US ARMY DETROIT ARSENAL, WARREN, Mich. - The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center's Jennifer Hitchcock was promoted to Senior Executive Service March 11 by Maj. Gen. Nick Justice, commanding general, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command.
Prior to her appointment, Hitchcock served as TARDEC's executive director for Research and Technology Integration.
"Ms. Hitchcock has been an invaluable member of the TARDEC leadership team, and this promotion recognizes her contributions so far and positions her as an integral leader for the future," said TARDEC Director Dr. Grace Bochenek.
Hitchcock brings more than 20 years' experience in mobility and power and energy technologies, system engineering, acquisition and program management to the SES role.
In her current position, she is responsible for ensuring concepts, analytics, analysis and system simulation are completed for all ground vehicle technology integration to drive system integration solutions to meet emerging Army battlefield challenges. She leads more than 500 associates
in five technical business areas and is the executive responsible for the planning, execution, funding and selection of technology programs the Army will pursue to align and transition to acquisition programs.
Previously, Hitchcock served as TARDEC Chief of Staff and also as the Program Manager for the
Army's Electromagnetic Gun Program.
Hitchcock earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University in Michigan and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University in Michigan. In 2008, she attended the Army's Senior Service College Fellowship program and graduated with a master's degree in Leadership and Globalization. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organization Development at Lawrence Technological University.
History of Senior Executive Service
The Senior Executive Service was established by Title IV of the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) of
1978 and became effective on July 13, 1979. The Senior Executive Service concept was designed to reward competent, highly motivated, successful senior personnel and to offer them increased
responsibility and the chance to improve the management of major government programs and
initiatives.
The CSRA envisioned a Senior Executive Service whose members have shared values, a broad
perspective of government, and solid executive skills. Its stated purpose was to "ensure that the
executive management of the Government of the United States is responsive to the needs, policies, and goals of the nation and otherwise is of the highest quality." The Government's senior executives would be held accountable for individual and organizational performance. To achieve this purpose, the CSRA gave greater authority to agencies to manage their executive resources and assigned OPM the responsibility for government-wide leadership, direction, and oversight. Since 1979, senior executive management has gradually evolved from the traditional regulatory and procedure oriented approach to one that focuses on leadership, provides expert assistance and quality services to agencies and executives, and preserves merit principles and other government-wide interests.
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