Office of the Secretary of Defense

Office of the Secretary of Defense

AGENCY SPOTLIGHT: Distinguished Executive

Alan R. Shaffer

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Research and Engineering)

Mr. Shaffer is responsible for overseeing DoD’s $37 billion annual Science, Technology, Research, and Engineering programs. He is the DoD principal for Science & Technology multilateral agreements under Technology Cooperation Program with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and United Kingdom and bilateral Science & Technology with Australia, Republic of Singapore, and UK.

Distinguished Executive

• Charles A. Allen
  Deputy General Counsel (International Affairs)
  Legal counsel to DoD senior officials on national security law disciplines, including international, arms control, international humanitarian, human rights, constitutional and U.S. statutory law.
• Shay D. Assad
  Director, Defense Pricing
  Oversees DoD contracting actions above $500 million. Principal advisor on acquisition & procurement strategies for major weapon systems and automated information systems.
• David W. Duma
  Principal Deputy Director, Operational Test and Evaluation within the Office of the Secretary of Defense
  Oversees the formulation, implementation, oversight, and enforcement of operational and live fire testing policies for the Department of Defense.
• Teresa A. McKay
  Director, Defense Finance and Accounting Service
  Oversees payroll and accounting services for the largest finance and accounting operation in the world ensuring delivery of exceptional quality pay and financial information.
• Allen W. Middleton
  Deputy Director, Defense Health Agency
  Led the evolution of the Defense Health Agency from initial concept to final operating capability. Represents DoD on military medical issues throughout the government.
• Steven R. Miller
  Director, Advanced Systems Cost Analysis Division, Office of the Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation
  Lead preparation of reliable, independent cost estimates/schedules for DoD acquisition and national security programs used by the White House and DoD senior leadership.

Meritorious Executive

• Amanda J. Dory
  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
  Senior Department advisor for U.S.-Africa policy and significant contributor to the Administration’s priorities of atrocities prevention.
• Michael S. Elliott
  Deputy Director for Strategic Stability, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate
  Responsible for shaping and implementing national security plans and policy on military deterrence, nuclear policy, weapons of mass destruction, and strategic arms reduction.
• Stephanie Paige Hinkle-Bowles
  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy
  Serves as DoD Chief Human Capital Officer, responsible for civilian human resource policies/programs, influencing government-wide initiatives, maintaining relationships with Congress and national-level employee organizations.
• James M. McClaugherty
  Deputy Commander, Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime
  Responsible for worldwide logistics operation and supply/demand chain functions for military and civilian organizations, meeting critical sustainment support for DoD’s key weapons systems.
• Peter J. Potochney
  Director of Basing, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Energy, Installations, and Environment)
  Responsible for basing actions, real estate, and implementing base closure recommendations; oversaw Readiness & Environmental Protection Initiative to protect military training, testing, and operations.
• Mary M. Snavely-Dixon
  Director of Defense Manpower Data Center
  Implemented the most advanced world-wide management of smart card technology/Common Access Card in DoD; the most advanced large-scale smart card program in the world.
• Steven M. Walker
  Deputy Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  Responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and directing programs encompassing broad, range defense-related technologies; encouraging prototype transfer of DARPA research throughout scientific and military communities.
• Keith B. Webster
  Director, International Cooperation
  Responsible for international matters concerning development/cooperative activities with U.S. allies and partners in research, development, production, and support of weapons systems.
• Jonathan R. Witter
  Deputy Director, Strategy and Support, Defense Finance and Accounting Services
  Established the Financial Management Center of Excellence; successfully proliferated common financial capabilities across DoD enabling new state of the art Enterprise Resource Planning Systems.

Meritorious Senior Professional

• James G. Van Ness
  Senior Level Attorney Advisor
  Provides DoD senior leaders advice in environmental, cultural property, natural resources and wildlife, environmental planning, American Indian, wetlands protection, and land-use planning laws.