01 / LEADERSHIP
Military & Organizational Leadership
Team development, operational planning, resource allocation, policy implementation, and mission-focused decision-making.
Service. Scholarship. Leadership.
Mardy Ray Bliss
Retired U.S. Army Major · Doctoral Researcher in Health Administration · Educator & Technology Professional
A career dedicated to leading teams, solving complex problems, advancing education, and serving those who have served.
MAJ (Ret.) · United States Army
Military LeadershipRetired Army Major · Oklahoma Army National Guard
Advanced EducationM.S. Psychology · Doctoral studies in Health Administration
Professional ExperienceOperations · Technology · Training · Strategic Planning
About Me
Experience shaped by service and a commitment to learning.
I am a retired U.S. Army Major and former Northrop Grumman professional with a background spanning military operations, leadership, logistics, technology, project management, and instruction.
Throughout my career, I have focused on developing people, improving processes, managing complex resources, and connecting practical experience with effective leadership. My military service included team leadership and classroom instruction, while my industry career involved operational planning, technology solutions, and organizational efficiency.
I hold a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Business/Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Health Administration, with a research interest in the healthcare access experiences of rural veterans.
I am especially interested in opportunities to contribute to higher education through online instruction in psychology and health administration.
Professional Strengths
Connecting people, operations, and technology.
Experience across public service, defense, technical systems, and professional instruction.
02 / EDUCATION
Instruction & Mentorship
Military classroom instruction, training and assessment, and an interest in teaching psychology and health administration.
03 / TECHNOLOGY
Systems & Application Development
Programming and web technologies, process improvement, interoperability, and practical technology solutions.
04 / OPERATIONS
Strategic & Project Management
Logistics, operational coordination, budget planning, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.
05 / GOVERNANCE
Policy & Compliance
Government regulations, Department of Defense procedures, organizational accountability, and effective resource stewardship.
06 / RESEARCH
Healthcare Access Research
Doctoral inquiry into the experiences and healthcare decision-making challenges of veterans living in rural communities.
Education & Career
A foundation of scholarship and real-world experience.
Medical Service Corps
Military medical leadership and healthcare operations.
45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Former Company Commander · C Company (Medical) · 700th Brigade Support Battalion · Oklahoma Army National Guard.
In progress · Expected 2027
Doctor of Health Administration
University of Phoenix
Doctoral studies and research in healthcare administration.
2023
Master of Science in Psychology
University of Phoenix
Graduated with a 3.95 GPA.
2002
Bachelor of Science in Business / Information Systems
University of Phoenix
Graduated with a 3.95 GPA.
2003–2016
Army National Guard · Major (Retired)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Military leadership, medical company command, operations, logistics, and instruction.
Military Command
Commander, Company C (“Charlie Med”) · 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Commanded the medical company assigned to the brigade’s support battalion, responsible for providing medical readiness, treatment, and force health protection capabilities. Led medical personnel and supported training, operational readiness, personnel management, and logistical coordination to sustain the company’s medical mission.
1991–2013
Northrop Grumman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Operations, logistics, project management, strategic planning, and technology solutions.
Professional Development
Military Instructor Qualification
Military Teach/Assess/Counsel (TAC) Qualification Course (TQC) certified instructor.
Doctoral Research
Understanding healthcare decisions among rural veterans.
My doctoral research explores how rural veterans describe emotional reasoning and other challenges affecting decisions about seeking healthcare. The work focuses on veterans' lived experiences with healthcare access and the factors that may influence whether they pursue, delay, or discontinue care.
View Research Questionnaire →Research participation is subject to eligibility, informed consent, and applicable university and institutional review approvals. The questionnaire may be password restricted.
Service & Recognition
Military honors and professional distinction.
Selected awards and recognitions listed in my professional résumé.
1× Bronze Star Medal
2× Army Meritorious Service Medal
3× Army Commendation Medal
1× Air Force Commendation Medal
1× Army Achievement Medal
2× Air Force Achievement Medal
3× Good Conduct Medal
2009 Oklahoma Representative, General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award
Connect
Email Mardy Ray Bliss →
Let's connect.
I welcome professional conversations about higher education, leadership, healthcare administration, and veteran-focused research.