REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command officially welcomed the Technical Center's new director during an Assumption of Responsibility at the Von Braun III auditorium Nov. 19.
William A. "Bill" Colson, who joined the command Nov. 1 and is the sixth director of the Tech Center, is replacing Julie Schumacher, who was named deputy to the commander of USASMDC/ARSTRAT in April.
"Today, we are not only getting a new director but we are also getting a new family joining the SMDC team," said Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, SMDC commanding general. "Bill comes to us with an impressive background and more than 22 years of service. Bill is no stranger to missile technology. He is certainly accustomed to working in technical environment and leading a highly technical work force.
"Bill already knows there are, and will continue to be, many challenges and opportunities for the SMDC/ARSTRAT Tech Center as we continue to push the envelope and explore new technologies in the realm of Space and Missile Defense," he added. "As a part of this, we must continue to focus on providing exactly what the Army needs and when they need it most. The mission of the Tech Center is incredibly important and we need the right person to lead that dynamic directorate. Bill Colson is that person to tackle the many other unforeseen challenges that lie ahead and to exploit opportunities to their fullest."
As the director of the Tech Center, Colson will be responsible for researching, developing, testing and integrating capabilities for materiel solutions in tactical space, high altitude, missile defense, hypersonics, cyberspace, directed energy and related technologies. He will also be responsible for the management of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.
"It is a true honor to be selected to be a part of SMDC and serve as the director of the Technical Center," Colson said. "It is quite a privilege to be a part of this great organization. I have received such a warm welcome from everyone throughout the command. I am amazed and truly excited to join this command which is so critical to our nation's defense."
Colson was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in July 2013 and prior to arriving at SMDC served as director, Systems Simulation, Software and Integration at Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center, or AMRDEC.
Colson's previous assignments include aviation and missile test positions at the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command and various engineering roles with AMRDEC including program manager and program executive office leadership positions. He served twice with the Redstone Technical Test Center. Colson is a graduate of the Senior Service College Fellowship in 2008. In 2012 he was selected as the acting deputy director, AMRDEC.
"To all of the military, civilians and contractors who make up the Technical Center, I am honored for this opportunity to be your leader," Colson said. "I commit to do my best to take care of all of you who make up this great Tech Center. It is with sincere gratitude and humility that I accept the responsibilities of this office. I thank you for your attendance today and all that you do every day for national security."
Colson's awards include the Honorable Order of Saint Michael, the Superior Civilian Service Award, the Commander's Award for Civilian Service, and the Department of Defense Civilian Tester of the Year award. He earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and an M.S. in systems management from Florida Institute of Technology. He completed the Senior Service College Fellowship and Program Manager's Course at the Defense Acquisition University, and Congressional/Legislative Studies at Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute. He is Level III-certified in Systems Engineering, Test and Evaluation, and Program Management.
He is on the board of directors for the Air, Space, and Missile Defense Association, and is a member of the U.S. Army Aviation Association of America, and the National Defense Industrial Association.
Colson is married to the former Sharon Lisette Daniel. They have three children: Katie, Ryan and Jacob.
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