Donald Kelley of Marine Corps Systems Command Participates as the Panelist for the 10th Annual Defense R&D Summit
Donald Kelley is a member of the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab as a Marine Corps Systems Command Liaison. His expert leadership in these commands makes him one of the most effective leaders to become a panelist for the Potomac Officers Club’s 10th Annual Defense Research and Development Summit on January 31, 2024.
Learn more about cutting-edge technologies, development, and applications in the defense sector at the 10th Annual Defense Research and Development Summit. Hear a speech from Donald Kelley and other defense executives by securing a slot today.
Who is Donald Kelley?
Donald Kelley is equipped with over three decades of experience in the defense landscape. He was first commissioned to the U.S. Navy in 1984, serving onboard destroyers in the 7th and 3rd Fleets. He served in these commands until 1996. Mr. Kelley continued his naval career in the NAVAL Reserves until his retirement in 2007.
Donald Kelley completed his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Utah Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps in 1984, just before entering the military. From 1989 through 1991, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School, where he earned her Master of Science in Information Systems.
Donald Kelley: Professional Timeline
Donald Kelley has been with the defense sector throughout his professional career. Aside from the U.S. military, he served briefly in the private defense industry. Between 1996 and 2001, Mr. Kelley was with government contracting-focused companies, including Hughes Aircraft Company, Raytheon, Ocean Systems Engineering Corporation, and EG&G.
Since rejoining the military in 2001, Mr. Kelley has held notable management roles for various military offices under the Department of Defense, including:
- Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Surface Integration Manager for Naval Sea Systems Command Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems 6 (PEO IWS)
- PEO IWS Point of Contact to the Single Integrated Air Picture
- Director of Strategic Planning for PEO IWS 6
- Team Lead and Acting Deputy Program Manager for the Marine Corps Systems Command
- Product Director for the Common Aviation Command and Control System Phase II (CAC2S)
- Deputy Program Manager for the Air Command Control and Sensor Netting (AC2SN)
- Chief of Staff for the Program Executive Office Land Systems
- Marine Corps Systems Command Liaison for Marine Corps Warfighting Lab
Awards and Recognition
Donald Kelley’s demonstrated leadership experiences earned him a number of accolades and recognition. Listed below are the most prestigious awards he received throughout his tenure:
- Civilian Meritorious Medal for his contributions to the PEO IWS 6 (2007)
- Civilian Meritorious Medal for his efforts during the CAC2S (2012)
- Civilian Meritorious Medal for his leadership within the AC2SN (2015)
- Lawrence P. Kreitzer Leadership Award for Acquisition Innovation and Excellence and the Civilian Superior Service Medal for his demonstrated accomplishments as a Program Manager for Ground Based Air Defense (2021)
Donald Kelley: Panelist at the 10th Annual Defense R&D Summit
Donald Kelley is the panelist for the 10th Annual Defense Research and Development Summit on January 31, 2024. He speaks for the Panel A: Innovation to Implementation, joining a roster of defense trailblazers, such as:
- William Bailey, Director & Program Executive Officer for the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (Panelist)
- Mike Loomis, General Manager at Nokia (Panelist)
- Christopher Yaw, Vice President of End-to-End Solutions at Ericsson North America (Panelist moderator)
Mr. Kelley’s expertise is a crucial addition to the gathering of defense R&D changemakers and the discussion of current and emerging technologies and developments. Delivering the keynote addresses for the 10th Annual Defense R&D Summit are Heidi Shyu, John Cushing, Aditi Kumar, Stephen Welbey, Jay Dryer, and Dr. Tom Drake.
Also read: Noteworthy 5G Innovators: Unveiling Leaders to Watch in 2023
What is Innovation to Implementation?
Although R&D is important to spur innovation, it is only the initial step toward transforming the defense sector. Implementing these innovations is just as important, if not more important, than the premise of innovation. This process of innovation to implementation is what Donald Kelley and other panelists are to discuss at the summit.
Take a deep dive into Innovation to Implementation by getting advanced insights at the Potomac Officers Club’s 10th Annual Defense Research and Development Summit. Sign up to become a member and register for the annual summit now.
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