Thomas Smith has an extensive work experience in various government and military organizations. Thomas started their career as Officer Personnel Community Manager and Manpower Systems Analyst for the Navy, where they were responsible for recruiting and overseeing the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer community. Thomas then served as the Joint Staff Antiterrorism/Homeland Defense Actions, WMD Branch CBRNE Lead, providing advice and assistance on interagency matters involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Homeland Defense.
Following this, Thomas became the Commanding Officer and Head of Technology Evaluation at the EOD Training and Evaluation Unit TWO, where they prepared EOD Platoons for global operations and developed training standards for new capabilities. Thomas later joined the Navy Financial Program Section, leading portfolio programs and budget planning for Navy Weapons, Expeditionary Warfare, and Special Operations.
Thomas then took on leadership roles at the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head EOD Technology Division. In these positions, they led multi-disciplinary organizations responsible for research, development, and support of explosives, pyrotechnics, and ordnance systems for the Navy, Joint Force, and the Nation.
Prior to their current role, Thomas served as Deputy Commander, Joint Force Headquarters at U.S. STRATCOM Joint Headquarters - WMD Elimination & USSOCOM WMD Section. Thomas led operations, planning, exercise development, and project closeout in support of COCOMS-as-clients and provided joint Cyberspace Operations planning support.
Currently, Thomas is the Operational Lead at Research Innovations Incorporated (RII), directing a business line of effort that includes global software field integration, production operations, and training. RII is known for rapidly delivering transformative technology to service members through their work with government agencies like DARPA and the Department of the Army.
Thomas Smith has a Master's Degree in Military Operations from Air University, with a field of study in Air Command and Staff College. Thomas also has a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Real Estate from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Additionally, Thomas is certified at Defense Acquisition Program Management Level III (PM III) from Defense Acquisition University, with a field of study in Acquisition Workforce Member. Thomas has further certifications including Cyberspace Operations Planner ASI N9 from US Army Cyberspace Operations Planners Course and Program Management qualification from DoD Level III PM Qualification and Acquisition Corps Membership.
May, 2017 - present