COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition, Program Manager Towed Artillery Systems
TITLE: Defense Acquisition University Senior Service College Fellowship; previously acting deputy program manager and Ukraine product lead
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 13
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Advanced in program management; Practitioner in engineering and technical management
EDUCATION: B.S. in mechanical engineering, Rutgers University
AWARDS: Honorable Order of St. Barbara Award for Artillery (2023); Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal (2019)

Christopher Ayoub

by Cheryl Marino

The basic fundamental skills and ideals we acquire in our formative years often serve as the most crucial building blocks for both our personal and professional development. According to Christopher Ayoub, who is currently a fellow in the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Senior Service College Fellowship program, communication and relationship building are his top two.

“As we progress through our careers, we typically have a greater influence over a larger set of teammates, and with that, a growing number of generations who communicate and build relationships differently,” he said. “We must continue to evolve our relationship building and communication modes to be able to connect with every member of the organization. As a leader, connecting with your various stakeholders is critical to your team’s success.”

Before “starting life as a student again,” as he put it, Ayoub concluded a 15-month rotation as the acting deputy program manager (DPM) for Program Manager Towed Artillery Systems (PM-TAS), and the Ukraine product lead. As deputy program manager, he provided guidance to the functional and product leads responsible for all the towed artillery and artillery survey systems for the Army and United States Marine Corps. But as the Ukraine product lead, he said he experienced the greatest professional achievements of his career, leading a high-performing team that was at the forefront of support to Ukraine.

“Being able to provide the Soldier with a sustainable capability that they can rely on is what we are here to do as acquisition professionals. Being able to have a direct impact on what happens on the battlefield is the pinnacle of our craft,” said Ayoub, who joined the Army Acquisition Workforce right out of college.

“I was interested in an employment opportunity that was not traditional,” he said. “Having interviewed at Picatinny Arsenal [New Jersey] for an engineering role, I knew it was a good fit for what I was looking for in a career, as it would be challenging and interesting every day.”

And it has been just that. With a few pivotal roles thereafter, he arrived at his most recent position as acting deputy program manager for PM-TAS.

After a few years in the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center, Ayoub was exposed to the PM-TAS program management office via a rotational assignment that became a long-term move. “I found that my skill set better aligned with the PM (program management) mission set of managing cost, schedule and performance of programs,” he said. “As my career evolved, I have been able to work with our customers directly and build relationships that ultimately led to providing them with the critical capability they seek. These relationships, and the impact that has on the battlefield, lead to a level of job satisfaction that is unmatched.”

From there, Ayoub moved to a matrix position within PM-TAS as the component acquisition lead for the 105 mm M119A3 howitzer program, a role he said had a significant impact on his career: It was the first time that he served as a team lead and he had to determine what his professional leadership style would be. Then he competed for a core position that subsequently resulted in becoming the M777 India product lead, where he was responsible for the cost, schedule and performance for that program.

Each of these roles prepared him for serving as the acting deputy program manager for PM-TAS, within the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A)—a job with a completely new level of management responsibility, overseeing a staff of over 75 core, matrix and contractor personnel.

“I was given a peek behind the front office curtain to see the challenges that the PM and DPM face daily,” he said. “This rotation helped me understand why certain decisions are made by the office leaders and gave me a greater appreciation for the criticality of clear and open communication up and down the entire organization.”

As acting deputy program manager, Ayoub interfaced daily with the JPEO A&A front office staff, where he briefed senior leaders inside and outside the organization.

“I was able to learn, grow and be exposed to the decision-making process through an alternate lens,” he said. “I was further exposed to the mission set the other PMs within the JPEO portfolio had and build numerous relationships that I would not have if not in the DPM role.”

Ayoub said this was the first time he supported the entire portfolio and was exposed to the happenings across the JPEO A&A and subordinate organizations, as well as activities related to Ukraine. That led to serving a dual role as the Ukraine product lead, an effort, he said, that has been the most challenging and rewarding of his career. “In each of these roles I was able to learn and be mentored by great acquisition professionals who have helped shape the leader that I am today.”

He said he would always recommend taking on challenging developmental assignments, as they tell you a lot about yourself. “These assignments further showcase your strengths, allow you opportunity to grow and develop your skill set, and expose you to an alternate set of stakeholders who provide different perspectives.”

In July 2023 Ayoub started his 10-month schooling effort in the DAU Senior Service College fellowship program.

“After just three months, I can see how this program will allow me to broaden my skill set and be a more refined acquisition professional supporting the various Army objectives,” he said. “Luckily, there is no opportunity that I have missed out on.”

No matter where he is or what he is doing, Ayoub said he is always available to offer advice to junior personnel. “Seeing their success and knowing I may have played a small part in that is an awesome feeling,” he said. “My primary message [for them] is to get involved. If you see a gap somewhere, fill it and make it your own. Look to be become an expert that others come to for advice. Be willing to take on new opportunities as they will continue to challenge you, allowing you to grow.”

Best known by those outside of work for being “the sports guy who is filled with endless amounts of useless sports knowledge,” he said he believes the parallels between his professional life and hobbies are that he takes great pride in what he does, and he “hates to lose.”

“With pride, accountability and a strong work ethic, anything can be achieved,” he said. “Finding a core group of leaders, peers and subordinates is paramount to long term career success.”