Nina Buruca-Nation
Operations & program leadership · Human-centered design · Business analytics & AI
Business operations, program management, and technology leader with 20+ years of experience managing complex operations, leading cross-functional teams, improving processes, training personnel, managing risk, and implementing technology in high-accountability environments. Retired United States Navy officer and air traffic control leader, co-owner of Our Nation Realty, and founder of Nina Buruca-Nation Photography | Thru My Lens. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence at NYU Stern, combining operational leadership with analytics, machine learning, generative AI, UI/UX design, and human-centered technology. Hands-on experience with LLMs, cloud platforms, coding, data analysis, digital design, and AI-assisted workflows. Maintains an Active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance.
Co-Owner | Business Operations & Technology Manager
- Support operations, technology, and process improvement for a multi-state real estate brokerage serving Florida, Georgia, and California.
- Develop workflows across brokerage and property-management functions to improve consistency, visibility, and client experience.
- Apply analytics, generative AI, and automation to research, marketing, documentation, and decision-making.
- Design CRM workflows and digital platforms, applying UI/UX principles to client experiences and internal systems.
Owner | Professional Photographer
- Produce portraits, real estate photography, video, and digital content from client consultation through final delivery.
- Manage creative direction, scheduling, photography, videography, post-production, and client communication.
- Create content for brands, properties, social media, and marketing using Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro.
- Integrate visual storytelling, UI/UX principles, and generative AI into creative workflows.
Regional Airspace Coordinator / Airspace Manager
- Managed regional airspace utilization and coordinated with civilian authorities, reducing flight delays by 15% and increasing on-time arrivals by 20%.
- Analyzed airspace usage and implemented process changes that increased capacity by 10% and reduced military/civilian conflicts by 25%.
- Oversaw training and certification for 65+ controllers and directed more than 50 safety inspections annually.
Air Traffic Control Facility Officer / Manager
- Led a 20-person team supporting continuous air traffic operations, staffing, qualifications, and technical readiness.
- Implemented training programs that produced a 95% certification rate within six months and reduced operational errors by 25%.
Air Traffic Manager
- Directed airspace operations, staffing, safety, and resource coordination supporting more than 100,000 aircraft annually.
- Worked with military and civilian stakeholders to improve procedures, capacity, and operational flow.
Operations Manager
- Directed daily air traffic operations supporting more than 500 aircraft per day and managed 50+ controllers and support personnel.
- Developed training programs and standard operating procedures that reduced operational errors by 20% and procedural errors by 30%.
Selected graduate & creative work
- Thru My Lens: real estate and lifestyle portrait photography.
Updated September 22, 2026. Download the full résumé for complete career highlights, experience, and technical competencies.