Open to Opportunities · Middle Tennessee

Project Manager
& Operations
Leader.

PMP® Certified  ·  Lean Six Sigma  ·  BBA

Nearly 20 years leading complex programs, high-performing teams, and large-scale operations. I bring structure, accountability, and execution discipline to every project.

View Experience Connect on LinkedIn
Zane Johnston
20+ Years Led
5-State Regional Ops
FY23–25 Scout of the Year
About
Execution-focused leader with a bias toward results.

I'm a project management and operations professional with nearly 20 years of experience driving complex programs, leading diverse teams, and building systems that deliver. My background spans high-stakes operational environments, nonprofit executive leadership, and construction project coordination — all with a common thread: accountability and execution.

I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Project Management concentration (Summa Cum Laude, 4.0 GPA), a PMP certification, and a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. I'm transitioning from active-duty service in September 2026 and am actively pursuing leadership roles in project management, operations, and program management in Middle Tennessee and virtually.

My approach is simple: clarify the goal, organize the work, eliminate the waste, and drive the team to completion — on time and on budget.

Project Delivery Operations Leadership Risk Management Process Improvement Stakeholder Management Team Development Budget Oversight Nonprofit COO
Credentials
PMP® — Project Management Professional
Project Management Institute
BBA — Project Management
American Military University · 4.0 GPA · Summa Cum Laude
OSHA 30 — Construction Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Process Improvement
Core Strengths
What I bring to every engagement.
01

Project Delivery

End-to-end ownership from initiation through closeout — scope controlled, milestones met, outcomes delivered.

02

Team Leadership

Led teams of 60+ across high-pressure environments. Building capability in people while executing the mission.

03

Risk Management

Proactive identification, quantification, and mitigation of project risk — built into the plan, not bolted on after.

04

Operations Leadership

Designing efficient, repeatable systems that scale. Cutting waste, increasing throughput, and sustaining performance under pressure.

05

Agile & Hybrid Delivery

Applying iterative, adaptive frameworks alongside traditional methods — right-sized to what the project actually needs.

06

Stakeholder Management

Building alignment across all levels — translating between frontline teams and senior leadership with clarity and credibility.

Experience Highlights
Selected work & impact.

Leading complex operations, regional programs, and mission-critical execution across military and nonprofit organizations.

Operations Specialist & NSW Program Coordinator
UNITED STATES NAVY · ACTIVE DUTY
20+
Years of
Leadership
5-State
Regional
Operations
FY23–25
Scout of
the Year
Directed regional Naval Special Warfare operations across a five-state area, leading high-stakes program coordination, operational execution, and personnel management in fast-paced environments where failure was not an option. Managed multi-million-dollar systems accountability, aligned cross-functional stakeholders, and drove mission execution with precision, adaptability, and zero-margin-for-error decision-making. Recognized as Scout of the Year for three consecutive fiscal years (FY23–FY25) for sustained superior performance, operational leadership, and mission impact.
2006 – 2026
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer
WOODSVIKING OUTDOORS FOUNDATION · NONPROFIT
Ground-Up
Operational
Development
Veteran &
Gold Star
Program Leadership
End-to-End
Execution &
Stakeholder Mgmt
Co-founded and operationalized a nonprofit delivering guided outdoor experiences for disabled veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star families. Built organizational infrastructure, operational systems, fundraising coordination, stakeholder communication processes, and program delivery frameworks from the ground up while leading ongoing execution, logistics, and community engagement initiatives.
2022 – Present
Credentials & Certifications
A growing foundation of verified expertise.

Current certifications and credentials — with more in progress as I expand into executive project management.

PMP®

Project Management Professional
Project Management Institute

Active

BBA — Project Management

Summa Cum Laude · 4.0 GPA
American Military University

Conferred 2025

OSHA 30

Construction Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Active

Lean Six Sigma YB

Yellow Belt
Process Improvement

Active

PMI-ACP

Agile Certified Practitioner
Exam Scheduled · June 2026

In Progress

Vanderbilt MBA

Executive Leadership Track
Target: Spring 2027

In Progress
Let's Connect
Ready to bring execution
to your organization.

I'm actively networking and exploring opportunities in Middle Tennessee and virtually. Whether you're a hiring manager, fellow professional, or potential collaborator — I'd love to connect.

Send an Email LinkedIn Profile Download Resume