FROM ART SCHOOL TO ‘TEAM ARMY’
L LT. COL. THERESA ELLISON
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
TITLE: Director, Combat Capabilities Development Command, Atlantic region YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 14 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 23
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Level III in program management, contracting and international acquisitions
EDUCATION: Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in public policy and administration, Walden University; M.S. in manage- ment of acquisition and contracting, Florida Institute of Technology; M.A. in public administration and public management, Troy State University; B.A. in governmen- tal administration, Christopher Newport University
AWARDS: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Meritorious Service Medal (5th award), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (4th award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2nd award), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2nd award), Korea Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Non- Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th award), NATO Medal, Army Staff Identification Badge, Combat Action Badge
t. Col. Teresa Ellison never planned to stay in the Army past her first contract commitment—she dreamed of an arts career in England or France—but over the course of her 23-year career, she discovered that she had found a home in
the Army. “I always planned to move to Paris to attend culinary school or to return to art school to design beautiful shoes in London,” she said. While that may seem quite a departure from her current work in the Army, Ellison has found a great combination in her work, her interests and in traveling the world.
“Te Army is family,” she said. “I tell fellow warriors and subordinates to make good choices and form long-lasting friendships. Before every- thing else, we are on Team Army.” A longtime member of the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW), Ellison feels she has grown in her 23 years of military service. “I gained a depth in knowledge, character, empathy and emotional maturity within the ranks,” she said. “My expe- riences changed me for the better.” Tose experiences add context and help her keep perspective in her day-to-day work.
“Perspective makes a difference,” she added. “Most of the time, this philosophy has helped me empathize and have more compassion.” Maintaining perspective is especially important in Ellison’s position as director of the Atlantic region Field Assistance in Science and Technol- ogy team, where she works with stakeholders across the Army to deliver critical solutions to Soldiers.
“I am tasked to provide reach-back capability into the Combat Capa- bilities Development Command (CCDC) and the U.S. Army Futures Command,” she explained. “We leverage expertise and capability in support of USAREUR’s [U.S. Army Europe] operational missions and Teater Security Cooperation objectives.” CCDC works closely with allies and partners to ensure U.S. warfighters have access to the world’s best technologies. It coordinates with foreign governments, industry and academia, and provides robust science and technology support to U.S. combatant commands and Army service component commands.
Ellison’s work requires the right blend of skills and experiences. “I am most satisfied when I am able to see advancements in technology or capabilities reach the warfighter,” she said. “If I were to hire someone for my job, I would seek out someone with a variety of acquisition experi- ences under their belt, in addition to the typical program management and contracting certifications.” Troughout her time in the AAW, she
92 Army AL&T Magazine Summer 2020
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