Duane Mills
About Duane Mills
Duane Mills serves as the Operational Excellence Manager at Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, Indiana, a position he has held since 2019. He has extensive experience in operations management, having previously worked in various roles at the USAF and FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Work at Allison Transmission
Duane Mills has served as the Operational Excellence Manager at Allison Transmission since 2019. In this role, he focuses on enhancing operational processes and ensuring adherence to quality standards. His tenure at Allison Transmission has spanned five years, during which he has contributed to the company's commitment to operational excellence in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Previous Experience in the USAF
Duane Mills has an extensive background in the United States Air Force (USAF), where he held multiple positions. He served as the Chief of F-16 Supply Chain Requirements and Analysis from 1997 to 1999 and later as the Deputy Director of Secondary Power Systems from 2004 to 2005. His roles included Deputy Director of Engineering from 2002 to 2004 and Staff Officer for Business Development from 2005 to 2006. His military career provided him with significant experience in logistics and operations management.
Career at FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Mills worked at FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in various capacities from 2012 to 2019. His roles included Focused Improvement Specialist and WCM Lead, where he implemented strategies for operational efficiency. He also served as a Business Planner and Maintenance Manager during his time with the company. His experience at FCA emphasized his skills in continuous improvement and operational management.
Education and Expertise
Duane Mills holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Boston University. He studied Modern European History at the University of Utah. Mills possesses expertise in managing operations within ISO9001, AS9100, and TS16949 quality environments. He is skilled in Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies, along with project management and aircraft management.
Skills in Supply Chain and Operations Management
Mills has developed a strong skill set in supply chain logistics and vendor management throughout his career. He is experienced in communications, customer service, training, and coaching, particularly in union labor environments. His background in operations management and expertise in quality systems have equipped him to effectively lead teams and drive operational improvements.