Army aviation leader becomes two-star general

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama - Thomas Todd, program executive officer for Army aviation, received his second star June 5 during a ceremony at Redstone.

"It is an honor," Todd said of his promotion to major general. "I am tremendously humbled. I never thought I'd be at PEO Aviation."

Retired Brig. Gen. Edward Harrington, longtime friend and a former leader of Todd's at the Defense Contract Management Agency, presided over the ceremony.

"Thomas speaks truth to power," Harrington said. "Power listens to Thomas. They take his advice, his insights, his recommendations … and they act on them."

"He exercises and demonstrates the Army values every day -- loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage."

Todd has served as the program executive officer for aviation since January 2017 and is the Army's top aviation acquisition officer responsible for purchasing and managing the life cycle of the Army's aviation weapon systems and equipment. He oversees nine project offices including: Apache Helicopters, Aviation Mission Systems & Architecture, Cargo Helicopters, Utility Helicopters, Improved Turbine Engine, Future Vertical Lift, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Fixed Wing Aircraft and Multinational Aviation Special Projects.

"Whatever time I have left here, I'm not going to take it for granted and will always try to do the right thing by the Soldiers," Todd said.

Prior to joining PEO Aviation, Todd was the deputy commander of Research, Development and Engineering Command and senior commander at Natick Soldier Systems Center.

Todd served as PEO Aviation's project manager for Utility Helicopters and product manager for the CH-47 Improved Cargo Helicopter. He was on the Army staff as director for Aviation, Intelligence and Electronic Warfare, for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. He deployed to both Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Todd earned his bachelor's in business administration from The Citadel in 1989 and received his commission as a second lieutenant upon graduation. He is a graduate of the Army Aviation Officer Basic Course and Initial Entry Rotary Wing training. Todd is also a graduate of the OH‐58 and H‐60 Maintenance Test Pilot Course, the Army Aviation Officer Advanced Course, as well as the Command and General Staff Officer Course. He holds master's degrees in contract management and strategic studies from the Florida Institute of Technology and U.S. Air War College, respectively.

Established in 1987, PEO Aviation's top priority has consistently remained reducing the burden on our Soldiers. PEO Aviation is made up of 3,000 military, government civilian and contractor employees specializing in acquisition, logistics and technical fields, to include 1,300 people deployed throughout the world supporting combatant command requirements.

In 2018, PEO Aviation delivered 11,697 platforms and systems of critical aviation capability. The organization is aligned with the Army's priorities and continues to serve Soldiers and our nation by designing, developing, delivering and supporting advanced aviation capabilities for operational commanders and our allies.

Todd will remain at PEO Aviation until the Army announces his next assignment.

Related Links:

Program Executive Office for Aviation