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Michelle Milley: Aerospace Manufacturing Leader and Strategic Operations Expert

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“Success Through Service.”

Michelle Milley is a seasoned aerospace and manufacturing executive whose career spans over three decades, seamlessly integrating military discipline, technical engineering expertise, and strategic business acumen. With a unique background that bridges the flight line and the boardroom, Michelle brings a rare combination of hands-on mechanical experience and high-level operational leadership, shaped by a distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps and a successful trajectory through some of the nation’s leading aerospace and healthcare manufacturing organizations.

Michelle’s professional journey began in 1990 when she enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where she quickly distinguished herself as an F/A-18 mechanic. Certified to tow aircraft and service high-pressure nitrogen systems, she earned meritorious promotions to both Lance Corporal and Corporal and received a Letter of Commendation for her initiative in repairing out-of-squadron aircraft to meet critical deployment schedules. Her military tenure instilled a foundation of resilience, precision, and leadership under pressure, which she carried forward into a career in aerospace engineering and production management. She later continued her education at the United States Naval Academy as a Midshipman in Aerospace Engineering before completing a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Michelle further enhanced her business capabilities with an MBA from Pepperdine University.

Michelle’s post-military career is marked by a steady progression through complex and high-stakes environments. At Parker Aerospace, she transformed third shift operations, expanding throughput fourfold and scaling the team by 50%. Her leadership in standardizing work instructions, initiating tactical problem-solving teams, and driving continuous improvement efforts demonstrated her ability to foster operational excellence while building cohesive, high-performing teams. Her work at Collins Aerospace and GE Healthcare continued this momentum—reducing inventory costs, streamlining cross-functional training, and improving output capacity in regulated and high-tech environments.

Notably, Michelle served as an Area Manager at Precision Cast Parts where she led the production of casting fan blades for both military and civilian aircraft. In just four months, she reduced past due orders by $4.5 million and drove down variable labor costs by $3.00 per hour. She also played a key role in redesigning training programs, introducing metric-based milestones to ensure data-driven development of the workforce.

Michelle’s leadership extends beyond aerospace. During her time as a District Manager with Primerica Financial Services, she managed over $250 million in client assets, led a team of 40+ associates, and spearheaded the adoption of a client service portal that transformed customer interaction and contributed to exponential business growth. As an academic tutor with Grade Potential, she combined STEM and business education to create tailored success plans for students—demonstrating her enduring commitment to mentorship and long-term development.

Throughout her career, Michelle has held a Secret Security Clearance and has managed projects with multimillion-dollar impact—including the F-22, X-35, and America’s Cup Yacht—applying Six Sigma Black Belt principles, Lean Manufacturing, and GMP standards. Her technical fluency includes Microsoft Office, SAP, Adobe Acrobat, and ISO 9001 protocols.

Michelle Milley is more than an operational leader—she is a visionary problem-solver, a team builder, and a mission-driven professional who thrives in complex environments. Whether leading aerospace production lines, managing high-value financial portfolios, or mentoring future professionals, Michelle brings an unwavering focus on results, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Character
Michelle Milley demonstrates exceptional integrity, resilience, and dedication through a career defined by service, discipline, and continuous improvement. From her meritorious promotions in the Marine Corps to her leadership across high-stakes industries, she consistently upholds the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.

Knowledge
With a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, an MBA, and deep technical expertise in aerospace manufacturing, Six Sigma, and GMP protocols, Michelle brings a rare and comprehensive understanding of both engineering processes and business operations. Her ability to integrate academic, tactical, and strategic knowledge positions her as a dynamic and effective leader in complex environments.

Strategic
Michelle has a proven track record of driving multimillion-dollar efficiencies, optimizing operational systems, and leading transformation initiatives across manufacturing, finance, and education. Her strategic mindset is evident in her ability to reduce costs, streamline workflows, and design long-term growth solutions that align with organizational goals.

Communication
Whether managing cross-functional teams, training new associates, or mentoring students, Michelle excels at delivering clear, impactful communication that builds trust and drives performance. Her approach is collaborative and data-informed, empowering others while aligning teams around shared objectives and continuous improvement.

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Matt Swenson
Matt Swenson
Matt Swenson is a tech-savvy individual with a keen interest in the automotive industry. Currently residing in Orange County, he brings two years of experience in the technology sector. His dedication to continuous learning and problem-solving drives him to explore innovative solutions. Matt thrives on collaboration and isn't afraid to seek assistance to achieve the best possible outcomes.