
• Lacrosse University

• Portland Community College
• Warner Robins High School
• AFRC Professional Development Center

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3 more...

Recommended

59 people have recommended Craig

Connections

397 connections

Industry

Education Management

Websites

• My Company
• American Military University
• My Blog

Craig Pfister’s Summary

I am currently the Education & Training Manager for the 80th Aerial Port Squadron at Dobbins ARB located in Atlanta, Georgia. I manage all the information, executive and training services for the squadrons 200-person staff with a $190K budget, supporting nine work centers and 15 programs. I manage the Mentoring, Performance Appraisals, Awards program and Monthly Training Newsletter.

I have a 15 year proven track record of designing, implementing and restructuring staff training programs while significantly reducing the cost to deliver & implement the training program. I have continually raised the bar on the quality of training at each organization I have been apart of. I have managed and developed a staff of highly dedicated trainers/instructors to execute the requirments of the training plan. I am a analytical, innovative, problem solver who enjoys developing new organizational methodologies and improving the current training system solutions. And have extensive experience in developing training programs at Hotels, Clubs, U.S. Air Force Squadrons, and Government Non-Proit agencies to meet there specific needs.

I bring a unique perspective to providing training and customer service gained by having first hand experience and understanding of how to lead and manage a large group of international staff from various nations, all brought together with a shared vision to deliver 5-Diamond customer service. I have specialized in the start up of new hotels and the day to day running of the resort and business hotel operations, managing all guest service aspects. All properties spanning from leisure resorts, casinos and corporate hotels. My direct involvement with recruitment and training has kept standards high and turnover low in a highly volital tourism markets.

During my time in the hotel business and Air Force I received awards and recognition for developing creative solutions to a wide range of technical customer service and training problems.

Craig Pfister’s Specialties:

- Turning Around Distressed Organizations ensuring Brand Compliance
- Program Promotion through Social Networking and forming Alliances
- Experienced in managing a workforce of 250 personnel
- Departmental Rebuilding using Personnel Development and Evaluation
- Functioning as a member of cross-functional teams
- Ongoing Succession Planning by Mentoring Associates
- Continuously Evaluating Results through Surveys
- SECRET Government Security Clearance

Craig Pfister’s Experience

• Unit Education & Training Manager

  US Air Force Reserve 80th Aerial Port Squadron

  (Military industry)

  November 2009 — Present (2 months)

• Unit Human Resource Manager (NCOIC, Commanders Support Section)

  US Air Force Reserve 80th Aerial Port Squadron, Atlanta, GA

  (Government Agency; Military industry)

  December 2007 — November 2009 (2 years )

  Responsible for the successful planning, implementation and evaluation of the 80th Aerial Port Squadron's personnel programs. Manages every information process, executive and training services for the squadron’s 200-person staff with a $190K budget, supporting nine work centers and 15 programs. Directly supervises 8 employees ensuring compliance with training annually work activity; monitors status of work in progress and approves completed work. Schedules and maintains the programs training resources. Responsible for ensuring the programs training resources are properly configured and prepared to support training events ranging from local to national level full scale training exercises. Develops, creates and enforces administrative and personnel policies & procedures which include the squadrons mentoring, awards & decorations, employee performance management. Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with key staff and ensuring effective communication and collaboration across departments. Coordinates succession planning into current job classes by developing career progression paths from current job classes. Networks with other Air Force organizations to provide cross-recruiting opportunities and provides input into job classification relating to career development. Monitors the functionality of the organizations 98 computers to ensure web based computer applications are accessible when need by the each users. Oversees the acquisition, security and upgrade of hardware and software. Conducts hardware and software setup, installation, troubleshooting and maintains over 98 computer systems and associated unclassified e-mail accounts. Produces and distributes the organizations monthly 20 page newsletter specifically outlining all operations and training programs. Assists senior leaders in conducting and analyzing statistical studies pertaining to the effectiveness of unit's programs.

• Distance Learning Instructor / Curriculum Developer

  Transportation Proficiency Center, HQ AFRC, Atlanta, GA

  (Educational Institution; 5001-10,000 employees; E-Learning industry)

  May 2007 — December 2007 (8 months)

  Facilitates students through assigned blocks of distance learning instruction at basic and advanced levels. Developed training materials for procedures and schedules in accordance with current instructional techniques. Responsible for operating the Globecaster broadcast studio equipment. Received distance learning satellite requirements directly from authorized organizations. Coordinated schedules and confirmed reservations with training site ATN coordinators.
  
  
  Achievements:
  - Project Manager for the Air Transportation Operations Leaders Course.
  - Prepared and delivered the Aerial Port Unit Training Manager Broadcast once a month for broadcast throughout AFRC to include an informational course on the country of Afghanistan.
  - Editor of Monthly Distance Learning Newsletter that was e-mailed to 51 organziations and over 200 key AFRC people.
  - Developed TPC's first Knowledge Now Community of Practice webpage focusing on Aerial Port Distance Learning

• Unit Education & Training Manager

  US Air Force Reserve 80th APS, Atlanta, GA

  (Government Agency; 10,001 or more employees; Military industry)

  May 2005 — April 2007 (2 years )

  Administers Education and Training (E&T) programs. Compares individual knowledge and skills with job standards and identifies E&T requirments. develops objectives to meet Air Force academic, vocational and technical standards. Advises on E&T materials and services. Conducts workcenter visits and organizes programs to develop and conduct job site training. Advises on unit and individual E&T progress. Prepares and maintains records, files and materials. Requests course quotas, monitors formal E&T process, and maintains measurement tolls, qualification training programs and the extension course program. Maintains E&T data and provides statiscal reports on programs and operations. Forecasts E&T requirments. Participates in utilization and training workshops and training planning teams. Oversees and advises on ATSEV program requirments and responsibilities.
  
  Achievements:
  - Selected as 94th Air Wing Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the 3rd Quarter in 2005.

• Air Transportation Specialist (Reservist)

  83rd Aerial Port Squadron, Portland, OR

  (Government Agency; 10,001 or more employees; Military industry)

  March 1997 — May 2005 (8 years 3 months)

  Responsible for the supervision and monitoring the training for 35 personnel and managed equipment and assets worth in excess of $9M. I ensure that all training deficiencies are resolved to guarantee all personnel are fully prepared to meet their wartime commitment. Selected by the Operations Officer to serve as the project manager for implementation of the 2004 Annual Training Plan. I manage the recurring training for 125 personnel in the Ancillary Training program. I also maintain the training database (RAPDS). Coordinates instructor needs, reserved classrooms, scheduled furniture set-ups for an average of 30 class sessions per quarter. I created, published, and distributed the monthly class schedule to the Cargo section. Consistently reviews internal operating procedures and implements plans on how to improve service to our customers.
  
  Achievements:
  -Audited over 100+ training records; Worked closely with work center managers and supervisors to correct over 400 deficiencies.

• Unit Education and Training Manager

  US Air Force Reserve 83rd APS, Portland, OR

  (Government Agency; 10,001 or more employees; Military industry)

  January 1997 — May 2005 (8 years 5 months)

  Administers Education and Training (E&T) programs. Compares individual knowledge and skills with job standards and identifies E&T requirments. develops objectives to meet Air Force academic, vocational and technical standards. Advises on E&T materials and services. Conducts workcenter visits and organizes programs to develop and conduct job site training. Advises on unit and individual E&T progress. Prepares and maintains records, files and materials. Requests course quotas, monitors formal E&T process, and maintains measurement tolls, qualification training programs and the extension course program. Maintains E&T data and provides statiscal reports on programs and operations. Forecasts E&T requirments. Participates in utilization and training workshops and training planning teams. Oversees and advises on ATSEV program requirments and responsibilities.
  
  Achievements:
  -939th Air Refueling Wing Staff Assistance Visit (SAV) showed a 70% reduction in training record errors in one year.

• Events Program Manager

  Tualatin Hills Park & Rec District, Beaverton, OR

  (Government Agency; 501-1000 employees; Events Services industry)

  January 1998 — October 2003 (5 years 10 months)

  Responsible for the coordinating and supervision of business meetings, weddings ceremony & receptions, corporate retreats, memorial services and special events throughout the year. Supervise 8 employees in the events preparation, outdoor maintenance and catering departments. Evaluated program/event histories, budget considerations, contractual provisions, and planning committee recommendations to determine requirements as to space, facilities, technology, equipment, lodging, catering, and on-site management. Organizes and assesses event information, and develops and prepares recommendations for management and future booking dates. Developed and prepared special management studies, surveys, statistics, and a variety of other reports. Designed various marketing materials, to include brochures and flyers, for meetings and conferences.
  
  Achievements:
  -Coordinated and Supervised over 36 weddings, business networking and special events at the Jenkins Estate within a three year period.

• Guest Services Manager (Start Up)

  Embassy Suites Portland Downtown Hotel, Portland, OR

  (Hospitality industry)

  February 1997 — January 1998 (1 year )

  Oversaw the pre-opening and set-up of the entire 260-room Flagship Historic Downtown Full-Service Hotel and administered operations including staffing, ordering, and establishing cost and quality standards. Responsible for ensuring the operation of a highly trained & motivated Guest Services staff of 32 employees in the Front Desk, Housekeeping, Communications, Reservations, Bell Services, Valet, Prevention Department and Concierge departments. Planned and developed training procedures for individual, classroom and on-the-job needs as well as testing and evaluation procedures to analyze training effectiveness. Hired & trained a 32-person guest services staff in 8 weeks. Produced a 200 page Customer Service Training Manual for the 6-week training course. Developed the Rooms Division long range forecast and implemented the annual budget. Prepared monthly forecasts, period end reports for the Rooms Division. Conducted a Guest Services meeting and attended various management and marketing staff meetings. Ensured the consistent adherence to brand compliance by creating higher quality standards and policies.
  
  Achievements:
  - Implemented Embassy Suites brand standards in minimal time through “4 Diamond” staff training
  - Obtained Excellent ratings on Embassy Suites quality assurance and Mystery Shopper inspections
  - Instrumental in establishing rate schedule through preparation of a competitive research analysis
  - Actively participated in the development of key relationships with PGE, Nike, WNBA, Columbia

• Guest Services Manager (Start Up)

  Seven Feathers Casino & Resort, Canyonville, OR

  (Privately Held; 201-500 employees; Hospitality industry)

  January 1996 — January 1997 (1 year 1 month)

  Responsible for providing guests services as well as supervision, direction and leadership to all 25 employees and guest services departments, which include Concierge, Communications, Valet, Front Desk, Night Audit, Reservations and Bell Staff. Established 5-Diamond standards for the grand opening of the resort, August 3rd, 1996. Assisted with the configuration and networking of 12 Property Management System terminals(Hotel Information System). Confirmed weekly payroll of staff to ensure compliance with monthly operating budget. Compiled weekly call around report focusing on competitor rates and specials. Practiced sound yeild management by updating all room rates according to 30/60/90 day forecast and demand for rooms. Delegated the research of no-shows, commissions due and charge backs to front line supervisors.

• Accommodations Manager (Start Up)

  Best Western Oceanwalk Suites/Metropolitan Hotel, Hilton Head, SC

  (Public Company; 11-50 employees; Hospitality industry)

  December 1993 — December 1995 (2 years 1 month)

  Responsible for the Group Reservations, Golf and Tennis Packages, Coordinating and Supervising of the business meetings and the Planning & Coordinating of social events (i.e. weddings, family reunions, company retreats and parties). Planned and managed events such as business meetings and conferences that ranged in size from 10 to 150 attendees, assuring that all details, meeting facilities, food and beverage, A/V equipment, presenters, reference materials, giveaways, and social functions contributed to the success of these events. Orchestrated all aspects of the events from transportation, hotel and meeting facilities, food and beverage, A/V equipment, presenters, and reference materials. Arranged the social activities for the meeting & event attendees including golf scrambles & tennis round robins. Supervised staff of 8 front line employees in the reservations department, meeting set-up department and catering department.

• Guest Services Manager

  Players Club Resort, Hilton Head, SC

  (Privately Held; 51-200 employees; Hospitality industry)

  May 1993 — October 1993 (6 months)

  Planned, directed and coordinated activities of the Golf & Tennis packages including administration and programs. Planned social events for guests & VIP's. Negoiated rate & services contracts with over 16 tennis & golf clubs in the Hilton Head Island area. Scheduled use of facilities to include tennis courts, swimming pool and golf tee-times. Inspected maintenance operation to insure upkeep of facilities and grounds. Maintained financial records related to tennis & golf package operation; monitor, verify and reconcile expenditures; prepared financial reports monthly. Planned and scheduled work for 15 member hotel staff, ensuring proper distribution of assignments and adequate manning, space and facilities for performance of duties. Assisted in the formulation of policies; implement policies adopted by the hotel.

• Logistics Specialist

  US Air Force 319th Supply Sqd, Grand Forks AFB, ND

  (Government Agency; 10,001 or more employees; Military industry)

  July 1991 — May 1993 (1 year 11 months)

  Responsible for the pickup and delivery of supplies and equipment to all on-base activities. Ensures documentation is properly signed, accounted for, and distributed. Performs proper handling of sensitive pilferable, and hazardous material. Performs operator's maintenance and daily inspections on assigned vehicles and material handling equipment. Complies with fire, safety, and security directives and policies.
  
  Achievements:
  - Maintained a 12 minute delivery rate for critical mission items, well within Air Force Standards.
  -Named "Vehicle Crew Chief of the Month" for October 1992.
  -Sustained an extraordinary 99.9% on-time delivery rate for all issues.
  -No accidents and excellent customer service rating contributed to the flight and squadron earning an "Excellent" rating during the Air Combat Commands (ACC) 1992 Quality Inspection.
  -Aggressive delivery actions contributed to the squadron receiving the " Best Material and Distribution Operation" in the Eighth Air Force in 1992.

• Logistics Specialist

  US Air Force 52nd Supply Sqd, Spangdahlem Germany

  (Government Agency; 10,001 or more employees; Military industry)

  May 1989 — July 1991 (2 years 3 months)

  Accounts for the and moves due-in-from-maintenance assets between the flightline, repair shops, and base supply, in support of 4 maintenance squadrons and 72 F-4G and F-15 aircraft in USAFE's only defense suppression tactical fighter wing. In-checks DIFM property for turn-in action. Processes transactions and attaches output documentation to property shipped to repair activities, transferred to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office, returned to stock, and delivered to customers. Maintained the temporary storage facilities.
  
  Achievements:
  - Assisted in expeditious delivery of approximately 3,000 issues/due-out releases monthly.
  -Averaged 12 minute delivery time on all priorty 1 and 2 issues.
  -On-time deliveries in an amazing on-time delivery rate of 99.9%, July-September 1991.
  -In-checked and inspected over 1,200 line items each month with remarkable 99.9% accuracy rate.
  -Reduced the number of items being returned due to incomplete paperwork by 90%.

Craig Pfister’s Education

• American Military University

  Master of Arts in Management Degree , Human Resource Management , 2008 — 2010 (expected)

  Throughout the course I am constantly comparing and contrasting various managerial approaches to employment law as well as defending or criticizing the application of various rules, regulations, and laws applied to labor-related situations and work settings. I also am analyzing and evaluating the strategic factors influencing the various levels of rewards systems in the marketplace.
  
  The degree has enabled me to be able to assess methods used to measure performance and determine pay level and associated compensation packages.
  
  I am able to identify and analyze the role and function of the Human Resource Professional in the development and implementation of policy and procedures encompassing legislative, regulatory, and organizational issues affecting the management of human resources in today’s workforce.

• Community College of the US Air Force

  Associates of Applied Science Degree , Transportation, Education & Training Management and Information Management , 1997 — 2009

  Successfully completed first Air Force Reserve Transportation Management internship at the 83rd Aerial Port Squadron (939th ARW Portland IAP, OR) that lasted from 1997 to 2001. Completed all required trainining in Passenger Service, Fleet Operations, Air Terminal Operations Control (ATOC), Load Planning, Ramp Services and Cargo Operations. Certified in handling, inspecting and preparing hazardous cargo.
  
  Successfully completed my second Air Force Reserve Education & Training Management internship (83rd APS, Portland IAP, OR and 83rd APS, Dobbins ARB, GA) from 2004-2007. I mainly focused training on developing, intergrating & implementing learning technologies into workcenters throughout organization. Learning technologies ranged from Satellite Distance Learning to Web Based Applications.
  
  In 2008 I started my third Air Force Reserve internship focused on Information and Knowledge Operations Management. I earned my third CCAF Associates Degree in April 2009.

  Activities and Societies:

  4th Air Force Training & Education Conference (Nov 2003)
  Air Force Reserve Training & Education Conference (2005)

• Lacrosse University

  BA , Hotel & Tourism Administration , 2001 — 2003

  I completed my Bachelors degree via distance learning. During my two years while completing my degree I worked for the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District in Beaverton, Oregon as an Event Planner. I planned a wide range of events year round at the historic 52-acre Jenkins Estate. The events I coordinated and managed ranged from weddings, parties to roundtables and networking after-hours. The largest event was over 1500 during a weekend event.

  Activities and Societies:

  Member of the Washington County Tourism Association (Washington County, Oregon)

• Portland Community College

  Associates Degree , Management & Supervisory Development , 2000 — 2001

  Professional Development Certificates in Management and Supervisory Development, Human Resource Management, Leadership, Customer Service, Project Management, Quality Assurance & Conflict Management.

  Activities and Societies:

  Member of Institute for Management and Professional Development (IMPD)

• Warner Robins High School

  General Diploma , Business Computer Applications , 1984 — 1987

  Activities and Societies:

  Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) 1984-1986
  Warner Robns High School Varsity Baseball 1984-1985
  Warner Robins High School Varsity Football 1984-1986
  Warner Robins High School Varsity Tennis 1986

• AFRC Professional Development Center

  Certificate , Military Professional Development

  USAF Client Support Administrator Course August 2008
  USAF Info Tech Hardware Mgmt Equipment Custodian Course March 2008
  USAF Senior Non-commisioned Officer Academy, March 2007
  USAF Non-commissed Officer Academy, January 2002
  USAF Non-commissioned Officer Leadership School, January 1999
  AFRC Certified Instructors Course
  Franklin Covey 7 Habits of Effective People Course
  Franklin Covey "FOCUS" Time Management Course
  AFRC ART Orientation Course

Additional Information

Craig Pfister’s Websites:

• My Company
• American Military University
• My Blog

Craig Pfister’s Interests:

Professional Development Courses (Six Sigma, Franklin Covey), Tennis, Working Out, Networking with Peers, Benchmarking

Craig Pfister’s Groups:

Air Force Sergeants Association
Air Force Association
Robins Air & Space Museum, Linked Innovators, ExecuNet, LIONS, USAF, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Gala 2007

•    eOffice
•    Executive Suite
•    USAFNetwork
•    Linked:HR (#1 Human Resources Group)
•    Learning, Education and Training Professionals Group
•    OpenNetworker.com
•    Atlanta Linking
•    Professional and Amateur Mentoring Group
•    Club Managers Association of America
•    ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association)
•    Air Force Sergeants Association
•    HoteLIers
•    ASTD National
•    H.R. Professionals
•    American Military University
•    The Air Force Association
•    United States Tennis Association
•    Linked 2 Leadership
•    SHRM-Atlanta
•    Combat Veterans / Brothers In Arms / POW-MIA
•    Hilton Family of Hotels -Active Employees or past Employees
•    Hotel Industry Professionals Worldwide
•    LION500.com (Open Networkers)
•    US Government Security Clearance
•    US Air Force
•    The eLearning Guild
•    Human Resources Professionals: THE "Unofficial" forum for SHRM Members
•    ISPI - Global
•    ASTD Greater Atlanta
•    HR Executive Network
•    TopLinked HR (Human Resources) Professionals
•    TFCN
•    Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Talent Community
•    Westin Hotels & Resorts
•    PROMUS Hotels Alumni and Networking Group
•    GeoLearning
•    Unicore Military a Division of Unicore Health Inc.
•    Linked Georgia
•    U.S. State Department
•    Linked:HR Job Center
•    Cleared Networkers
•    Complete Trainer Discussion Group
•    Orange Tree Open Networkers
•    Orange Tree Europe
•    EHS Hospitality Group (public)
•    The Lighthouse Family Retreat in Georgia

Craig Pfister’s Honors:

Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal with one device
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Service with two oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver hourglass and contingency participation device
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one device
Air Force Training Ribbon
2003 Non Commissioned Officer of the 3rd Qtr, 939th ARW, Portland IAP, OR
2005 Senior Non Commissioned Officer of the 4th Qtr, 94th AW, Dobbins ARB, GA

Craig Pfister’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• career opportunities
• consulting offers
• expertise requests
• reference requests
• getting back in touch