As a certified Senior Acquisition Official within the Department of Defense, Mr. Rolader managed many large and complex programs for his DOD customers from within all military departments. These included the Air Force’s C-141 “Stretch” Program at the Lockheed Georgia Company, a $500M effort which, at its conclusion, was lauded by the Congress for its on-time, under budget completion.
Mr. Rolader also managed large programs for other military department including the Navy’s Ejection Seat Program with the Martin-Baker company in London UK, the US Army’s Lightweight Gun Program for manufacture of the M-119 and M-157 artillery, and the F-22 Avionics Suite Development Program at the General Electric Company Avionics, Rochester, UK. Charlie retired as a Colonel (0-6), but continues to support many current military initiatives as a Lifetime Member of the Air Force Association and as a Charter Member of the Air Force Memorial Foundation. His numerous military decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, five Meritorious Service Medals, and the Legion of Merit.
In a variety of positions, Charlie held a warrant as a Federal Contracting Officer for more than 25 years, and held three commands including the United States Air Force’s Acquisition Command for the United Kingdom, the Defense Logistics Agency’s Area Acquisitions Operations for the United Kingdom, and the Air Force’s largest squadron, within the 11th Wing of the Air Force District of Washington.
Mr. Rolader was the recipient of the Ronald B. Shuman Leadership Award as the Outstanding Graduating Senior at the University of Oklahoma School of Business, and was selected an Outstanding Young Man of America. He was awarded a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Management at OU; he later earned a Master of Science Degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology.