This Associate Spotlight features Chris Jude, CP APMP, whose career journey has brought him from the US Air Force into the world of proposal management. His journey started in a military family, and following his father’s path, he joined the Air Force after a tough year at college. His decision set the stage for a career marked by diverse experiences and valuable lessons learned.

In the Air Force, Chris worked on many aircraft, such as the F105G Wild Weasel, the famous B52, and the versatile C130. He was stationed in locations ranging from Southeast Asia to Georgia. Chris honed his skills as a technician and grew to love the aircraft he worked on.

Leaving the Air Force in 1976, Chris went into the private sector. That led him to Saudi Arabia to work on aircraft and later training for the Royal Saudi Air Force. He continued expanding his expertise and working on projects and bids for companies like Lockheed Martin.

As a proposal manager, Chris had to balance technical skills with people skills. He says “The three most important words in proposal development are listen, listen, listen. Listen to your client.” According to him, listening encapsulates the essence of successful proposal management, underscoring the significance of truly understanding the needs and expectations of clients.

He knows not every bid ends in success, but he stresses the importance of honesty, patience, and persistence. For Chris, the journey isn’t just about getting to the end but also about the lessons learned along the way. This outlook, and his hard work and willingness to tackle challenges, have led to a long and successful career.

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Tawnia Luong is the Senior Marketing Specialist at SMA: The Program Lifecycle Company. With an MS in Digital Audience Strategy, she blends her academic background with SEO experience to craft compelling content that resonates with wide audiences.