Norman Schweizer
Senior Assessor, Lead Quality Assurance Consultant, Senior Safety Consultant
A former NASA Aviation Operations Manager responsible for the acquisition, use, and disposal of all agency aircraft — and a former U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer who led the Western response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita — Norman brings decades of aviation policy, command leadership, and IBAC-accredited safety auditing to NASA aviation contractor inspections and aircraft management programs.
Key Credentials
Selected highlights from senior aviation leadership across NASA, Coast Guard, and federal aviation policy
BS, Accounting, Florida State University | MBA, Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
US Coast Guard Fixed / Rotary Wing Aviation: Line Pilot, Ops Officer / Chief Pilot, Commanding Officer CGAS Houston (20+ years)
AS9100 Lead Auditor – IAQG certified training (5+ years)
Aviation Expertise (IS-BAO SMS, airworthiness, airfield, quality, operations, maintenance, CG Aviator, Air Traffic Controller) (30+ years)
Warranted Government Contracting Officer, Navy Acquisition Training & Management Office (NAMTO) Certified
20+ years of mishap-free flight experience, participated in Hurricane Katrina response, large numbers of Search & Rescue cases, Helicopter hoist & hospital delivery rescues, Environmental disaster surveys, and shipboard-based law enforcement missions
Career Details
Professional history and key responsibilities
2024 – Present
Show Me Quality Consulting
Senior Assessor, Lead Quality Assurance Consultant, Senior Safety Consultant
- Supports NASA agency-wide policy, directive, and standard requirements documents updates
- Supports aviation contractor inspections and reviews in the areas of quality engineering, airworthiness, and safety management
- Leverages background experience with NASA and the U.S. Coast Guard to advise and direct current leadership with various aviation management programs to provide continued safety of flight operations across NASA
2014 – 2024
NASA, Aircraft Management Division
Aviation Operations Manager
- Served as NASA's manager for policy governing the acquisition, use, and disposal of agency aircraft — including mission management, program support, research aircraft, and uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- Acted as staff assistant to the Director of the Aircraft Management Office, the agency focal point for aircraft operations policy supporting more than 80 NASA aircraft with diverse missions, complex designs, and varied configurations
- Provided NASA-wide program assessment and oversight as the agency aviation expert, analyzing the effectiveness of programs supporting major national missions and functions
- Oversaw agency programs that developed recommendations and resolved precedent-setting issues related to program efficiency, effectiveness, and mission performance
- Analyzed and evaluated existing, new, and emerging program requirements, operational standards, and measures of effectiveness
- Conducted agency-wide reviews and oversight of aircraft operations, maintenance, and safety programs
Administrative Control Systems and Financial Management:
- Planned, established, and directed administrative control systems for aircraft operations, maintenance, safety, and utilization across the agency
- Provided authoritative guidance to integrate and validate budget programs and institutionally managed requirements
- Made decisions on complex, undefined issues requiring extensive analysis and evaluation
- Developed, analyzed, and validated near and long-term budget estimates to support agency objectives
- Developed, implemented, and maintained official accounting and cost accounting systems to support management at all organizational levels
- Interpreted and implemented financial regulatory directives and established policy ensuring compliance with statutory and administrative requirements governing federal funds and assets
- Coordinated and influenced emerging policy and regulatory guidance with GAO, OMB, GSA, DoD, DHS, and other federal agencies to protect NASA's institutional interests
- Served as Executive Secretariat to the NASA Intercenter Aircraft Operations Panel (IAOP)
Cost Effectiveness and Program Analysis:
- Planned, established, and directed an agency-wide cost effectiveness program for aircraft operations
- Analyzed long-range aircraft requirements and operational activities and provided recommendations to improve mission-critical performance
- Interpreted aviation policy and developed operating procedures for complex, mission-oriented programs
- Evaluated the operational and financial impact of proposed legislative and regulatory changes
- Analyzed cost drivers — including historical, current, and projected resource utilization
- Developed cost-sharing mechanisms, full-cost methodologies, and consumption data to support informed decision-making
- Designed and evaluated administrative control systems to prevent waste, loss, unauthorized use, or misappropriation of government assets
- Coordinated the development and integration of management processes and business systems documentation
2012 – 2014
U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Business Transformation
Division Chief
- Led modernization and logistics transformation initiatives, directing change management and integrating business processes across the entire Mission Support organization
- Developed, promulgated, and delivered training on the Mission Support business model to ensure enterprise-wide adoption and consistency
- Directed integration, coordination, and overall management of DCMS Integration Team programs and activities
- Integrated all business and logistics transformation efforts within DCMS to ensure cohesive focus, unified direction, and a sound program management performance agenda
- Managed internal relationships across DCMS directorates and coordinated with Coast Guard components outside CG Headquarters
- Collaborated with a wide range of external stakeholders — including federal government branches, state and local governments, and interest groups — to advance Mission Support business transformation initiatives
- Directed and managed implementation of business plans and milestones, evaluated performance accomplishments against established measures, aligned financial budget projections with program results, and reported progress toward strategic business goals and objectives
- Delivered executive-level presentations and statistical and narrative briefings to senior leadership, congressional staff, and other high-level audiences to inform legislative proposals, initiatives, and responses to congressional inquiries
- Planned, developed, and managed cross-directorate integration teams to ensure standardization across the full Mission Support spectrum
- Managed the Mission Support Transformation Program by planning, directing, and coordinating execution of program resources; defining program goals; developing plans and objectives; and directing and controlling resource allocation and utilization
- Established performance goals and monitored staff performance to achieve Mission Support strategic objectives
Detail Assignment — Liaison Officer:
- Served as Coast Guard liaison officer to the U.S. Forest Service for execution of the National Defense Authorization Act requirement to transfer seven HC-130H aircraft from the U.S. Coast Guard to the U.S. Forest Service
- Developed budgets and initial operating plans and supported program office planning for full operational capability — including tanker modification and fleet utilization strategies
2009 – 2012
General Services Administration
Aviation Acquisition, Use, & Disposal Manager
- Served as a program analyst under the Director, Aircraft Policy — functioning as a technical expert in the development, interpretation, and oversight of new and existing regulations, policies, strategies, and methods affecting government-wide aviation acquisition, safety, operations, maintenance, training, disposal, and information systems
- Provided key policy input and technical expertise to the Director and staff of Aircraft Policy in support of aviation management decision making
- Analyzed and oversaw new and emerging functional requirements for agency programs, operational standards, and measures of effectiveness related to aircraft operations, maintenance, and safety
- Served as a credentialed Aviation Safety Inspector for government aviation operators
- Developed and delivered a training program focused on aviation management acquisition, use, and disposal
- Developed, analyzed, and evaluated near and long-term budget planning estimates, and developed and maintained accounting and cost accounting systems
- Acted as the primary conduit for responses to Inspector Generals, the Office of Management and Budget, the Government Accountability Office, Congress, industry, and the public on aviation management legislation, policies, regulations, standards, and related technical matters
- Coordinated development of the strategic plan for federal aviation
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of legislative strategy, operations, administrative law, policies, regulations, and precedent applicable to the administration of agency business processes
2008 – 2009
Booz Allen Hamilton
Project Manager
- Assisted with procurement management for a major aviation acquisition project — supporting accounting, earned value management, schedule tracking, funds appropriations, and procurement management activities
- Supported day-to-day management of task orders involving multidisciplinary teams of management professionals responsible for analyzing, integrating, training, testing, documenting, and maintaining large, complex aviation systems
- Regularly reviewed performance management systems and developed, implemented, and monitored action plans and milestones to support program execution and performance objectives
1996 – 2008
U.S. Coast Guard
Coast Guard Career — Aviation Leadership and Command
Chief of Staff (2007 – 2008):
- Strategically coordinated executive-level management and oversight of program development, execution, and communications for national and law enforcement intelligence, criminal investigation, and counterintelligence programs supporting Coast Guard commanders, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Intelligence Community (IC), and the national security apparatus
- Served as liaison with all Coast Guard Headquarters senior staff elements to collaboratively support the Commandant's objectives
- Effectively negotiated limited resources to enable the stand-up of the intelligence career field
Commanding Officer, CG Air Station Houston (2005 – 2007):
- Served as senior officer and facility manager for a Coast Guard Air Station consisting of 65 enlisted personnel, 20 officers, and two civilians, managing a $614K operating budget
- Directed operations for four helicopters, an aircraft hangar, and associated facility structures supporting port security and critical infrastructure protection, search and rescue, law enforcement, marine environmental protection missions, and Atlantic Area out-of-district deployments
- Led the Coast Guard's Western response aviation effort for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
- Developed and sustained interagency relationships with federal, state, and local partners to enhance critical port infrastructure protection and disaster response in the Western Gulf of Mexico
- Served as a key leader in the Port of Houston Critical Port Infrastructure Protection Plan, ensuring coordinated efforts among federal, state, local, and private sector partners
- Participated in the National Infrastructure Protection Plan and key military outload protection plans in support of national security
- Evaluated and approved all aviation qualifications for pilots and aircrew, ensuring annual training requirements and flight experience met or exceeded established standards
- Oversaw the aviation maintenance process and served as final authority for return-to-flight status following major maintenance actions
Executive Officer, Base-Air Station (2003 – 2005):
- Managed District 7's largest physical plant — encompassing 300+ acres, an aircraft hangar, 30 support buildings, and 226 housing units
- Directed operations of a large out-of-the-continental-United-States base, overseeing 30 officers, 87 enlisted personnel, 88 civilians, and a housing population exceeding 600 residents
- Managed a $3.7M operating budget, assigned duties, provided operational direction, coordinated efforts across eight departments, and performed duties as commanding officer in the commander's absence
- Oversaw the full human resources management function for the command — including personnel records management for 205 employees and 600 family members
- Served as emergency operations coordinator, managing the entire facility following Hurricane Jeanne, which disabled electrical and water services for eight days
Operations Officer / Aviation (2000 – 2003):
- Served as chief pilot, managing all flight operations and operational aspects of a five-helicopter unit with 26 officers and 57 aircrew across 800 nautical miles of coastline and 500 nautical miles of inland river areas in support of all Coast Guard missions
- Served concurrently as operations officer during a period of significant pilot shortages, providing rigorous crew oversight and scheduling management to ensure safe execution of more than 9,500 flight hours and 825 search and rescue cases
- Managed the aviation training program for 83 aviation personnel, ensuring qualification, readiness, and compliance with training standards
- Participated in key regional port infrastructure protection plans for the Port of New Orleans, LOOP (Louisiana Offshore Oil Platform), and secondary port facilities across the region
- Served as a key member of the aviation use-of-force / non-lethal use-of-force development team
- Maintained a 24-hour aircraft and crew response posture for search and rescue operations and significant national events
Aviation Fleet Manager / Capital Asset Manager (1996 – 2000):
- Defined and implemented the aviation concept of operations (CONOPS), operational policy, procedures, and systems for the Coast Guard's $615M fleet of 94 HH-65A helicopters
- Oversaw all aspects of worldwide operations and analyzed, developed, and established future operational requirements to improve operational efficiency and mission effectiveness
- Managed, from a Headquarters perspective, the annual update and editing of the Coast Guard Air Operations Manual — which delineated Coast Guard policy for field-level commanders, managers, and pilots
- Defined and documented safety policy and aircraft utilization limitations within aviation operations guidance
- Provided expert advice and guidance to senior Coast Guard leadership on aircraft operations, facility operations, and airworthiness matters
- Developed and managed resource proposals supporting the three-year budget cycle for major HH-65 airframe improvements
Concurrent Role — Global Positioning System Integration Project Manager:
- Served as project manager for a $15M global positioning system (GPS) installation and implementation project
- Managed development, prototyping, and integration of the control display navigation unit (CDNU) and GPS systems across the HC-130 aircraft fleet
- Provided oversight of acquisition support and led development of an integrated logistics support plan (ILSP)
- Coordinated aircraft component upgrades for existing avionics suites to ensure operational compatibility and sustainment
1993 – 1996
U.S. Coast Guard
Contracting Officer / Aircraft Commander
- Served as a warranted government contracting officer, trained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Directed facility procurement, budgeting, and property accounting in support of aviation and facility missions
- Administered a $350,000 budget, ensuring economical expenditure of funds and strict adherence to supply procedures and ethical standards
- Served as Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for multiple government contracts with a combined annual value of $1M
- Served as aircraft commander, planning and safely executing complex flight operations — including search and rescue, law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and migrant operations
- Served as senior duty officer, supervising the duty section responsible for unit administration and security and controlling aircraft dispatch to execute Coast Guard missions
1977 – 1980
U.S. Air Force
Air Traffic Controller
- Served in Berlin, Germany and Panama City, Florida
Education
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
MBA
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
BS, Accounting
U.S. Navy Flight School, Pensacola, FL
Naval Flight Officer Training and Naval Flight Training
Naval Post-Graduate School, Pensacola, FL
Technical / Occupational Certificate, Aviation Safety Officer
Honors, Awards & Certifications
Commercial Pilot — Airplane Single Engine Land
Commercial Pilot — Rotorcraft-Helicopter
Commercial Pilot — Instrument Airplane and Helicopter
Naval Flight Officer Training
Naval Flight Training
IBAC Accredited Aviation Safety Management System Auditor
NTSB Aircraft Accident Investigation Training
Aviation Safety Officer (GSA)
Aviation Command Safety School
Naval Post-Graduate School (USN)
Management of Defense Acquisitions and Contracts — Defense Acquisition University (DAU)
Government Contract Administration — GSA / DAU
Principles of Cost and Price Negotiations — DAU
Government Contract Law — DAU
National Incident Management System Training series (NIMS 100-500, 700, 800)
Incident Command System (ICS) Training series
Coast Guard Aviation Association — Life Member
Helicopter Association International — Government Member
International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) — Aviation Safety Auditor
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