John (Punky) Brewster

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at Military Veterans of America
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Contact Information
Location
Melbourne, Florida, United States, US
Languages
  • English Native or bilingual proficiency
  • Greek Limited working proficiency

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LinkedIn User

I had the privilege of working with John Brewster on the Joint Staff a few years ago. Coming at a problem with very different backgrounds and perspectives, we made a great team and were able to create an enduring impact for the organization. John's attention to detail, mission focus, and ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders were crucial to getting the job done. He'd make a great addition to any organization where perseverance and willingness to stretch oneself are essential to success.

Denise S.

John and I have worked on various projects together. He is committed to enabling and mentoring individuals throughout the process of executing strategic, organizational goals as well as personal endeavors. John's communication skills benefit an organization and/or employees by providing an open, transparent change management point-of-contact who is able to bring clarity to a convoluted situation. John is an out-of-the-box thinker and team player. I enjoyed working with him and would appreciate the opportunity to bring his strengths and expertise to another project.

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Credentials

  • Starting a Memorable Conversation
    LinkedIn
    Aug, 2023
    - Sep, 2024
  • Body Language for Leaders
    LinkedIn
    Oct, 2017
    - Sep, 2024

Experience

    • United States
    • Non-profit Organizations
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
      • Mar 2020 - Present

      Delivering positive outcomes to veterans and their families, while developing long-term and compassionate strategic partnerships for a more informed and veteran-centric and community-based experience. Delivering positive outcomes to veterans and their families, while developing long-term and compassionate strategic partnerships for a more informed and veteran-centric and community-based experience.

    • United States
    • Business Consulting and Services
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Facilitator
      • Mar 2013 - Dec 2019

      Independently plan, implement, and deliver a comprehensive, multi-day instructional Transition Assistance Workshop consistent with US Department of Labor and US Department of Defense goals for service members and their spouses, transitioning from the military to civilian work force. Utilize dynamic training style to engage attendees at all stages of employment preparation and serve as subject matter expert on topics to include: Job Goals, Job Search Techniques, Translating Military to Civilian… Show more Independently plan, implement, and deliver a comprehensive, multi-day instructional Transition Assistance Workshop consistent with US Department of Labor and US Department of Defense goals for service members and their spouses, transitioning from the military to civilian work force. Utilize dynamic training style to engage attendees at all stages of employment preparation and serve as subject matter expert on topics to include: Job Goals, Job Search Techniques, Translating Military to Civilian Skills, Identifying and Marketing Transferable Skills, Resume Preparation, Interviewing Techniques, Dress for Success, Job Offer, and Salary Negotiations. Continually researching new facilitation resources and presentation methods while tailoring each workshop to the participant's needs. Show less Independently plan, implement, and deliver a comprehensive, multi-day instructional Transition Assistance Workshop consistent with US Department of Labor and US Department of Defense goals for service members and their spouses, transitioning from the military to civilian work force. Utilize dynamic training style to engage attendees at all stages of employment preparation and serve as subject matter expert on topics to include: Job Goals, Job Search Techniques, Translating Military to Civilian… Show more Independently plan, implement, and deliver a comprehensive, multi-day instructional Transition Assistance Workshop consistent with US Department of Labor and US Department of Defense goals for service members and their spouses, transitioning from the military to civilian work force. Utilize dynamic training style to engage attendees at all stages of employment preparation and serve as subject matter expert on topics to include: Job Goals, Job Search Techniques, Translating Military to Civilian Skills, Identifying and Marketing Transferable Skills, Resume Preparation, Interviewing Techniques, Dress for Success, Job Offer, and Salary Negotiations. Continually researching new facilitation resources and presentation methods while tailoring each workshop to the participant's needs. Show less

    • United States
    • Defense and Space Manufacturing
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • University Relations Manager / Strategic Thinker / Change Agent / Innovator / Consultant
      • Oct 2013 - Dec 2013

      Ensured "best in class" processes were in place to attract, recruit, and hire a diverse pool of highly qualified college graduate candidates to support the business needs of Harris Corporation. Proven record to effortlessly accomplish mission goals, exceed performance standards, and ensure organizational success by building cross-functional partnerships as a team player. Ensured "best in class" processes were in place to attract, recruit, and hire a diverse pool of highly qualified college graduate candidates to support the business needs of Harris Corporation. Proven record to effortlessly accomplish mission goals, exceed performance standards, and ensure organizational success by building cross-functional partnerships as a team player.

    • Guinea
    • International Trade and Development
    • Senior Training and Development Manager
      • Jul 2010 - Dec 2012

      Created and implemented the first formalized current operations training, development, and evaluation program for the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s 24/7 current operations center. Redesigned the Pentagon’s National Military Command Center with a thorough understanding of policies, regulations, methods, and risk management activities. Collaboratively worked across divisions, functions, and levels to gather facts and precisely use evaluation methods to accurately assess and drastically improve… Show more Created and implemented the first formalized current operations training, development, and evaluation program for the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s 24/7 current operations center. Redesigned the Pentagon’s National Military Command Center with a thorough understanding of policies, regulations, methods, and risk management activities. Collaboratively worked across divisions, functions, and levels to gather facts and precisely use evaluation methods to accurately assess and drastically improve information exchanges between the White House, the Secretary of Defense, and Chairman during numerous combat and humanitarian relief operations. Proven ability to communicate both orally and in writing by authoring multiple instructions, procedures, concepts of operations and briefing them to senior leaders for their approval and ultimate implementation. Built an expert team of 10 knowledge managers/engineers working in a close matrixed team environment by recruiting, staffing, training and developing each employee while balancing budget and contractual constraints.

    • Senior Human Resources Manager
      • Oct 2009 - Jul 2010

      Provided in-depth force structure, administration, manning, and security recommendations to 7 Generals and 143 personnel. Demonstrated executive-level communications in negotiations to gain consensus under difficult, complex circumstances working with all employee levels within the organization. Expertly prepared reports in conformance with strict guidelines and organizational needs to provide appropriate parties with necessary human resources information, leading to on-target solutions to… Show more Provided in-depth force structure, administration, manning, and security recommendations to 7 Generals and 143 personnel. Demonstrated executive-level communications in negotiations to gain consensus under difficult, complex circumstances working with all employee levels within the organization. Expertly prepared reports in conformance with strict guidelines and organizational needs to provide appropriate parties with necessary human resources information, leading to on-target solutions to complex priority issues. Exceptional organizational and excellent time management skills ensured proper prioritization to meet multi-million dollar acquisition deadlines.

    • Personnel Innovation and Transformation Program Director
      • Apr 2007 - Oct 2009

      Led 76 employees responsible to identify and leverage human resource practices to reinforce desired change. Handpicked to develop strategic vision and objectives utilizing insightful organizational behavior techniques to build successful group dynamics, leading to an ideal organization and job design end state. Strategic human capital visionary directly leading to the creation of several benchmark programs which not only met, but exceeded strict timelines. Interpreted policy and guidance to… Show more Led 76 employees responsible to identify and leverage human resource practices to reinforce desired change. Handpicked to develop strategic vision and objectives utilizing insightful organizational behavior techniques to build successful group dynamics, leading to an ideal organization and job design end state. Strategic human capital visionary directly leading to the creation of several benchmark programs which not only met, but exceeded strict timelines. Interpreted policy and guidance to develop project plans, anticipate changes, and recommend actions to achieve goals. Led Human Resource Center move from Virginia to Texas which centralized and integrated 240 personnel. Transition was completed 2 months early and under budget. Deeply involved in employee management relations involving numerous individual cases requiring complex situation analysis to reorganize division from 5 to 3 branches. Vast knowledge of human resource placement principles and practices led to a comprehensive analysis which increased war-time deployment notification time by 56 days even though there was a 70% increase in requirements. Developed training workshops, manuals, and handbooks.

    • War-Time Human Resources Manager
      • Jul 2006 - Apr 2007

      Directed the operation of Air Force's 1-year temporary duty program. Filled over 1,300 high priority war-time requirements per year. Worked with senior leaders to provide technical insight and develop policies to enhance the Air Force's ability to provide the warfighter support to combatant commanders. Analyzed force structure trends and developed management plans to meet current and future requirements.

    • Air Command and Staff College Student
      • Jul 2005 - Jul 2006

      Graduated from a demanding multidisciplinary program with a Master of Military Art and Science, emphasizing leadership and critical thinking applied toward the development, advancement, and application of air and space power.

    • Combat Operations Analyst
      • Aug 2003 - Jul 2005

      Oversaw all Greek airspace missions and report functions to international leaders. Ensured accurate displays of alert unit status processing reports contributing to peacetime, exercise, and crisis planning. Led 5 Greek personnel to notify NATO leaders about airspace violations. Improved reporting system and mission analysis—enhanced both peace- and war-time current and future operations. Gifted team builder—used savvy interpersonal and multilingual skills to mentor Greeks on roles and… Show more Oversaw all Greek airspace missions and report functions to international leaders. Ensured accurate displays of alert unit status processing reports contributing to peacetime, exercise, and crisis planning. Led 5 Greek personnel to notify NATO leaders about airspace violations. Improved reporting system and mission analysis—enhanced both peace- and war-time current and future operations. Gifted team builder—used savvy interpersonal and multilingual skills to mentor Greeks on roles and responsibilities in producing critical, time-sensitive reports used to protect NATO interests.

    • Human Resources Program Director
      • Mar 2001 - Aug 2003

      Led 36 personnel directing and implementing all human resource programs to include recruitment, staffing, compensation, benefits, and directly coaching senior management on policy and employee development. Oversaw Space Command’s largest nuclear surety and safety access program covering 1,800 personnel. Successfully implemented one of the most massive Air Force Human Resource Information Systems overhauls. Recognized as the best of 17 war-time personnel agencies, servicing 1,200 personnel from… Show more Led 36 personnel directing and implementing all human resource programs to include recruitment, staffing, compensation, benefits, and directly coaching senior management on policy and employee development. Oversaw Space Command’s largest nuclear surety and safety access program covering 1,800 personnel. Successfully implemented one of the most massive Air Force Human Resource Information Systems overhauls. Recognized as the best of 17 war-time personnel agencies, servicing 1,200 personnel from organizations around the world. Team lead in attaining 100% accountability during highly rigorous field training event which was an Air Force first. Highly sought after career management speaker, mentor, trainer, and consultant for mid-level managers.

    • Human Resources Specialist
      • Apr 1992 - Mar 2001

Education

  • California State University-Bakersfield
    Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration and Management, General
    1993 - 1995
  • USAF Air Command and Staff College
    Master of Military Art and Science, Military Operational Art and Science/Studies
    2005 - 2006
  • University of Central Florida
    Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Human Resource Management
    1988 - 1990
  • Eau Gallie High School
    High School Diploma, General
    1984 - 1986

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