Meet PVM's First Skillbridge Fellow and New Defense Team Leader

We sat down with Mark Williams, PVM’s Skillbridge fellow turned Defense Team leader, to talk about his experience in the military and the Skillbridge program. Mark recently retired from his impressive career in the United States Air Force (USAF) as the Maintenance Operations Section Chief with the 1st Joint Communications Support Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. He managed tactical communications equipment ensuring effective communications for U.S. and coalition military operations worldwide. Since enlisting in August 2003, he held various significant roles within the joint community, special operations, USAF Thunderbirds, Air Operations Centers, and executive communications. His expertise covers a wide range of communication technologies, reflecting his dedication to excellence and innovation.

Assignments & Education

Tell me about your experience with the Skillbridge program before, during, and after joining PVM.

Before joining, it was all about the application process and finding the right company. You look for jobs and try to find the Skillbridge opportunity that works best for you. There are different paths with Skillbridge, like getting experience or a certification, but my goal was employment, so I chose an opportunity with PVM. Dana Hensley, PVM’s Head of Talent, and I communicated about this goal early on. While I value the skills from any Skillbridge appointment, the main point for me was to transition from military to civilian life. The Air Force was my only job before I joined the Skillbridge program, so it was nerve-wracking to quit without another job lined up, especially with a family to support.

Skillbridge helps ease this transition. It's like a test drive for both the company and me. There's no commitment to employment after Skillbridge, just to the program itself. I stayed in regular contact with Dana throughout my fellowship, probably more than she expected, to ensure everything was on track. Training was intense, like drinking from a fire hose, but it was a well-rounded program with a mix of computer-based training, meetings, and hands-on experience. It wasn’t super rigid, which worked for me and allowed for more learning opportunities.

PVM supported me throughout the entire program, with regular meetings with Sydney Metzmaker (COO), Dana, and other leaders. Everyone was very supportive and willing to help!

How does your prior experience in the military support your new role with PVM?

As the account manager for clients in the defense space, my understanding of Department of Defense operations at a strategic and doctrine level is very helpful. My specific Air Force experience, including time in special operations, adds valuable context. The military provided excellent leadership training, which is beneficial for any role. Even if you’re not in a formal leadership position, everyone leads at some point.

Understanding military and federal processes is crucial and takes time to learn without prior experience. This knowledge is helpful from a customer standpoint. My role in government acquisitions also helps me assist customers through that process. This unique background supports my current role effectively and allows me to meet the client where they’re at.

Mark Williams and family at retirement ceremony

PVM’s Commitment to Hiring Veterans

PVM was founded by Pat Mack, a retired Naval officer, to solve the problems his fellow sailors were facing on the front lines every day. As a veteran-owned business, PVM is not only committed to that same mission today, but also to providing employment to the military community. Mark’s story is one of many at PVM, and we are excited about bringing team members into PVM that have similar backgrounds. Our military fellowships program helps us prioritize hiring team members who have firsthand experience with our customers’ missions, and gives our fellows the opportunity to work with leading technologies and on work they are passionate about.

Learn more about PVM’s Military Fellowships program here.