Stephen B. Walters is a distinguished executive with over 15 years of experience in customer and data-driven management, entrepreneurial leadership, and long-range planning. Known for his proactive approach and exceptional leadership skills, Stephen has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive organizational success through strategic initiatives and innovative solutions. His career spans multiple industries, including technology, finance, and government, where he has made significant contributions to operational efficiency and business performance.
Stephen’s academic background is as impressive as his professional achievements. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, with concentrations in Marketing, Strategic Management, and Operations & Information Management. This advanced education has provided him with a robust foundation in business principles and strategic thinking. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the United States Coast Guard Academy. During his time at the academy, he was included in a patent and received an award for developing a digital-based radio direction-finding technique, showcasing his technical prowess and innovative mindset.
In his most recent role as Deputy Director of Organizational Change Management & Communications at Coast Guard Headquarters, Stephen was recruited by the executive team to lead a major transformation initiative. He developed and executed a comprehensive strategy to replace a 30-year-old custom accounting system with a federally standardized cloud-based Oracle R12 financial ERP system. His leadership in this role was instrumental in preparing the organization for this generational transition. Stephen’s efforts included developing a multi-channel communication plan, conducting targeted outreach to 17,000 members, and creating over 230 job aids to ensure smooth adoption of the new system. His work earned him the Department of Homeland Security Chief Financial Officer’s (DHS CFO) Excellence in Service Award.
Stephen’s impact extends beyond the Coast Guard. As an Operations Manager at Amazon.com, he co-led the “inbound team” to achieve record-breaking performance, stocking over a million units within a 24-hour period. He developed and executed aggressive plans to meet shift goals under budget and mentored struggling managers to improve their performance. His ability to drive efficiency and foster a high-performing team environment contributed to maintaining Amazon’s reputation for operational excellence.
Throughout his career, Stephen has held various leadership roles within the U.S. Coast Guard, each showcasing his ability to manage complex projects and lead teams to success. As the Senior Project Manager for Organizational Change Management and Stakeholder Engagement in Juneau, Alaska, he integrated a remote, cross-functional team to develop processes and training required for a revolutionary change in the management of Coast Guard property, finance, and procurement. His innovative approach, including the formulation of a predictive queuing model, ensured adequate staffing and improved operational efficiency.
Stephen’s technical expertise is complemented by his strong skills in strategic planning, product development, and leading organizational change. He is proficient in a wide range of tools, including MS Office, SharePoint, Power Automate, Power BI, Tableau, Visual Basic, Java, Acrobat, and SAS Viya. These skills enable him to navigate complex technical environments and deliver impactful results.
In addition to his professional achievements, Stephen is committed to continuous learning and development. He holds the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation from AGA, reflecting his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of financial management and accountability.
Stephen B. Walters is a resourceful and results-driven leader with a passion for leveraging technology and data to support better decision-making and improve efficiency. His strategic foresight, technical expertise, and ability to lead organizational change make him a valuable asset to any organization. Whether driving large-scale transformations, mentoring teams, or developing innovative solutions, Stephen consistently delivers excellence and inspires those around him to achieve their best.
Character: Stephen B. Walters exemplifies proactive leadership and a commitment to operational excellence across multiple industries.
Knowledge: He holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the United States Coast Guard Academy, showcasing a solid foundation in business and technical principles.
Strategic: Stephen has successfully led major transformation initiatives, including the transition to a cloud-based Oracle R12 financial ERP system at Coast Guard Headquarters, earning recognition for his strategic planning and execution.
Communication: His ability to develop comprehensive communication plans and conduct targeted outreach has been crucial in ensuring smooth organizational transitions and fostering team performance.
