JESSIE L. THIELEN
Spring Valley,MN
Summary
Program and systems leader with 20+ years of experience delivering mission-critical aviation, avionics, and unmanned systems across development, test, deployment, and sustainment. Proven record leading complex, flight-critical programs, supporting ISR and autonomous systems, managing cost and schedule risk, and partnering with senior military, engineering, and industry stakeholders. Background includes ACAT-scale defense programs, operational testing, payload integration, and enterprise program governance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Strategic Programs Leader and Project Manager
United States Navy – Global
01.2001 - 01.2021
- Led execution of mission-critical aviation, avionics, and unmanned systems programs, managing scope, schedule, budget, and risk across the full lifecycle from development through sustainment.
- Served as a Mission Payload Operator for the AN/AAQ-22 BRITE Star II EO/IR system on the MQ-8B Fire Scout, supporting ISR missions including target detection, tracking, identification, and battle damage assessment.
- Supported integration, test, and operational evaluation of classified intelligence payloads on the MQ-8B Fire Scout, including the Twister payload, whose mission functions are publicly described only at a high level and not disclosed in open sources.
- Participated in developmental and operational test activities for unmanned aviation systems, providing operator feedback on system performance, workload, procedures, and limitations to inform system improvements and training.
- Directed VTUAV and aviation program execution involving air vehicles, ground control systems, datalinks, logistics, and shipboard operations to ensure mission readiness and safety compliance.
- Served as senior decision authority for cost, schedule, performance, and risk tradeoffs on multimillion-dollar aviation initiatives in high-tempo operational environments.
- Led corrective action and risk mitigation efforts following avionics and system failures, restoring mission capability and reducing future operational risk.
- Managed and developed large, cross-functional military and technical teams, ensuring accountability, execution discipline, and sustained operational readiness.
Program Strategy and Enterprise Planning Leader
Medica – Minnesota
01.2023 - Current
- Lead enterprise-level program strategy and execution across complex technology initiatives, translating executive objectives into measurable roadmaps, KPIs, and delivery plans.
- Directed vendor and contract consolidation initiatives, strengthening financial controls, governance, and performance management while reducing labor budget overspend.
- Established executive steering committees and enterprise dashboards to provide data-driven visibility into schedule, performance, and risk across large portfolios.
- Mentor and develop program managers, Scrum Masters, and product leaders to strengthen delivery rigor and leadership capability.
Strategic Project Manager (Consultant)
Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN
Rochester, MN
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led cross-functional transformation initiatives across IT, finance, and operations, aligning executive stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes under constrained budgets.
- Directed portfolio operating model transformation, improving prioritization, governance, and execution readiness.
- Developed business cases and multi-year roadmaps supporting capital investment decisions and long-term execution planning.
Strategic Program Consultant
Medical Industry Leadership Institute – Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Led cross-functional development and commercialization programs for regulated medical devices, coordinating engineering, regulatory, and business stakeholders across the product lifecycle.
- Directed regulatory strategy and compliance readiness supporting FDA 510(k) submissions and ISO alignment.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics & Uncrewed Autonomous Systems
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Specialization - Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Stanford University
Skills
- Microsoft 365
- Power BI
- Azure DevOps
- SharePoint
- Strategic Roadmapping Tools
- SQL
- Cross-functional coordination
- Innovation skills
- Budget development
- Data interpretation
- Team leadership
- Demand forecasting
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- SAFe 6 Agilist
- SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Military Avionics Program Management
- ISR Systems and Payload Integration
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (VTUAV / UAS)
- Development and Operational Test Support
- Program Lifecycle Management
- Schedule, Cost, and Risk Management
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Executive and Customer Briefings
- Vendor and Contract Oversight
Timeline
Program Strategy and Enterprise Planning Leader
Medica – Minnesota
01.2023 - Current
Strategic Project Manager (Consultant)
Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN
01.2022 - 01.2023
Strategic Program Consultant
Medical Industry Leadership Institute – Minneapolis, MN
01.2018 - 01.2021
Strategic Programs Leader and Project Manager
United States Navy – Global
01.2001 - 01.2021
Specialization - Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Stanford University
Master of Business Administration -
University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics & Uncrewed Autonomous Systems
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University