Cooper Abernathy

Charismatic HR leader with 7 years of experience in a fast-paced environment as an Air Force officer. Confident and energetic leader who cares about people and gets the job done. Great communicator with very strong interpersonal skills capable of problem solving in complex environments.

• Executive Human Resources Generalist, Langley AFB, VA, August 2022 – Present
• Led a high-performing team in the execution of human resource programs for 600 Air Force C-Suite executives; advised CEO (4-star general) on development, succession planning, and engagement. Provided guidance and policy interpretation.
• Chief of Staff, Human Resource Programs, Langley AFB, VA, July 2020 – August 2022
• Orchestrated operations for three executives, managing HR policy and programs for 155K personnel across 262 locations worldwide to successfully execute 2,800 tasks.
• Human Resources Business Partner, U.S Embassy Baghdad (Deployed - Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq), October 2021 – April 2022
• Advised the Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché (SDO/DATT, 1-star general) for Iraq, the highest-ranked U.S. military diplomat in the country regarding HR services for 89 Active-Duty service members 
• Education and Training Manager, Langley AFB, VA, October 2019 – July 2020
• Developed and executed 14 professional development courses on behalf of CEO (4-star general). 
• Human Resources Manager, Military Police, Whiteman AFB, MO, April – October 2019
• Led an 11-person team consisting of military and civilian HR professionals in support of 550 personnel. HR advisor to the Police Chief; entrusted with sensitive personnel information.
• General Manager, Base Dining Facility, Whiteman AFB, MO, February 2018 – April 2019
• Led a 45-person team serving 800 daily customers; voted number one cafeteria out of 13 in our region.
• Compliance and Training Manager, Whiteman AFB, MO, May 2017 – February 2018
• Led a four-person team responsible for training and deploying 395 personnel.

SHRM-SCP

B.S. Applied Mathematics, Florida State University