THE ACQUISITION ADVENTURE
more than the fresh air or the views. Taking on a new challenge—like hiking or zip lining—is how Zeghir satisfies her own natural curiosity and ambition. “Every day is an opportunity to learn, try new things and get out of my comfort zone,” she said.
A ANISAH ZEGHIR
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support
TITLE: Director of business management
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 15 years
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Level III in business cost estimating and financial management, Level I in program management
EDUCATION: B.S. in math- ematics with a minor in sociology, University of Michigan-Dearborn
AWARDS: Achievement Medal for Civil- ian Service (2008), Commander’s award for Civilian Service (2013), Commander’s award for Civilian Service (2014), 2015 David Packard Award for Excellence in Acquisition (team award), 2015 Project Management Team of the Year (team award), 2016 Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisi- tion, Technology and Logistics Should Cost and Innovation Award (team award)
From a very young age, her parents encouraged her to expand her horizons and explore the world around her—a life lesson they had learned firsthand. “My parents emigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon,” she said. “Tey settled in Michigan, where I was born and raised, and they made sure that my siblings and I understood how fortunate we were to be growing up here.” Zeghir was reminded to be grateful for things that are often taken for granted in the United States, like the ability to live without the constant threat of war. “I never had to experience that as a child, but my parents did,” she said. “Tey always encouraged us to work hard, study and take advantage of the great opportunities in this country. I always wanted to do my part to give back.”
Tat advice eventually led her to a career with the Army. Nearing the completion of her mathematics degree in college, she still wasn’t sure of her next step. After hearing a prior graduate speak to students about his work with U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), she knew she had found her professional home. “A TACOM representative came to campus and was describing his work and his daily routine as an operations research analyst for the Army,” she said. “Immedi- ately, I knew that was something I would love because it sounded challenging, unique and allowed me to give back.” With her sights set on that job, Zeghir launched her career as an Army civilian. In her first position as—you guessed it—an operations research analyst for TACOM, she evaluated parts for Army vehicles, incorporating data about useful life span and other factors, to determine which ones to buy. “I love numbers and spreadsheets, and this was a way for me to do what I loved, while ensuring that taxpayers were getting the best product for their money,” she said.
Today, Zeghir is the director of business management for the Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS) Joint Proj- ect Office for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JPO JLTV). “I manage cost, budget, schedule and acquisition in the Business Management Office to support the staffing of milestone decision authority packages, the preparation of portfolio and budget briefs and the completion of product-level taskers for JPO JLTV, which includes Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, Light Tactical Vehicles and Ground Mobility Vehi- cles.” In short, she works to make sure warfighters get the equipment they need, on schedule and within budget.
During her 15 years with the Army, Zeghir’s drive and curiosity have been instru- mental to her success, but she credits leaders who encouraged her to take on new
nisah Zeghir is a veritable force of nature. Bold, driven and known for her sense of adventure, she has something in common with famed explorer and mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, who said, “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” She loves the outdoors, yes, but it’s about
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Army AL&T Magazine Winter 2021
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