Title: Senior Operations Manager
Company: Special Operations Command Africa
Location: Roseville, California, United States
Shane Dooley, senior operations manager at Special Operations Command Africa, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Military for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the U.S Navy.
With two decades of experience, Mr. Dooley has built a distinguished career in the armed forces, specializing in special operations. Since 2022, he has served as senior operations manager for Special Operations Command Africa and, as a SOTF fellow with the Special Operators Transition Foundation since 2024. His extensive roles within Naval Special Warfare Command—Navy SEAL and SWCC teams—include senior enlisted leader from 2020 to 2022, senior training instructor from 2018 to 2020, senior program manager from 2015 to 2018, project manager team lead from 2013 to 2015, and operator from 2010 to 2013. He began his service with the United States Navy in 2005. In addition to his military service, he is a member of the La Mesa Historical Society.
Laying a strong educational foundation, since 2024, earned a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership from the University of Charleston School of Business & Leadership in 2018, a Master of Science in strategic leadership from the University of Charleston in 2022, and a Master of Business Administration in emerging technology from Louisiana State University in 2024. His professional certifications include a Lean Six Sigma black belt and green belt level II from Villanova School of Business, a program certificate in negotiation and competitive decision-making from Harvard Business School Executive Education, and master training specialist from the Naval Special Warfare Center. Reflecting on his path, he decided to become involved in this field as it presented a unique opportunity for him and his family to live in Germany and engage with international relations. Additionally, it represented a positive step toward the end of his Navy career, transitioning from his previous assignments mainly in San Diego and the Middle East.
One of Mr. Dooley’s most notable accomplishments is playing a pivotal role in the strategic planning and execution of withdrawing nearly 1,000 forces from Niger over the past year. This nine-month operation, necessitated by a military coup that made operations untenable, involved the careful relocation of assets and personnel to ensure safety and minimize resources left behind. Drawing on lessons learned from past operations, such as in Afghanistan, the team executed the mission efficiently and successfully, showcasing their commitment and capability.
Mr. Dooley attributes his success to his ability to multitask effectively, excelling at prioritizing and executing tasks with clear intent. Drawing inspiration from his time in the Navy, he embraces a busy lifestyle and remains proactive in helping others and completing projects. With a resilient mindset shaped by overcoming challenges, he strives to avoid complacency and maintain ambition as he transitions from his lifelong military career. Additionally, he is guided by a leadership philosophy rooted in challenges, capabilities, and connections, which is aligned with the principles in Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules for Life,” where he emphasizes self-care, moral integrity, and leveraging resources to optimize processes. In advising aspiring professionals, he emphasizes that building meaningful relationships within teams and communities is equally vital, as he believes connection fosters happiness and purpose. Personally, he believes that incorporating philosophy into his work has kept him grounded while inspiring continuous growth and improvement.
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