Sondra Spalding

Biography

Over the past two decades, I have built my career around leading complex operations, supporting government missions, and developing teams that deliver in high-pressure, fast-changing environments. I began in research, analysis, and facility operations, where I learned operational policy, process development, vendor management, and safety and security compliance. That early exposure to equipment installation and maintenance, access control, and contractor relationships gave me a strong understanding of how organizations function day to day. At TASC and Engility, my work shifted toward technical editing, project coordination, and proposal development in support of federal customers, including TSA and DHS. I edited and improved contract deliverables, ensured adherence to style and quality guidelines, and coordinated proposal responses to meet requirements and deadlines. I also developed and administered multiple SharePoint sites and created databases and templates that streamlined collaboration, improved tracking, and increased consistency. These experiences laid the groundwork for my transition into test execution and operations leadership. As an Associate Test Execution Manager and later Test Execution Manager, I managed a large, geographically dispersed workforce of roughly 100 employees and 200 subcontractors, staffing dozens of test events per year nationwide. I designed staffing roadmaps and timelines, monitored performance, and developed a three-month staffing outlook to prepare for surges. I coordinated with off-site staff to ensure accurate test execution and reporting, improved invoice processes to reduce unbilled amounts, and created tools—such as an online database to track personnel test experience and performance—that improved transparency and decision-making. A key milestone was serving as primary author for a proposal that resulted in award of a follow-on BPA contract with a $150M ceiling. That effort combined my background in editing and compliance with my understanding of test execution and operational demands. I also led teams through rapidly changing requirements, including pandemic-related constraints and emergency situations, adjusting staffing and plans to maintain mission continuity and personnel safety. In my current role as Operations Manager and Deputy Program Manager at SAIC, I focus on developing systems and procedures that improve operational quality, increase team efficiency, and support mission success. I supervise operations staff; lead hiring, onboarding, and training; and ensure alignment with company policies and customer expectations. I manage inventory and supply chain operations, provide forecasts of test execution for internal reviews and planning, and work closely with leadership to reduce miscommunication and missed deadlines through clear communication. I also serve as Ethics Champion for Ohio employees, promoting ethics awareness and reinforcing a culture of integrity. Education and continuous learning are central to my professional approach. I hold a BS in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Maryland Global Campus, graduating magna cum laude and earning membership in several honor societies. I have complemented my degree with DHS certifications in systems engineering, systems acquisition, and test and evaluation; a Six Sigma Green Belt; and executive education focused on coaching, team wellbeing, intelligent risk taking, and inclusive engagement of hybrid teams. Across roles and organizations, I am known for operational excellence, people-focused leadership, and a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. With extensive experience supporting federal missions, I bring steady, ethical leadership and a proven ability to build processes, tools, and teams that help organizations work smarter, adapt quickly, and deliver consistent, high-quality results.