Travis Gartner
ARLINGTON
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience leading high-growth humanitarian organizations, driving operational excellence, and securing over $550M in funding. Proven ability to translate vision into actionable strategies that build resilience in vulnerable communities. Deeply committed to the military and veteran community, seeking to inspire and mobilize stakeholders to expand Team Rubicon’s impact and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Party
American Councils for International Education
Tashkent
03.2024 - 04.2025
- Served as Chief Operating Officer for a $10M youth workforce program, leading strategic planning and operational execution to enhance program efficiency and advance U.S. Government priorities.
- Achieved a 30% reduction in operational costs by restructuring grant management and procurement processes.
- Secured $5M in additional funding through partnerships with government officials and U.S. Embassy diplomats.
Country Director
Global Communities
Kyiv
09.2022 - 02.2024
- Fulfilled the role of Chief Executive Officer, managing a $147M multi-donor humanitarian assistance portfolio with full P&L responsibility and oversight of security for a 165-member team.
- Leveraged partnerships with local government to deliver critical support to over 30,000 displaced individuals.
- Managed $42M in grants to local NGOs, increasing their operational capacity by 27% and building community resilience.
- Secured $55M in new funding through strategic donor engagement and successful proposal development.
Chief of Party
Global Communities
Colombo
09.2020 - 08.2022
- Served as Chief Operating Officer for a $22M social cohesion and reconciliation program, overseeing all aspects of operations and strategy while fostering relations with key political figures and U.S. Government diplomats.
- Directed a 45-member team in delivering 60+ grants, resulting in a 37% increase in community cohesion indicators.
- Streamlined grant workflows, cutting processing and donor approval time by 50%.
- Restructured the organization by relocating grant officers to regional levels, boosting program expenditures by 60%.
Chief of Party
Family Health International 360
Lusaka
01.2018 - 06.2020
- Delivered a $3M youth leadership program and cultivated strategic partnerships with critical health, education, and economic growth programs funded by U.S. Government agencies.
- Recruited and trained 15 local staff, establishing policies that enabled swift program launch.
- Partnered with 60+ firms and non-profits to create jobs for 66% of graduates, strengthening Zambia's economic stability.
- Mentored a local deputy, ensuring a seamless leadership transition and enhancing sustainability.
Senior Director of Business Development
Premise Data Corporation
Arlington
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Directed strategy development and execution for a $150M AI start-up targeting U.S. Government agencies.
- Secured $5M in new contracts by establishing a clear vision and strategy for a 4-member team.
- Expanded the client base by 30% through effective pipeline management using Salesforce.
Vice President of Business Development
DT Global
Arlington
11.2015 - 12.2016
- Served on the Executive Management Team, spearheading growth strategy for a global firm managing $420M in 90+ countries.
- Optimized business capture processes, increasing win rate from 14% to 31%.
- Directed proposal development, authored technical sections, and managed cost estimation, generating $172M in revenue.
Director of Conflict Management & Mitigation
DT Global
Arlington
11.2013 - 10.2015
- Managed a $340M portfolio of contracts in high-risk environments, consistently meeting program and budgetary targets.
- Led an 18-person team coordinating efforts of 800+ country staff, achieving zero fatalities while maintaining program integrity.
- Achieved 100% compliance in U.S. Government audits, demonstrating exceptional organizational and management capabilities.
- Implemented a structured feedback loop that resulted in a 93% positive leadership rating, enhancing team effectiveness.
Chief of Party
International Relief & Development, Inc.
Niamey
10.2012 - 10.2013
- Directed the turnaround of a $62M program across three countries, optimizing operations and achieving high client satisfaction.
- Launched a staff management system and career development initiatives, boosting employee satisfaction by 42%.
- Streamlined grant processes, increasing awards to local NGOs from fewer than 10 to over 100 within one year.
- Revitalized relationships with U.S. Government agencies, securing $15M in funding to sustain and expand program initiatives.
Director of Stabilization & Crisis Response
International Relief & Development, Inc.
Arlington
10.2010 - 09.2012
- Managed day-to-day operations for a $320M humanitarian portfolio across 5 countries, leading client engagement and liaising with key donors and U.S. agencies.
- Led a 12-person team and 300+ staff, achieving all contract deliverables on time and enhancing operational performance.
- Secured $220M in new funding by personally crafting successful technical proposals, budgets, and staffing plans.
Deputy Chief of Party
International Relief & Development, Inc.
Helmand & Kandahar
06.2009 - 09.2010
- Oversaw operational strategy for $474M counterinsurgency program, ensuring alignment with U.S. national security objectives.
- Led a team of 18 in establishing security and continuity protocols, enabling rapid operational readiness within 30 days.
- Spearheaded the implementation $175M in rapid procurements, positively impacting security and stability across the region.
Country Director
International Relief & Development, Inc.
Islamabad
01.2009 - 05.2009
- Established a new country office, launching a $14M humanitarian portfolio focused on relief and recovery efforts.
Deputy Chief of Party
International Relief & Development, Inc.
Ramadi and Baghdad
09.2006 - 12.2008
- Directed strategy and operations for a $540M counterinsurgency program, ensuring alignment with U.S. security objectives.
- Managed operational strategies to facilitate US military revitalization efforts, enabling the swift return of over 30,000 civilians.
- Directed program expansion into 12 urban centers, refining operations in alignment with senior U.S. diplomatic guidance.
- Enhanced efficiency through robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, improving compliance and reporting standards.
Program Manager
International Relief & Development, Inc.
Erbil and Baghdad
03.2005 - 08.2006
Community Development Specialist
U.S. Peace Corps
Atbasar
09.2002 - 12.2004
Non-Commissioned Officer
U.S. Marine Corps
29 Palms
11.1989 - 11.1993
Education
Master's Degree - Public Administration
Rutgers University
Camden, NJ05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Doane University
Crete, NE05.2001
Skills
- Grant management
- Program evaluation
- Strategic planning
- Budget management
- Proposal development
- Stakeholder engagement
Personal Information
Title: Chief Executive Officer | Transformational Leader | Global Humanitarian Strategist
Timeline
Chief of Party
American Councils for International Education
03.2024 - 04.2025
Country Director
Global Communities
09.2022 - 02.2024
Chief of Party
Global Communities
09.2020 - 08.2022
Chief of Party
Family Health International 360
01.2018 - 06.2020
Senior Director of Business Development
Premise Data Corporation
01.2017 - 01.2018
Vice President of Business Development
DT Global
11.2015 - 12.2016
Director of Conflict Management & Mitigation
DT Global
11.2013 - 10.2015
Chief of Party
International Relief & Development, Inc.
10.2012 - 10.2013
Director of Stabilization & Crisis Response
International Relief & Development, Inc.
10.2010 - 09.2012
Deputy Chief of Party
International Relief & Development, Inc.
06.2009 - 09.2010
Country Director
International Relief & Development, Inc.
01.2009 - 05.2009
Deputy Chief of Party
International Relief & Development, Inc.
09.2006 - 12.2008
Program Manager
International Relief & Development, Inc.
03.2005 - 08.2006
Community Development Specialist
U.S. Peace Corps
09.2002 - 12.2004
Non-Commissioned Officer
U.S. Marine Corps
11.1989 - 11.1993
Master's Degree - Public Administration
Rutgers University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Doane University
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