Giovanni Estrada has been named the Security Assistance Command employee of the fourth quarter, fiscal year 2021. He is the country program manager of Afghanistan, managing a portfolio valued at over $14.5 billion.
As the country program manager (CPM) for a challenging foreign military sales program, he oversees the development and overall program management for the transfer of defense articles, services, education and training for the Afghanistan program. Included in this portfolio are 226 active foreign military sales (FMS) cases.
From July through September, Estrada was “the cog in the wheel for supporting Over the Horizon Plan for Afghanistan,” according to Fred Heaggans, CENTCOM deputy director and nominating official. The Over the Horizon Plan turned into a full-scale evacuation of military personnel from the country.
During this tumultuous time, Estrada was the conduit for information from the Defense Security Cooperation Organization-Afghanistan to the FMS enterprise. “During this chaotic transition, Mr. Estrada remained determined and flexible. This flexibility started with the diversion of (weapons) from Army stock in 20 days to the development of a plan to start canceling requisitions as the situation deteriorated,” Heaggans said.
Estrada was noted as having stood out as a leader and expert, handling difficult situations during this time. He is known as a team player, gladly assisting colleagues and leadership with his vast experience. He has worked as a CPM for over a decade in the CENTCOM directorate. He has also served as a foreign affairs officer in South America.
CPM duties include overseeing the transfer of defense articles, services, education and training for the country represented. CPMs manage the lifecycle of FMS programs and logistics coordination. They must communicate regularly with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which advances U.S. defense and foreign policy interests by building the capacity of foreign partners.
Estrada is an active member of his church. He has been married for over 20 years and he and his wife are active members of the community. They serve as both foster parents and parents for eight children. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling the world.
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