Christopher L Kaelin

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherlkaelin

Summary

Full stack software developer with 10+ years’ experience building, testing, and implementing web applications in a .NET environment. US Air Force veteran with a history of leading successful teams, providing mentorship and clear direction in critical situations. Natural relationship builder easily collaborates with colleagues and leaders at all levels across the organization to achieve goals. Trusted team member with previous and current eligibility for Top Secret/SCI clearance

Expertise

Technical Skills: C#, JavaScript, Python, HTML, CSS, ASP.NET, React, MVC, Django, MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MS Visual Studio, Git, GitHub, Excel Communication & Problem-Solving: Clear communication, empathy, public speaking, presentations to leadership Customer service & user support, Debugging and troubleshooting complex software issues, Conflict resolution & problem-solving Leadership & Project Management: Leadership and management of multiple teams and projects Diverse team lead experience, Project management (Agile, Scrum, Kanban), Mentorship and professional growth development, Time management and organizational skills, Effective collaboration using Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom

Work Experience

The Okonite Company - Senior IT Developer May 2024 – Aug 2024 Automated the upload and management of specifications and safety data sheets for multiple plants and service centers, reducing manual effort, minimizing errors, and ensuring compliance through validation checks and version control. Led the modernization of the company’s intranet by integrating advanced technologies, redesigning the interface, and optimizing functionality for various departments and devices. Collaborated with stakeholders to identify and address functional gaps, delivering tailored solutions that enhanced accessibility, usability, and cross-departmental efficiency. Buds Gun Shop - Lead Developer Jan 2024 – May 2024 Designed and developed the company website using Python, Django, and HTMX for rapid development. Implemented data models and stored procedures with PostgreSQL to ensure optimal performance and data integrity. Collaborated with stakeholders to gather requirements and deliver a web solution that met business needs and enhanced the user experience. Aline Ops - Lead Developer May 2022 - Sep 2023 Led the development and maintenance of a large-scale web application serving over 100 facilities, implementing software solutions that enhanced federal and state health coverage program capabilities while reducing errors by 50%. Streamlined operations by executing a plan that eliminated the help esk backlog, cutting customer service ticket resolution time by 15 work hours. Optimized system performance by reducing network requests, improving website response times by 25% on 20 pages, and upgrading/consolidating 30 database stored procedures. Deloitte Consulting - Solutions Specialist Aug 2021 - May 2022 Contributed to the conversion of a state-wide workforce system to MVC, incorporating two language translations. Enhanced system capabilities by adding functionality for new profiles, security groups, and attributes while maintaining a database of authorized entities. Updated the web UI to support service tracking, user demographics, and statistics for a global audience. Streamlined the user account request verification process, improving tracking methods and reducing turnaround time by three days. 375 Air Mobility Wing (USAF) Oct 2012 – May 2014
Compliance Director (Superintendent), Inspector General Complaints Resolution
Designed and implemented the 375 Air Mobility Wing (AMW) complaints SharePoint webpage using SharePoint Designer, securely migrating sensitive information and procedures. Investigated contract compliance, licenses, and permits to ensure adherence to laws and regulations. Evaluated and resolved complaints involving base personnel, coordinating legal and functional reviews to ensure compliance with Air Force policy while briefing the Commander on trend analysis. Additionally, conducted weekly briefings for senior Scott AFB leaders on network and server availability, planning and executing maintenance schedules to minimize mission impact. 375 Communications Support Squadron (USAF) Oct 2012 – May 2014
HR Manager (First Sergeant)
Directed human resources activities for a 75-member organization, providing leadership and support to the commander and squadron during a member’s passing, ensuring proper honors while balancing mission needs. Led the unit awards program, facilitating the review board process and securing 32 awards, including three at the Air Force level. Served as Project Officer for the USAF Thunderbirds demonstration team at the Scott AFB air show, coordinating all team requirements. Additionally, organized instructors and students for Scott AFB Frontline Supervisor training, making it the only U.S. base to meet key milestones. 375 Communications Support Squadron (USAF) Jan 2008 – Apr 2012
Department Manager (Flight Chief), Applications Development
Collected and analyzed requirements for event systems, identifying key terms, fields, and processes to successfully implement a funeral scheduling application serving a three-state region. Designed and developed real-time modules using C#, ASP.Net, and MS SQL, enhancing system speed and efficiency while creating a custom user interface across more than 30 modules. Leveraged expertise in ColdFusion web development to lead a team of three in migrating a legacy system to a modern flight standard using ASP.Net and C#, ensuring improved performance, maintainability, and scalability. U.S. European Command Joint Analysis Center (DIA) Jan 2008 – Apr 2012
Department Manager (Flight Chief), Applications Development
Successfully tested all software modules to meet Air Force standards, identifying and resolving over 2,300 bugs through rigorous testing processes. Ensured system reliability and performance by implementing thorough debugging and validation procedures. Coordinated military, civilian, and contract personnel across multiple locations to execute five major software and hardware upgrades for downrange combat personnel and vehicle tracking systems. Additionally, facilitated secure data exchange between systems of varying security classifications and authorized international partners, ensuring compliance with strict regulatory and cybersecurity protocols.

Education

Information and Computer Science - Park Universirty

Dec-2026

Associate of Applied Science - Community College of the Air Force

Aug-1999

Projects

The Source UMC

Led the rework of The Source UMC's website, handling both the technical and design aspects to improve functionality, accessibility, and user experience. Your work included updating the site's structure, optimizing content, and ensuring seamless integration with the church's live stream and other digital resources. Utilizes WordPress, HTML, and CSS.

CLK Computing

Designed and developed the website for CLK Computing, showcasing expertise in HTML, CSS, and javascript development. The site highlights my services, projects, and technical skills while ensuring a user-friendly experience and professional online presence. Utilizes HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Volunteer

American Cancer Society Regional Leadership Board Metro East Illinois & Division Representative
Led the rework of The Source UMC's website, handling both the technical and design aspects to improve functionality, accessibility, and user experience. Your work included updating the site's structure, optimizing content, and ensuring seamless integration with the church's live stream and other digital resources.

Cancer Research UK Relay for Life Event Chair Trainer
Recognized with the prestigious Cancer Research UK Flame of Hope award for exceptional contributions to fundraising and volunteer leadership development. Successfully raised $105,000 to support cancer research initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to the cause and the ability to mobilize resources effectively. Led the training and development of over 65 event chairs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive successful fundraising events. Designed and implemented national training programs and annual operational sessions, ensuring volunteer leaders were well-prepared to execute initiatives, engage communities, and maximize impact.