Don Patt
on
President & Chief Operating Officer
Don Patton is the President and COO of RELYANT Global. Don’s background is diverse and spans across more than 20 years of proven leadership abilities. His experience includes strategic evaluations of business initiatives and expertise in systems engineering, and business and strategic development. He is an accomplished program and project manager, including an extensive tenure leading multiple multi-million dollar businesses and global government contracts.
Prior to joining the RELYANT Global team, Don founded and managed a large business unit within government contracting that was responsible for providing security, construction, life support, K9 services and mine action services to numerous clients internationally. His work with the United States and various foreign governments included strategic planning, proposal preparation oversight, project management oversight, contract management, and customer relations across the enterprise. Don’s efforts resulted in numerous contract awards with a combined value of more than $700 million.
In 2003, Don led the Captured Enemy Ammunition Program in Iraq. This program was a $79 million munitions cleanup operation for the Army Corps of Engineers that collected and destroyed Iraq’s enormous stockpile of munitions. While rising to the position of Vice President, he directed his business’ tremendous growth through strategic initiatives, development of robust processes and procedures, budgetary control of all programs, proposal process management, and assurance that all services provided met quality standards and contract specification.
Don also lent his talents to a variety of progressive leadership positions with General Electric, culminating in his management of their Direct Current Industrial Motor Manufacturing Plant in Dothan, AL, a $25 million production facility with over 150 employees. He simultaneously managed daily production, sales, operating expenses and customer service. Don increased production by 17% while decreasing labor and warranty costs. He exceeded the sales, inventory and operational cost targets despite a declining sales environment. His production facility was presented the VPP Star Award for safety by OHSA, placing the facility among the top 1% of all US manufacturing plants.
Military Background
In addition to more than 12 years of progressive experience in the corporate sector, Don has 10 years service in the United States Army as a commissioned officer. While on active duty, he commanded an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Company at Fort Drum, NY. He also served as the senior logistics manager for the Army’s EOD program, and served as both the Operations Officer and Executive Officer for the EOD Battalion located at Fort Gillem, GA in Atlanta.
Continuing Education and Certifications
Don is also a graduate of GE’s John F. Welch Leadership Development Center Advanced Management Training Program. Don is a senior EOD Technician and a certified Six Sigma Quality Black Belt. He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama in 1989.