REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala., April 3 -- The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command is in a transition period as one senior executive service member prepares to retire and another prepares to assume a leadership role. Michael Schexnayder, deputy to the commander for Research, Development and Acquisition, USASMDC/ARSTRAT, will retire May 1 after 26 years of federal civilian service and nearly 13 years of military service.

"I'll miss interacting with people the most," Schexnayder said. "I'll also miss access to the broad number of issues we work on and getting to see teams attack problems that are of great interest to the country."

Taking Schexnayder's place beginning April 3 is Dr. Steven Messervy, currently a special assistant to the USASMDC/ARSTRAT commanding general.

"There is a whole lot of knowledge and experience that is going to walk out that door," Messervy said. "Even though it is a worn-out phrase, those 'shoes will be hard to fill' because of Mike's (Schexnayder) great knowledge and expertise."

Messervy has served as a special assistant to the commanding general since November 2008. In that position, he performed independent assessments on four specific mission areas that will now help bridge the gap to his new position.

"I'm involved in some of the same big programs as Mike (Schexnayder) and in the issues associated with those programs, so it should be a pretty smooth transition," Messervy said. "Luckily, there aren't many other senior leaders leaving right now, so I will also benefit from the expertise that remains in the command."

Schexnayder said Messervy is prepared for his new position. "I've known Dr. Steven Messervy for a long time and he has an excellent background for this job," Schexnayder said. "I think he will have a lot of opportunities and some challenges that will change as time goes on, but I think he's well-equipped by knowledge and experience and temperament to be successful."

And Messervy is ready to move forward.

"I think as senior managers, we have a couple of functions, the first of which is to provide leadership," Messervy said. "You also have to create the environment or culture that allows people to do their jobs. Another important job of a senior leader is to become a problem solver, as well as a decision maker. So, if you teach and continually stress those positive things you need to get the job done, then I think that becomes part of the culture of organizations."

The people who make up the USASMDC/ARSTRAT team are what stands out the most as Schexnayder reflects on his five years here.

"My best memories are watching teams perform on hard tasks and achieving their goal and seeing the pride they have in themselves and the valuable product they gave the command," said Schexnayder, claiming his greatest contribution as the work he put into partnerships. "Hopefully I gave people a different way of doing business. SMDC is a small command and to get big things done you have to choose partners carefully. I think we have good partnerships, and we've used them effectively to provide Soldiers with new products."

After retirement, Schexnayder plans to switch to the private sector of the space and missile defense industry. Before leaving, he has some final words for USASMDC/ARSTRAT.

"I would like to thank the military and civilian workforce for all they did to support me," Schexnayder said. "I came from the outside, and in general, most people welcomed me and tried to help me do my job better."

Messervy has a doctorate degree in systems engineering and operations research. He is a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College Program Manager's Course, the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. Messervy's work experience includes more than 30 years in research, development and acquisition.

He has served in major Army commands, project offices and as the general manager of the NATO Medium Extended Air Defense System Management Agency.

He also has more than 30 years service as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.

"The time I served as an Army officer was really helpful. It helps you understand what the Army's about and what the Army and national strategies are," Messervy said. "After being in an international environment for several years, I'm looking forward to continuing my 're-greening' on the civilian side of the Army culture, not only here at Redstone but throughout the Army."

Carrie.E.David@us.army.mil