Charles E. Smith II is a leadership strategist and corporate leader who has spent more than 20 years guiding teams to perform at the highest levels in demanding, high-stakes environments. His career sits at the intersection of corporate management, military leadership, and operational excellence—giving him a rare ability to develop leaders who deliver results under pressure.
 

In the corporate sector, Charles has led complex, multimillion-dollar operations across aerospace and advanced manufacturing. He has consistently delivered measurable impact and led organizations responsible for tens of millions in assets and revenue. His leadership is defined by clarity, accountability, and an unwavering focus on execution.
 

As a senior officer in the United States Air Force, Charles was selected for multiple elite leadership roles, where he led geographically dispersed teams across the U.S. and internationally. He is known for building high-performing organizations, sustaining mission-critical operations under pressure, and developing future leaders at scale.
 

Today, Charles brings that same discipline and strategic insight to his coaching practice. Through Charles Smith Leadership Coaching LLC, he works with driven professionals, executives, and organizations to sharpen leadership capability, strengthen decision-making, and create lasting, measurable results.

Formal Education

• Master of Science, Aerospace Administration, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, 2005
• Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Science Engineering, Tuskegee University, 2002

Professional Military Education

• Air War College (via distance learning), US Air Force Air University, 2024
• Air Command and Staff College (via distance learning), US Air Force Air University, 2017
• Squadron Officer School (via distance learning and in residence), US Air Force Air, University, 2008

Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – Purdue University (Distance Learning), 2015
• U.S. Air Force Academic Instructor Certification, Maxwell AFB, AL, 2006
• Boeing Liaison Engineering, Midwest City, OK, 2003
• U.S. Air Force Acquisition Fundamentals, Lackland AFB, TX, 2002
• US  Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Engineering Course, Tinker AFB, OK, 2002

Career Highlights
 

• Established and led an Integrated Product Team (IPT) to enhance ACES 2 ejection seat component manufacturing, delivering a 60% increase in production output within 12 months.
• Developed and implemented build sequences for SpaceX and Artemis I flight termination systems, safeguarding launch readiness and preventing schedule delays for 50+ mission-critical launches.
• Coordinated recovery and production schedules for $1.75M in AMRAAM missile components, ensuring on-time delivery aligned with warfighter operational requirements.
• Prepared and led site through three successful ISO 9001:2015 audits (Transition, Surveillance, and Recertification) with zero findings/observations, strengthening compliance posture and customer trust.
• Directed root cause analysis on recurring antenna failures, implementing corrective actions that eliminated repeat issues and protected $500K in annual revenue from potential losses.
• Led cross-functional team in designing a pressurization system that reduced ergonomic risk by 50%, mitigating workplace injuries and avoiding $100K in potential annual injury costs.
• Led team to winning Risk Reduction Award in 2015 McWane ErgoCup competition
• Automated small extinguisher production processes, reducing cycle time by 30% and cutting operational costs by eliminating $2K annually in spare part expenses.
• Led root cause analysis on recurring vision system failures, implementing corrective actions that eliminated defects and saved $52K annually in repair and rework costs.
• Designed and deployed an advanced vision inspection system, eliminating 100% of prior system errors and boosting production line throughput by 25%.
• Ranked #1 of 35 majors in region, #12 of 120 majors worldwide, and #5 of 49 lieutenant colonels in region (as an Outreach Squadron Leader for United States Air Force Academy Admissions Directorate
• Ranked #1 of 21 majors in region, #2 of 41 officers in the region, and Top 10% of majors total force wide, selected as 1 of 24 inaugural Outreach Squadron Leaders (as a State Admission Liaison Officer Program Director for the United States Air Force Academy Admissions Directorate)