Sierra Hodges
Topeka
Summary
Results-driven leader with over 10 years of experience directing complex, high-consequence projects and mentoring large-scale teams of up to 400 personnel. Proven ability to advise executive leadership, manage multi-million dollar operational budgets, and oversee the full program lifecycle from strategic planning to final execution. Excels in high-stakes environments, consistently delivering results while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Health & Wellness Program Manager
Kansas Air National Guard
01.2019 - Current
- Managed a recurring, high-visibility compliance program for a 200-person organization. Developed and mentored a team of 10+ subordinate leaders (PTLs), providing the training and guidance necessary to execute program goals and ensure 100% operational readiness.
- Designed and managed targeted performance improvement plans for individuals failing to meet organizational standards. Monitored progress, provided direct coaching, and reported outcomes to senior leadership, achieving an 95% success rate in bringing personnel back into compliance.
- Scheduled 200+ fitness assessments for over 100 military members.
Aviation Resource Manager
Kansas Air National Guard Forbes Field
02.2017 - Current
- Mentored and developed a team of 5+ resource specialists, providing daily operational guidance and executing a comprehensive training program that increased team qualification rates and ensured 100% compliance with all governing standards.
- Authored and implemented a new set of standard operating procedures for resource scheduling, which was adopted squadron-wide and resulted in a 30% reduction in scheduling conflicts and improved mission-readiness.
- Managed the allocation and tracking of a $1.5M annual flying hour budget, providing detailed analysis and reports to senior leadership to ensure optimal resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.
- Acted as the lead resource arbitrator for a 300-person organization, collaborating daily with department heads to allocate personnel to competing high-priority missions, balancing project requirements against strict resource constraints.
- Supervised the end-to-end performance management lifecycle for a team of direct reports, including conducting mid-year and annual performance reviews and establishing targeted career development plans.
- Managed all administrative functions for a 15-person team, including the review and approval of leave requests, travel expense reports, and weekly timekeeping, ensuring 100% accountability.
- Key member of the department's leadership council, responsible for translating strategic goals into executable project plans and daily operational tasks for the team.
- Conducted mission briefs, wrote official reports and performance reviews, and communicated complex schedules to diverse groups.
- used Microsoft Office for creating schedules, reports, and presentations. You also mastered complex, proprietary military scheduling softwares such as ARTEMIS, GTIMS, Puckboard, G081, GDSS, AROWS, CMS and more.
- Managed and tracked the multi-million dollar flying hour program is direct, high-stakes budget management experience.
First Sergeant
Kansas Air National Guard Forbes Field
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Served as the primary mentor and senior advisor for a 400-person organization. Designed and executed a comprehensive professional development program that increased personnel retention by 20% and directly contributed to a 15% promotion rate above the service average.
- Acted as the senior enlisted leader and key strategic partner to the CEO-equivalent (Commander) of a 400-person unit, ensuring all personnel actions aligned with organizational goals.
- Managed the full spectrum of employee relations, from conflict resolution and performance improvement plans to recognition and awards programs, resulting in a more cohesive and productive workforce.
- Oversaw all personnel administrative processes, including leave management, onboarding, and out-processing, ensuring seamless transitions and consistent policy application.
- Proactively gathered and analyzed team feedback through climate surveys and direct engagement to identify organizational challenges. Translated findings into actionable improvement initiatives that enhanced morale and operational efficiency.
- Primary communicator for the enlisted force, skilled in public speaking, written directives, and sensitive, one-on-one counseling.
Education
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Washburn University of Topeka
Topeka, KS05-2012
Certificate of Technical Studies - Business Administration
Washburn Institute of Technology
Topeka, KS05-2009
Skills
- As a seasoned Senior Program Manager with over a decade of progressive leadership experience, I have a proven track record of directing complex, high-consequence projects and leading large-scale teams of up to 400 personnel My background includes managing the end-to-end lifecycle of enterprise-level programs, from strategic planning and resource allocation to risk mitigation and final execution I am adept at serving as a key advisor to executive leadership, managing multi-million dollar operational budgets, and using data-driven insights to report on KPIs and drive process improvements A core focus of my career has been comprehensive team leadership, where I have mentored and developed personnel, managed the full spectrum of performance management, and led crisis response initiatives, consistently fostering a culture of accountability and success
Timeline
First Sergeant
Kansas Air National Guard Forbes Field
01.2024 - 01.2026
Health & Wellness Program Manager
Kansas Air National Guard
01.2019 - Current
Aviation Resource Manager
Kansas Air National Guard Forbes Field
02.2017 - Current
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Washburn University of Topeka
Certificate of Technical Studies - Business Administration
Washburn Institute of Technology