Michele
Helfgott-Waters
Senior Program Manager driving measurable career outcomes through strategic workforce development and stakeholder partnerships.
Placement Rate
Years Leadership
Program Growth
Clients Served
Driving Impact Through Strategic Program Delivery
I am a program management professional with 15+ years of experience leading workforce development, career transition, and military-connected initiatives. My expertise lies in building and scaling programs that translate workforce needs into measurable outcomes. I focus on strengthening stakeholder partnerships and improving service delivery to ensure every participant reaches their career goals.
Selected Impact
Key Program Initiatives
TSR Program Scaling
Challenge: Scaling a high-touch career transition program for DoW Cyber/IT professionals.
Solution: Redesigned operations and implemented standardized, scalable processes.
Impact: Achieved 3X program growth while maintaining a 100% placement rate.
MilSpouse Academy Launch
Challenge: Creating a structured career pathway for military spouses in a fragmented market.
Solution: Developed a 32-hour readiness curriculum and internship operating model.
Impact: Reached a 95% graduate placement rate and 100% sponsor conversion.
Military Talent Internships
Challenge: Stagnant placement rates (43%) in regional military internship initiatives.
Solution: Re-engineered engagement workflows and launched the Spouse Ambassador Program.
Impact: Increased placement outcomes to 87% within 90 days.
Professional Journey
Work Experience
Program Manager, TSR Program
TENOVA LLC | Jan. 2026 – Present
- • Leading strategic delivery for DoW Cyber and IT professionals, overseeing 70+ active participants.
- • Redesigned operations to support 3X program growth and achieved a 100% employment placement rate.
- • Manage 350+ clients across the lead-to-completion pipeline with individualized career strategies.
Apprenticeship Program Manager
INTERPLAY LEARNING | Jun. 2024 – Jul. 2025
- • Led end-to-end execution of a national apprenticeship program as the primary liaison for employer partners.
- • Used CRM data (HubSpot) and KPIs to personalize support plans and ensure Department of Labor compliance.
Director of Career Development Program
CAREERDASH / MILSPO ACADEMY | Apr. 2020 – Dec. 2023
- • Directed a military spouse program serving 100+ participants with a 95% graduate placement rate.
- • Designed a 32-hour career readiness curriculum and led a 10-member team to ensure consistent delivery.
Core Competencies
Strategic & Operational Expertise
Process Improvement
Standardizing operations for scale.
Stakeholder Mgmt
Building lasting employer partnerships.
Compliance & QA
Aligning with DoD and DoL standards.
Curriculum Design
Developing high-impact training.
Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Arts
Political Science & Government, Communications
Hofstra University
Certified Coach
Holistic Career Development Coach
Foundations of Career Navigating
Advanced Training
Generative AI in L&D
LinkedIn Learning
Let's Connect
I am always interested in discussing program growth, workforce strategy, and new leadership opportunities.