Type Of Business:
Government agency dedicated to the protection of the United States
Marketing Area:
International
Expertise:
Program management; Missile operations; Advisory and administrative services
Major Product/SVS:
Defense services
Hobbies/Sports:
Spending time with her family; Reading; Computer games; Martial arts
Education Degrees:
Master's Degree in Administrative Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT; Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health, Utah State University, Logan, UT; Coursework, Fundamentals of System Acquisition Course; Coursework, Intermediate Systems Acquisition Course; Professional Military Education, Squadron Officer School; Professional Military Education, Air Command and Staff College
Affiliations Awards:
Air Force Reserve; Reserve Officers Association of the U.S.
Work History:
Officer, United States Air Force and United States Air Force Reserve (1988-present); Program Manager, Defense Industry (2002-present)
Career Achievements:
Making Lt. Col. in the USAF; "Professional Performer" and "Professional Team" Awards
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was shutting down the Minuteman II ICBM missiles as the beginning of the end of the Cold War. She was on alert at the squadron command post when the order came down on that historic day. She believes it was an amazing experience to be part of and, in a small way, she helped direct the unilateral stand down of an entire system of ICBMs in support of a presidential directive. It was a strange and scary feeling at the time for her after all the intense training to make sure the missiles were always on alert and ready to go if necessary. She says, "It was the first step in the end of a decades long cold war. Momentous. How can you not be excited, and proud, to be part of that?"
Number Of Years In Profession:
23
Number Of Years In Current Position:
14
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her hard work, perseverance and a willingness to learn new things and to be part of a team.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession when she followed in the footsteps of the commander of her civil air patrol squadron when she was a cadet. He was an active duty military member and she also went that direction in the hope that she could do half as much for someone else as his mentorship did for her. She remained in order to serve her country and to gain an operational perspective in the military
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Thompson has been a program manager in the U.S. Air Force and for various defense contractors in an advisory and administrative services capacity. She is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve, currently serving as an executive officer for the 419th Force Support Squadron.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Managing cost schedules and performance oversight; Monitoring contractor actions in the acquisition, modification, delivery and sustainability of assigned programs; Monitoring all aspects of cost, schedule, and performance activities throughout project execution; Managing the project; Leading upgrade programs; Determining requirements
Education Certifications:
Certification, Level 1 Acquisition Professional Development Program, Department of Defense
Awards/Honors:
Meritorious Service Award; Joint Commendation Award; Air Force Commendation Award
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Thompson hopes to remain in the program management field as a government civilian or contractor as this is the area she enjoys.