ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Mr. James Amato, SES, made U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command’s, or CCDC, history as the first Director of the Data & Analysis Center, known as DAC.
Amato will transition to the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, or ATEC, as the Executive Technical Director. He is excited to join another organization that is built around honor, integrity and selfless service, while continuing to advise the Army on weapons systems.
DAC is the newest addition to the command, after CCDC transitioned to Army Futures Command in 2019. The center integrates analysis, modeling and simulation analytics to gather and continuously evaluate information used to drive decisions for the future force.
DAC was formed by merging three organizations, three cultures and three mission-sets into one unified center. “It’s about taking the strengths of those organizations and establishing teams that capitalize on what each partner brings; the products we deliver are better because of the individual skill-sets and talents brought together. The merge enabled us to address challenges and answer questions that no one of those three organizations could have done independently but that we can do because we came together as one,” Amato explained.
Amato is incredibly proud of the contributions the DAC workforce continues without fanfare, to make for the Soldier. “Other people may get credit for it [the work] but the people here don’t care. They’re not worried about the spotlight or who gets the credit; they’re worried about our Soldiers being safe and having the equipment that they need.”
He also shared how he is proud of the honor and integrity of the DAC workforce. They don’t sway or interpret data to fit anyone’s agenda; they let the data speak for itself.
Mike Karwatka, DAC chief of staff, attributes Amato’s leadership to the incredible work DAC continues to do for the Soldier. “He places the Soldier and DAC employees first and makes sure we're working the Army's toughest and highest priorities. He's built an outstanding organization that will carry on his legacy for years to come,” Karwatka said.
However, Amato has undoubtedly left an impression on the organization.
“I've learned so much from his leadership. His ability to make the most complex problem simple is an attribute that I've always admired,” Karwatka continued
Bernadette Webster, executive assistant, worked closely with Mr. Amato on a daily basis and reflected on her experience, ”Mr. Amato is the ultimate professional, very dedicated to our organization and the promotion of analytics across the Army, the Soldier and DAC employees. It was an honor working for Mr. Amato and he will be sorely missed.”
The DAC workforce left an indelible impression on Amato, “It’s the people. It’s all about the people. Coming into Army Futures Command, the folks at DAC have embraced and reacted to more change than anybody else in the Army,” Amato said.
Amato has been working in test and evaluation for over 30 years so going to ATEC is really like going home. He is looking forward to reconnecting with people he has worked with in the past and establishing new relationships.
Amato leaves the incoming director with one piece of advice: “Enjoy your time. Time flies! Enjoy every minute of it and never forget how blessed and honored you are to be given the responsibility, and the privilege of working with such an incredible team.”
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