Shelby Hayes
FPO
Summary
Accomplished regional program specialist with 7+ years of experience in leading Red Cross operations across multiple international locations. Skilled in managing and developing staff and volunteer teams in challenging environments. Strong ability to align SAF/ISD program delivery with organizational policies and strategic goals.
Expert in public speaking, crisis communication, data management, and relationship-building with military leadership, government agencies, and community partners. Proven success in developing recruitment strategies, strengthening volunteer pipelines, managing budgets, and driving operational effectiveness through reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Deep familiarity with military culture, regulations, and protocol, with a strong record of representing SAF/IS programs in high-visibility settings.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2016
2016
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Regional Program Specialist
Naval Station Rota
Rota, Spain
2023.06 - 2026.02
- Provide leadership, direction, and operational oversight for Red Cross programs across multiple overseas installations, ensuring consistent delivery of SAF/ISD services in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Manage a diverse, geographically dispersed community of 8,000+ service members, families, and DoD civilians, balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Lead full volunteer program operations, including recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance evaluation for 80+ active volunteers across multiple program areas.
- Develop and implement outreach, communication, and engagement strategies to strengthen mission visibility and maintain year-round public relations within the military community.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with installation leadership, U.S. Embassy representatives, partner agencies, and community organizations to advance Red Cross mission objectives.
- Oversee Behavioral Health, Wellness, and Community Outreach initiatives, delivering workshops and resiliency programs that support military readiness and family well-being.
- Manage data, reporting, and outcome tracking to ensure accountability, operational effectiveness, and alignment with strategic plans; recommend improvements to enhance program delivery.
- Support budget planning and resource allocation to ensure sufficient funding for SAF/ISD programs and services.
Regional Program Specialist – Mobile Deployment Staff
Multiple Locations
2020.02 - 2026.02
- Served as Site Lead at multiple deployed locations, including Kuwait, Iraq, Romania, and Bulgaria, providing leadership, operational oversight, and staff/volunteer management in joint-service environments.
- Established a new deployment location in Bulgaria, assuming full operational responsibility and ensuring successful program launch and sustainment.
- Delivered SAF/ISD services in austere, high-tempo environments while maintaining strong relationships with military leadership and partner agencies.
Regional Program Specialist – Site Lead
Camp Arifjan
Arifjan
2025.01 - 2025.08
- Directed public-facing communication, staff coordination, and volunteer operations during a high-tempo deployment supporting multiple installations across the Middle East.
- Provided authoritative briefings to command leadership, staff, and volunteers during contingency operations, evacuations, and heightened security postures.
- Coordinated closely with Public Affairs, MWR, USO, Chaplains, and Embassy staff to ensure unified messaging and mission-aligned communication.
- Delivered approved presentations, workshops, and resiliency briefings to thousands of service members in austere and high-risk environments.
- Represented SAF/IS programs in cross-functional meetings and regional initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
Regional Program Specialist
Yokota Air Base
Yokota
2021.07 - 2023.06
- Managed station operations, facility oversight, budget execution, and program delivery for a high-demand overseas installation.
- Developed policies, volunteer position descriptions, and continuity documentation to ensure consistent messaging and operational transparency.
- Led installation-wide communication and outreach efforts supporting resiliency, preparedness, and community engagement initiatives.
- Strengthened public trust and mission awareness by representing the organization at cross-cultural events, trainings, and partner meetings.
Raytheon
Fort Sill, Oklahoma
2018.09 - 2020.06
- Coordinated logistics, transportation, and daily support for 250+ Kuwaiti military personnel participating in the U.S. Missile Defense Program.
- Delivered a nine-month English-language and cultural orientation program, proctored exams, and maintained training schedules to support operational readiness.
- Acted as primary liaison between Raytheon, U.S. military staff, and foreign partners, strengthening cross-cultural collaboration and communication.
- Designed and implemented project plans, schedules, and testing procedures to improve program efficiency.
- Recognized as “Rookie All-Star” for exceptional performance and mission dedication.
United States Navy
2012.12 - 2017.07
- Served as a dual-qualified Boatswain’s Mate / Hospital Corpsman, overseeing deck operations, small craft handling, damage control, and frontline medical care.
- Earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification; honorably discharged for distinguished service.
- Gained deep familiarity with military culture, chain of command, regulations, and operational protocol.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
University of Maryland Global Campus
2023.03 - 2026.09
Diploma of Higher Education -
Lawton High School
Skills
Leadership & Management
Staff and volunteer leadership across multiple regions and deployed environments
Hiring, training, coaching, and performance evaluation
Strategic planning, execution, and program oversight
Communication & Public Relations
Public speaking, briefings, and workshop facilitation
Crisis communication and sensitive messaging
Relationship-building with military, government, and community leaders
Operations & Program Delivery
SAF/ISD program management
Data management, reporting, and outcome tracking
Budget oversight and resource allocation
Policy development and continuity documentation
Technical & Administrative
SharePoint, databases, and compliance documentation
Strong computer and data management skills
Casework and emergency response
Accomplishments
· Rookie “Rock Star” Award
· Samantha Wudel Service Award
· 2024 Presidential Award – Okinawa Khuanun Response Team
Certification
clearancecurity clearence holder
Mindful Movement Master trainer
Inclusive Leadership Champion
Timeline
Regional Program Specialist – Site Lead
Camp Arifjan
2025.01 - 2025.08
Regional Program Specialist
Naval Station Rota
2023.06 - 2026.02
Bachelor of Science -
University of Maryland Global Campus
2023.03 - 2026.09
Regional Program Specialist
Yokota Air Base
2021.07 - 2023.06
Regional Program Specialist – Mobile Deployment Staff
Multiple Locations
2020.02 - 2026.02
Raytheon
2018.09 - 2020.06
United States Navy
2012.12 - 2017.07
Diploma of Higher Education -
Lawton High School