BEN STRICKLAND
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
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International Business Development | National Security Strategy | Joint Military Operations | Foreign Military Sales | Requirements Generation and Capabilities Planning
Summary
CDR Ben Strickland, USCG (Ret) specializes in international business development for air and naval warfare capabilities. He coordinates with peers in defense industries as well as U.S. and Allied governments. Additionally, he fosters B2B relationships in the facilitating, assisting, conducting, and guiding of domestic and international business/market activities relative to the capture of pipeline opportunities.
EXPERIENCE
LOCKHEED MARTIN
Responsible for the identification, qualification, pursuit and capture of new business opportunities and customer domains; perform portfolio analysis and develop business cases that identify and qualify markets and opportunities which aid in the development of long- range business strategies for the Aegis combat system and Ballistic Missile Defense program. Develop and nurture customer relationships with Aegis Training and Readiness related waterfront commands in U.S. Navy fleet concentration areas and Aegis FMS countries when needed. Monitor industry activities and analysis of likely strategies. Oversee development and execution of customer contact plans. Identify business opportunities to collaborate with small businesses consistent with company goals..
2016-Present
International Business Development Principal
2015-2016
National Security Specialist
U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
Provide strategic-level guidance/advice concerning contingency planning for the utilization of merchant shipping and port infrastructure to support U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military operations/deployments. Oversee planning for U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) involvement in continuity of government operations during national emergencies and training exercises associated with contingency plans. Serve as MARAD strategic ports program Action Officer, coordinating interagency planning for and implementation of strategies to enhance the security of maritime critical infrastructure and for response and recovery. Executive Secretary for National Ports Readiness Network (NPRN) Steering Group.
1992-2015
Surface Warfare Officer
U.S. COAST GUARD / U.S. NAVY
Extensive operational assignments to include: Vessel Inspection/Marine Safety Compliance, Weapons/Combat Systems Officer, Training Specialist, Physical Security Director, Operations Manager, Strategic Planner, Executive Officer/COO and Commanding Officer/CEO. At sea, responsible for safe and effective operations as well as rigorous maintenance requirements, upkeep and supply of the ship with direct control of $1.2 Million annual budgets. Ashore, served as staff officer in demanding billets for operational readiness, training, national defense program management, strategic planning, force allocation, and maritime security programs.
EDUCATION
2008-2009
M.A., National Security and Strategic Studies
1991-1995
B.S., Nautical Science
U.S. NAVAL WAR COLLEGE
Newport, Rhode Island
MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY
Castine, Maine
ASSOCIATIONS
SKILLS
Joint Operational Planner
USCG Licensed Master Mariner
STCW-1995 (2010 Amendments)
Surface Warfare Officer
Tactical Action Officer
German - Basic
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Ben Strickland is a seasoned domestic and international business development professional with experience in managing diverse groups, building relationships, cultivating partnerships, customer focus, opportunity pipeline management, retaining top accounts, and growing profit channels by establishing trust with key decision-makers.
MARITIME OPERATIONS
Ben Strickland is a licensed professional mariner who also served worldwide for over 20 years in the full range of naval warfare mission areas. An expert in shipboard operations, capabilities, and requirements, he served onboard six Navy and Coast Guard ships, including where he was privileged to hold Command Afloat in one of the Coast Guard’s most arduous areas of operation.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Ben Strickland is a qualified Joint Operational Planner who during the course of his career as a uniformed officer and a civil servant held multiple mid-level and senior leadership assignments involving national defense policy, contingency plans, and homeland security programs. This included the resourcing of service-chief level management and oversight proposals, staff talks and inter-service support agreements with other military services.