Philippe Hogu

Philippe Hogu, Branch Chief, Information Technology Operations, at the Security Assistance Command, New Cumberland, has been chosen as their Supervisor of the Year 2024.

Hogu, who has been at USASAC for two years, directs and supervises a team of 18 expert technologists in command, control, communications, and computers information management. He identifies and leads the implementation of innovative initiatives that promote seamless and secure communications.

“Mr. Hogu often leverages groundbreaking technologies to support the organization's mission,” said Caine Mathis, deputy director of the information management division. “His branch solves complex IT issues and delivers high-profile IT projects within tight deadlines and budgets.”

His branch performs information systems development, modification, and maintenance of state-of-the-art hardware and software in support of assigned organizations and foreign military sales programs and processes. The branch is also the information technology focal-point in a fast-paced, geographically dispersed organization responsible for first contact through tier two service operations supporting an organization with a critical global security assistance mission.

USASAC oversees an annual average of 6,000+ FMS cases worth approximately $281 billion for 136 countries and 11 agencies. “The level of responsibility and expertise required in Hogu’s position is extraordinarily important,” Mathis said, “as he effectively oversees critical systems and processes that drive the efficiency, technical and financial success of the organization

A few of the numerous contributions to USASAC Hogu made in 2024 include the institution of service desk performance metrics, service-driven decision making, FMS enclave management and life-cycle replacement.

With the institution of a service desk metric, he transformed the operations of the service desk. “Mr. Hogu pioneered a groundbreaking metrics program,” said Mathis. “It harnesses the power of key performance indicators such as first contact resolution and mean time to resolve an issue.”

“His service-driven decision-making skills has yielded extraordinary results, including a 93% reduction in contact time for the service desk within the first year of implementation,” said Mathis. “He has slashed the average time to resolve [an issue] from 63 hours to just 24 hours, which is a remarkable 62% decrease.”

The FMS enclave is a complex ecosystem, which hosts and supports critical Army security assistance enterprise applications that most program managers use. This system is comprised of 55 servers, 26 databases, and advanced computer storage and backup technologies. “Under his expert guidance, the FMS enclave achieved an impressive 98% reliability rating, demonstrating exceptional stability and performance,” said Caine.

He spearheaded a large-scale technology refresh initiative, successfully replacing over 800 computers and end-user devices across multiple locations in a life-cycle replacement project. Hogu did this while navigating an intricate web of 35+ distinct desktop software requirements and 200+ specialized considerations.

“Through the development and execution of a meticulously designed project plan, he adeptly managed the diverse needs of various stakeholders, leveraged his technical expertise, and drove a flawless deployment that surpassed expectations.,” said Mathis.

There are numerous other accomplishments Hogu completed during the year allowing his team and the agency to see significant efficiency gains and eliminate duplicative capabilities. His efforts yielded substantial cost savings, enabling the division to downsize its workforce and realize some cost avoidance in 2024.

“Mr. Hogu embodies the highest standards of excellence and is a true unsung hero of USASAC,” said Mathis, “earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues through his outstanding character, moral strength, kindness, and humility. His remarkable work ethic is exemplified by his dedication to putting in hundreds of hours of overtime throughout the year and demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the success of the organization.”