Cynthia Gavin

Strategic operations executive and business process analyst with over 25 years of experience providing enterprise-wide leadership and operational oversight across large, multi-site research and defense organizations. Proven record of driving organizational effectiveness, operational excellence, and continuous improvement in complex, high-security environments. Expert in program management, strategy development, enterprise governance, capital planning, contract management, and compliance with U.S.

Intelligence

Community and Department of War (DoW) requirements. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, managing secure spaces, and collaborating with senior stakeholders to align and execute institutional priorities. Recognized for fostering a culture of agility, accountability, and innovation, and for delivering high-impact solutions that support national security initiatives and research excellence.

Deputy Portfolio Manager | Expert Business Process Analyst & Scientific Advisor at GDIT (2016-06 – 2025-04)

Provided strategic and operational leadership across multiple portfolio programs, ensuring contract initiation, sustainment, and partnership value in alignment with enterprise objectives.

• Provided strategic and operational leadership across multiple portfolio programs, ensuring contract initiation, sustainment, and partnership value in alignment with enterprise objectives.
• Served as Program Manager assigned to JS J4, HQDA, and OSD, addressing complex issues involving chemical, biological, and radiological contamination as part of DoW mission execution.
• Led secure infrastructure planning and compliance for classified environments, ensuring adherence to DoW and federal security standards.
• Socialized and matured topics with key entities (US Army G3, USFORSCOM) to ensure alignment between planners and executors, supporting enterprise governance and strategic priorities.
• Coordinated with partners (JS J4, USCENTCOM, USNORTHCOM, USINDOPACOM, OSD, and Services) to develop frameworks that provide structure and flexibility for end users.
• Facilitated deliberate planning sessions to discover multiple courses of action, providing findings and recommendations to customers for strategic initiatives.
• Leveraged gap analysis to inform development processes, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Science & Engineering Manager for Bio-Chem Sciences & Security and Health Sciences & Safety at CSC (2013-06 – 2016-06)

Managed a large portfolio and contracts across DoW and Intelligence Community, overseeing major operational programs and initiatives in sensitive environments.

• Managed a large portfolio and contracts across DoW and Intelligence Community, overseeing major operational programs and initiatives in sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated success in managing high-level projects for the Department of State, US Army Warfighter Simulation, and federal labs tasked with radiological event management.
• Established priorities, timetables, and goals, developing strategic and tactical plans while managing cross-functional teams and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Independent Consultant at Gavin Emergency Management Consultants & CSG Insights (2007-05 – Present)

Provided consulting services for emergency management and operational concepts coordination.

• Coordinated operational concepts between City of New York agencies (OEM, DOHMH, NYPD, FDNY) to mitigate threats and provide effective response for all-hazards and pandemic scenarios.
• Produced high-visibility reports demonstrating successful coordination among 22 agencies across three states as part of a regional catastrophic response system.
• Facilitated information sharing between Intelligence and Law Enforcement Communities, supporting national security and emergency management initiatives.
• Routinely briefed senior leaders on analytical reports, projects, and contract tasks, advising on operational policy and business strategy.

Project Manager & Senior Research Scientist at Battelle (2004-10 – 2013-04)

Managed complex projects in sensitive, secure environments and drove organizational effectiveness.

• Awarded for Outstanding Customer Service.
• Managed complex projects, establishing priorities and goals, and leading cross-functional teams in sensitive, secure environments.
• Conceptualized and executed program vision from start to finish, adapting to changes and shifting priorities to ensure timely delivery and strategic impact.
• Drove organizational effectiveness and implemented strategies to enhance performance, scalability, and service delivery.

Project Leader at Research Planning Incorporated (1999-11 – 2004-09)

Technical lead for proof-of-concept projects and CBRNE analysis.

• Technical lead for proof-of-concept projects related to off-site care facilities and bio-pharmacological distribution operations.
• CBRNE analyst for chemical and biological disaster response in test-bed city environments, supporting research and operational excellence.

Adjunct Faculty at University of Maryland Emergency Health Services (1993-06 – Present)

Instructor of Advanced Cardiac Life Support, focusing on team management of critical patients in dynamic environments.

• Instructor of Advanced Cardiac Life Support, focusing on team management of critical patients in dynamic environments.
• Developed and delivered academic instruction, supporting organizational learning and excellence.

Doctor of Strategic Leadership in Strategic Leadership – Regent University School of Business and Leadership (2018 – 2018)

MS in Emergency Health Services Planning, Policy & Administration – University of Maryland Baltimore County (1996 – 1996)

BS in Emergency Health Services – University of Maryland Baltimore County (1993 – 1993)

BA in Psychology – University of California San Diego (1990 – 1990)