Kevin L. Ward
McDonough
Summary
High-impact security and operations leader with over 30 years of experience in tactical response, asset protection, and team development. Proven track record of rapid advancement through leadership roles at Wal-Mart, including Asset Protection Associate, Operations Coach, and Realty Project Coach. Recognized for excellence as a two-time Realty Project Coach of the Month and a Realty Project Coach of the Quarter.
Results-driven Project Coach known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Excel in strategic planning, team motivation, and workflow optimization. Possess key soft skills including effective communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, ensuring success in guiding teams to meet project goals.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Realty Project Coach
Wal-Mart
Bentonville
01.2023 - Current
- Awarded Leadership: Earned "Realty Project Coach of the Month" (2x) and "Realty Project Coach of the Quarter" (1x) for driving operational success and team excellence.
- Team Development: Supervise, train, and mentor associates to ensure peak facility performance and safety compliance.
- Facility Safety: Execute rigorous safety inspections regarding fire hazards, chemical handling, and equipment usage.
- Strategic Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships with government officials and law enforcement to enhance security protocols.
Asset Protection Associate / Operations Coach
Wal-Mart
Bentonville
02.2015 - 01.2023
- Promotional Advancement: Progressed from Associate to Operations Coach, overseeing facility security, risk mitigation, and team development.
- Loss Prevention: Prevented significant loss of store merchandise by carefully monitoring facility activities and detaining suspects.
- Training Excellence: Spearheaded the training of new Asset Protection associates from external stores to ensure regional consistency.
- Compliance & Safety: Monitored safety and compliance within the facility; provided clear and accurate investigative reports to support corporate actions.
- Operational Oversight: Managed day-to-day AP operations, ensuring all safety checks and preventative measures were strictly followed.
Correctional Lieutenant / COBRA Commander
Georgia Department of Corrections
Jackson
03.1995 - 10.2013
- Tactical Command: Led the Special Operations Tactical Squad (COBRA); managed responses for riots, hostage situations, and major crises.
- Executive Security: Provided professional security detail for state and national political figures.
- Staff Oversight: Supervised correctional officers, conducting ongoing performance evaluations and policy adherence checks.
- Emergency Response: Served as a first responder for medical emergencies, fires, and natural disasters.
- Wellness Coordination: Served as the State Certified Institutional Health and Wellness Coordinator.
Fire Direction Control Specialist
United States Army
Fort Sill
01.1993 - 08.1994
- Tactical Readiness: Defended national security interests by maintaining expert-level readiness and following military protocols.
- Military Status: Honorably Discharged.
Education
High School Graduate -
Jackson High School
Jackson, GASkills
- Crisis Response
- Operational Leadership
- Compliance
- Risk Mitigation
- Team development
- Facility safety
- Loss prevention
- Risk mitigation
- Conflict resolution
- Operational oversight
- Compliance monitoring
- Staff training
- Emergency preparedness
- Effective communication
- Strategic collaboration
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Leadership skills
- Performance evaluation
- Training delivery
- Task delegation
- Coaching techniques
- Feedback delivery
- Project evaluation
- Customer focus
- Team motivation
- Project scheduling
- Cost management
- Client communications
- Organization skills
- Project documentation
- Project planning
- Report writing
Timeline
Realty Project Coach
Wal-Mart
01.2023 - Current
Asset Protection Associate / Operations Coach
Wal-Mart
02.2015 - 01.2023
Correctional Lieutenant / COBRA Commander
Georgia Department of Corrections
03.1995 - 10.2013
Fire Direction Control Specialist
United States Army
01.1993 - 08.1994
High School Graduate -
Jackson High School