Kyla MacKinnon
Salem
Summary
Leader and operations director with more than 20 years' experience delivering on time-sensitive customer requirements while managing risk with complex legal compliance. Known for results oriented approach to operations and developing a culture of innovation, knowledge management/sharing, process improvements, and team-building. Strengths include utilizing technical expertise to identify innovative ways to utilize new data in building successful missions in response to new requirements as well as conceptualizing and implementing process improvements for existing operations. Subject matter expertise on counterterrorism, Middle East politics and culture, counter-intelligence and data analysis. Directly managed high-impact, technical workforce in dynamically-changing and highly-ambiguous mission. Diversity, equality, and inclusion champion. Professional experienced in designing and implementing business plans, procedures and strategies. Skilled at setting comprehensive goals for growth and performance.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Operations
National Security Agency, NSA
07.2023 - Current
- Optimized operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, training, and clear performance objectives.
- Managed mission for two intelligence production product lines, ensuring user access to critical tools, resources, and information
- Leveraged years of project management experience to shape mission priorities through active and direct involvement in operations.
- Communicated effectively across all levels of the organization, sharing mission needs, gaps, and successes.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to define overall business strategy, mission, and vision statements.
- Leveraged experience through vital management positions guiding business to success.
Chief of Analysis & Discovery Division
NSA, Cybersecurity Directorate
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Built, from ground up, new organization focused on discovery and analytical tradecraft, exploitation of data at scale, supporting high priority intelligence mission.
- Hired, recruited, and directed technical experts, intelligence analysts, computer network analysts, and data scientists
- Managed resources originating from various funding streams, and maintained travel and award budgets
- Set priorities and assigned portfolios
- Managed multiple projects across disparate topics
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Achieved goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for the completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the workplace, resulting in an inclusive environment that fostered creativity and innovation among employees from various backgrounds.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Successfully allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Branch Chief, Office of Counterterrorism
NSA, Directorate Of Operations
07.2019 - 08.2021
- Improved branch performance by streamlining operations and implementing efficient processes.
- Led the team to achieve exceptional customer satisfaction ratings through personalized service and attention to detail.
- Developed a high-performing team through effective recruitment, training, and mentoring strategies.
- Enhanced employee engagement by fostering a positive work environment, resulting in reduced turnover rates and increased staff morale.
- Personally led national and international customer engagement to support and jointly address global mission requirements.
- Managed multiple projects, assigned portfolios, and oversaw successful execution of mission objectives
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficiency, timely resolution of issues, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Optimized resource allocation by analyzing staffing needs, scheduling accordingly, and managing workload distribution among employees.
- Facilitated smooth transitions during times of organizational change by providing clear direction to staff members about expectations during restructuring periods.
- Championed the development of a more diverse workforce by implementing inclusive hiring practices and fostering an environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all employees.
- Led or managed team of employees and monitored progress towards achieving project goals and objectives.
- Complied with policy and requirements.
- Interviewed and hired talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talent, and skill set.
Intelligence Analyst
Other Civilian Federal Service
01.2004 - 06.2019
- Enhanced intelligence analysis by streamlining data collection and processing methodologies.
- Identified potential threats by conducting thorough research on global events and trends.
- Supported decision-makers by providing timely, accurate, and relevant assessments of emerging threats.
- Improved collaboration with interagency partners by establishing clear communication channels and protocols.
- Functioned in multiple roles in support of multiple agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of State, Federal Bureau of Investigation as intelligence analyst/ language analyst / technical data analyst/ counterterrorism and counterintelligence expert / reporter
Intelligence Analyst
United States Air Force, USAF
09.1995 - 06.1998
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Excellsior University
Albany, New YorkNo Degree - Project Management
Cornell University, Online
Ithaca, New York04.2024
Master of Arts - Diplomacy
Norwich University
Northfield, Vermont06.2012
Skills
- Facilities Management
- Crisis Management
- Operations Management
- Human Resources Management
- Internal Communications
- Organizational Development
- Change Management
- Strategic Planning
- Process Improvement
- Continuous Improvement
- Risk Assessment
- Quality Assurance
- Team Leadership
Additional Information
- Current Top Secret, SCI/TK
- Extensive experience with research and analysis
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Languages
English
Native language
Arabic
Intermediate
B1
Turkish
Elementary
A2
Timeline
Chief of Operations
National Security Agency, NSA
07.2023 - Current
Chief of Analysis & Discovery Division
NSA, Cybersecurity Directorate
08.2022 - 07.2023
Branch Chief, Office of Counterterrorism
NSA, Directorate Of Operations
07.2019 - 08.2021
Intelligence Analyst
Other Civilian Federal Service
01.2004 - 06.2019
Intelligence Analyst
United States Air Force, USAF
09.1995 - 06.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Excellsior University
No Degree - Project Management
Cornell University, Online
Master of Arts - Diplomacy
Norwich University
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