LTG (ret.) Neil Thurgood

Dr Neil Thurgood is recognized as a global leader for developing business strategies, training and personnel development, leadership development and strategy execution to achieve performance objectives. A successful Senior leader in solving critical problems in the defense and acquisition segments, including the integration of related activities and programs across the United States and international business segments to achieve desired outcomes.

Neil served over 37 years in the Army retiring as a Lieutenant General, culminating as the Director to Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technology Office (RCCTO), a $4B+ series of programs designed to accelerate advance technologies into the Department of Defense using innovative processes, unique organizations, legislative strategies and focused authorities. These efforts included Hypersonics, High Energy Lasers, missile programs, aviation programs and hybrid technologies on rapid procurement pathways, including efforts with foreign Allied and Partner Nations. As result he reduced acquisition cycles times bringing increased output to the Army and Joint Force.

Neil has led organizations at all levels of increasing responsibilities and across numerous domains supporting customer desired outcomes. Neil was responsible for strategy development, budget forecast and execution, international relationships, foreign military sales, as well as supporting Direct Commercial strategies and developing positive cash flow for the Army and Depart of Department.

Neil holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Utah, a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the Air War College, a Master of Systems Management from the Naval Post Graduate School and a Doctorate of Business from University of Sarasota. Neil has also completed additional training with executive course work at the Harvard Business School Program of Advanced Management, The Wharton Business School for Leadership, Tuck Business School at Dartmouth, and Georgetown University Institute for Government Affairs.

Academics and Innovation