MICHAEL DANISH
Strategic Operations Leader
Project Management & Project Controls SME
PMP | CCP | EVP | PSP | CSM | ITIL
Professional Summary
Experienced professional with deep hands-on expertise spanning the entire project lifecycle, from proposal development through project closeout. Combines strategic thinking and risk assessment with advanced technical capabilities in project management, project controls, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) development, Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Virtual Design Construction (VDC)/Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools including machine learning and intelligent automation. Strong background in finance and scheduling, with proven expertise in change management, process development, and technical writing. Demonstrated success in leading teams, leveraging data analytics and AI-driven insights for decision-making, and developing innovative solutions to deliver complex, high-value programs across government, energy, and private sectors. Skilled in managing stakeholder relationships while maintaining rigorous cost, schedule, and quality standards.
Core Competencies
Strategic Planning & Project Management
Leadership & Team Development
Comprehensive Project Controls
Financial Management & Budgeting
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
Scheduling & VDC (BIM/4D/5D)
Data Analysis & Reporting
Web & Application Development
Change Management & Innovation
Process Improvement & Optimization
Quality Assurance & Control
Proposal & Contract Development
Procurement & Contract Administration
Regulatory Compliance & Standards
Knowledge Management Systems
Technical Writing & Documentation
Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving
Key Qualifications
Project Management Leadership and Execution
Extensive experience in leading and coordinating complex, multimillion-dollar programs exceeding $5 billion in total value. Proven ability to manage large-scale, high-stakes projects with demanding timelines, regulatory requirements, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement spanning from field personnel and project staff to executive-level decision-makers including project owners, senior leadership, and key stakeholders. Skilled in effective communication and relationship building across all organizational levels.
Business Development & Proposal Excellence
Comprehensive expertise in all phases of proposal development including strategy, writing, editing, formatting, and submission. Proven success in securing new business opportunities and building strategic client relationships across government, energy, and private sectors.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, owners, and community representatives.
Advanced Technical Integration & Process Innovation
Expert in implementing cutting-edge technologies including EVMS, VDC/BIM, data analytics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to optimize project outcomes. Proven ability to develop and deploy AI agents, chatbots, and machine learning solutions while standardizing innovative processes that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Strategic Scheduling & Risk Management
Expert in advanced scheduling methodologies using Primavera P6, WBS development, and critical path analysis to optimize project timelines. Certified Planning & Scheduling Professional with proven ability to build and maintain comprehensive work breakdown structures, proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks while maintaining rigorous schedule control and performance measurement across complex program portfolios.
Financial Management & Cost Engineering Excellence
Deep expertise in financial controls, cost engineering, and budget optimization across multi-billion dollar programs. Certified cost professional with proven ability to recover millions in project value through rigorous financial analysis and forecasting.
Patents
Integrated Carry-On Luggage Management System for Aircraft
US********- Independently invented and authored a patent-pending system (currently under USPTO review), inspired by over a million miles of air travel, integrating mobile 3D luggage scanning, real-time sensor data, and intelligent assignment optimization to improve boarding efficiency and overall passenger experience.
- Designed the architecture to reduce boarding delays and crew workload while delivering smoother, faster boarding and greater predictability for travelers.
- Applied IoT, energy-harvesting, and machine-learning technologies within a scalable, multi-platform framework to enable autonomous operation, continuous optimization, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Education
Master of Business Administration, Global Executive Program
Columbia University – Columbia Business School, New York
In conjunction with: London Business
School and Hong Kong University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Finance
West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Economics
West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
Professional Certifications
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
Earned Value Professional (EVP)
Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP)
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
ITIL 4 Foundation
Primavera P6 Certified Specialist
Deltek Cobra Certified Professional
Technical Expertise
Primavera P6
Deltek Cobra
Deltek Acumen
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Excel (Expert)
SQL
Python
Power Query
DAX
Typescript
HTML & CSS
Mermaid
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Agentic AI
Machine Learning (ML)
Oracle
SAP
CostPoint
ViewPoint
Cognos
Kahua
Microsoft 365
Microsoft SharePoint & Teams
Microsoft Visio
Lucidchart
Diagrams.net
VS Code
Git & GitHub
and more...
Industry Experience
Energy & Renewable Power
Government & Defense
Nuclear Industry
Infrastructure & Transportation
International Development
Oil & Gas
Construction & Engineering
Technology & Data Centers
Additional Qualifications
Global Mobility & Travel Ready
Cross-Cultural Leadership
Security Clearance Eligible
International Business
Government Contracting & Compliance
Training & Knowledge Transfer
Continuous Learning & Development
Regulatory Standards Expertise
Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International • Project Management Institute • Institute of Management Accountants • Society of American Military Engineers
Get In Touch
I welcome opportunities to collaborate on strategic initiatives, complex programs, and technology transformations. The quickest way to reach me is through LinkedIn.
Share a brief introduction and I will respond as soon as possible to schedule time for a detailed conversation.