BTS Behind the Scenes is a chance to showcase the people who are making things happen at BTS and give you a “behind the scenes” look into their worlds. In this month’s feature we’ll talk with John “JP” Pride and cover coordination, logistics, movies, and more. 

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You spent over two decades in the military before transitioning to BTS—how did that journey shape the way you approach your work today?

My time in the military shaped a mission-first mindset, along with discipline and the ability to operate in high-pressure environments. I spent years coordinating complex logistics across global theaters, where precision, accountability, and adaptability were critical. That experience taught me how to break down complex problems, align teams, and execute with clarity—even when priorities shift. At BTS, I bring that same structured approach, with a focus on collaboration and outcomes, while continuously looking for ways to improve processes and support the team.

You’ve worked across supply, communications, and logistics over the years. What’s the common thread connecting them all?

The common thread is coordination—making sure the right information, resources, and people are aligned at the right time. Whether it’s supply, communications, or logistics, the goal is always to enable operations through planning and execution. Each area requires attention to detail, real-time problem solving, and working across stakeholders. My role has consistently been at the intersection of those functions, connecting systems, people, and processes to ensure everything works together.

What does effective planning and coordination look like when supporting operations in complex environments like CENTCOM?

It comes down to synchronization, visibility, and adaptability. You’re operating across multiple countries and organizations, so success depends on aligning priorities and maintaining a shared understanding of the mission. Planning starts with validating requirements and building feasible support plans, but coordination is continuous. Conditions can change quickly, so you have to adjust in real time without losing momentum. At its core, it’s about maintaining communication and ensuring people, equipment, and information stay aligned.

You’ve deployed multiple times over your career. How have those experiences influenced your perspective on teamwork?

Deployments reinforce that teamwork is essential. You’re in high-pressure environments where everyone relies on each other, and there’s little room for error. I learned the importance of trust, communication, and accountability—titles matter less than reliability. You also work across different teams and perspectives, so aligning people toward a common goal is critical. That carries over today, where I focus on building strong relationships and keeping teams aligned, especially in fast-moving situations.

After so many years in active duty, what has the transition to BTS been like—and what made it feel like the right next step?

BTS felt like a natural next step because of how closely it aligns with what I’ve done throughout my career. I’ve always worked at the intersection of strategy and execution, solving complex problems and supporting mission outcomes. BTS offers a similar environment where I can contribute, continue to grow, and stay connected to meaningful work.

If you had to pick—what’s one movie or show that even comes close to capturing the pace or complexity of life in a CENTCOM environment?

I’d say Black Hawk Down. It highlights how quickly things can change and how important coordination and decision-making are under pressure. From a logistics perspective, it shows how movement, communication, and adaptability all come together when plans don’t go as expected. That dynamic—multiple moving parts and constant adjustment—is very similar to what you experience in CENTCOM.

OK, Lightning Round!

• Early morning or late night? Late night—I’m much more productive later in the day.
• Most loved and most hated sports teams: Most loved: Georgia Bulldogs. Most hated: Alabama
• Favorite stadium you’ve been to? Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta—great design and atmosphere.
• One place you still want to travel to? Somewhere in the Caribbean—relax, unplug, and enjoy the scenery.

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Tags: features, john pride, staff