Defense Acquisition University (Government). Mr. Merkel has served as a Professor of Financial Management at DAU for the past 13 years. Prior to that, he worked as a Business Finance Manager where he bought aircraft for the Joint Primary Air Training System (JPATS) program office at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Professor Merkel also completed 28 years as a Naval Aviator in the U.S. Navy Reserves where he flew with multiple squadrons, served with OPNAV N8 and N9 in the Pentagon, and with the Joint Special Operations Command.

Mr. Scott Davis, Vice President, Programs and Technology, Combat Mission Systems, BAE

Prior to his current position at BAE, Mr. Davis served as the vice president for Combat Vehicles and Armaments at Cypress International, Inc. Additionally, he worked as an Army civilian for 31 years including two past assignments as a Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems and the PEO for Combat Support and Combat Service Support. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve retiring at the rank of Colonel. 

Mr. Phil Wills, Director of Business Development, Vidovich Engineering Services (VES), LLC 

Mr. Phil Wills is the local Director of Business Development, for Vidovich Engineering Services (VES) LLC based out of Troy, Michigan and a newly elected Director supporting the Michigan Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).  VES is a small business headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.  Established in 2014, VES’ core competencies are the development of custom Government off the Shelf (GOTS) infrastructure software, integrating tactical Command and Control (C2) systems, and rapidly building prototypes demonstrating emerging technologies solving Army tactical architecture challenges.  Phil has over 25 years of Air Force, Army acquisition, program management, and executive leadership experience, including four years of active duty as a systems acquisition officer in the United States Air Force and 20 years at Booz Allen supporting major Air Force and Army acquisition programs.

Mr. Antonio Cushman, Assistant Program Executive Officer for Business Management – PEO Ground Combat Systems

Prior to accepting his position as the APEO for Business Management, Mr. Cushman served as the business manager for PL Future Battle Platforms (FBP), which manages the Army’s M10 Booker and Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program.

Mrs. Anisah Zeghir, Assistant Program Executive Officer for Business Management - PEO Combat Support and Combat Service Support 

Prior to accepting her position as the APEO for Business Management, Mrs. Zeghir served as the Director of Business Management for JPO JLTV, which managed the Army's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, Light Tactical Vehicle and Ground Mobility Vehicle programs.

Moderators:

Dr. Jennifer Hitchcock, Member, Michigan Chapter, National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)

Dr. Hitchcock currently serves as a member of the Michigan Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association.  Prior to that she was a professor for program management for the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and former member of the Army’s Senior Executive Service, where she led the systems engineering and science and technology programs for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (now Ground Vehicles Systems Center).

Dr. Tom Bagwell, Professor of Program Management, Defense Acquisition University

Dr. Bagwell currently serves as a Professor of Program Management and executive coach for the Defense Acquisition University (Government).  He is a former member of the Army’s Senior Executive Service.  Dr. Bagwell worked for 37+ years with the Army in a variety of program management and engineering positions.  His last assignment was as the Deputy Program Executive Officer for PEO Ground Combat Systems.