“Lead with integrity, empower with knowledge, and transform with purpose.”

Dr. Denis Ortega is an accomplished executive with 25 years of experience in human resources, strategic planning, and leadership development. With a deep understanding of organizational change and workforce transformation, he has built a career dedicated to fostering innovation, improving operational efficiencies, and cultivating high-performance cultures. Throughout his tenure in government and private sectors, Dr. Ortega has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing large-scale workforce strategies, influencing thousands of employees across multiple industries.

Currently serving as Deputy Vice President at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Dr. Ortega leads personnel and financial management initiatives, overseeing key areas such as labor relations, strategic communications, policy planning, and employee development. His expertise in budget management and workforce optimization enables him to drive efficiencies, ensuring the FAA operates at peak performance while prioritizing employee engagement and leadership effectiveness.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Ortega served as Director of Customer Strategy at the FAA, where he spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction, strengthening internal communications, and aligning organizational objectives with long-term strategic plans. His ability to integrate customer-centric strategies with business imperatives has been instrumental in fostering an environment of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

In addition to his leadership within the FAA, Dr. Ortega has held various high-impact roles, including Senior Manager of Strategic Planning, Senior Advisor to the Vice President and Deputy Vice President of Air Traffic System Operations, and Senior Manager of Organizational Effectiveness. Across these positions, he has successfully led national programs, developed capital investment plans, and implemented engagement strategies that have positively impacted leadership development and workforce culture.

Beyond his federal service, Dr. Ortega has extensive experience in the energy and logistics industries, having served as a Lead Talent Acquisition Consultant at Pepco Holdings and an HR Supervisor at UPS. His ability to design and execute comprehensive HR strategies has played a crucial role in talent acquisition, workforce planning, and executive coaching. His tenure in the private sector has further reinforced his expertise in strategic workforce management and succession planning, ensuring long-term sustainability for organizations.

Dr. Ortega’s military background in the United States Marine Corps provided him with invaluable leadership experience. He was responsible for overseeing the disability evaluation system for the Marine Corps, managing policy development, and serving as a liaison to high-ranking officials. His dedication to veteran advocacy and workforce transition initiatives stems from his commitment to service and leadership.

He holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science (MS) in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Resources Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. His advanced education underscores his commitment to leadership development, strategic change management, and fostering inclusive workplaces.

His professional certifications further enhance his capabilities as an executive coach and HR strategist. He holds an Executive Coach Certification from Brown University, along with credentials in Core Clarity Coaching and Facilitation, Emotional Intelligence Coaching (EQi 2.0), PHR (Professional in Human Resources), and SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional). These certifications demonstrate his ability to mentor, develop, and empower leaders at all levels of an organization.

A recognized thought leader in workforce transformation and executive development, Dr. Ortega has spoken at forums on workplace culture, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), and leadership strategy. His passion for coaching and mentoring extends beyond the workplace, as he actively advocates for veteran career transition programs, leadership development, and organizational growth initiatives. He won several national awards, including the Leadership in Workforce Development from the Association For Federal Information Resource Management (AFFIRM) for his work at the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Federal Data Science Training Program. 

Dr. Ortega is currently seeking opportunities to serve on corporate and nonprofit boards, where he can leverage his extensive expertise in human capital strategy, workforce transformation, and executive coaching. His mission is to help organizations navigate change, optimize leadership potential, and build high-performance cultures that drive long-term success. With a proven track record of implementing strategic workforce solutions across various industries, Dr. Ortega is poised to make a meaningful impact at the board level.

Character:

Dr. Ortega is a principled leader who operates with integrity, fostering trust and accountability in every organization he serves. His dedication to leadership development and mentoring exemplifies his commitment to creating lasting, positive change.

Knowledge:

With expertise spanning HR operations, workforce transformation, and executive coaching, Dr. Ortega brings a deep well of knowledge to organizations seeking to optimize their human capital strategies. His extensive academic background in organizational change and leadership and professional certifications reinforce his ability to drive informed, strategic decision-making.

Strategic:

A visionary strategist, Dr. Ortega excels in designing and executing workforce plans that align with business objectives. His ability to lead large-scale initiatives and implement change management programs ensures sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

Communication:

An effective communicator, he bridges the gap between leadership and employees, ensuring transparency and alignment across all levels of an organization. His experience in strategic communications, labor relations, and executive coaching makes him a key asset for any leadership team.