PEO Perspective: April 2023

Spring marks change and new beginnings, and I’m happy to announce some exciting developments at PEO EIS this season.

WELCOME NEW CIO

Several months ago, I shared that it has been my goal to create a dedicated Chief Information Office (CIO) as part of EIS’ transformation into a more Agile organization.

This directorate-level CIO office, which includes three sub-directorates of cloud, cybersecurity and data, will be critical to providing technical integration across the portfolio, uniting our previously standalone program portfolios.

A selection has been made, and it is my great pleasure to welcome Michael Chappell to the team!

Mike is an 18-year industry veteran and former Army contractor who architected and developed two data analytics platforms and several derivative solutions currently being used by the Department of Defense. He is analytics-driven and brings expertise to the CIO mission to help us innovate and transform into a more Agile organization.

The organization is energized by Mike’s arrival, and we look forward to the great work he and his team will accomplish. To read a little more about Mike, please visit his spotlight on our Facebook page.

EBS-C RELINQUISHMENT OF CHARTER

On the last day of March, we said farewell to a long-time colleague, Preston Hayward, product lead for the Enterprise Business Systems – Convergence program management office, in a relinquishment of charter ceremony at the Forge at Fort Belvoir.

Preston has led the team since July 2021. During his tenure as product lead, he was instrumental in building a small product office into a robust team and leading the team responsible for developing the procurement strategy for risk reduction critical to modernization of the Army’s enterprise business systems – a Department of the Army priority.

In the coming months, Lee James will step into the role of acting project manager and be a direct report to me to help establish the project office until the centrally selected project manager assumes the charter next year.

The business transformation effort that EBS-C involves, in conjunction with the EBS-C Multi-Functional Capabilities Team (MFCT), will enable the Army to capitalize on modern, Agile capabilities, move to the cloud, maximize the use of software-as-a-service, divest legacy systems and achieve a sustainable audit opinion.

Thanks in great part to Preston’s leadership, EBS-C will become an Army Program of Record in fiscal year 2024 and will deliver the first deployment of the Army’s ERP modernization effort by 2027.

Thank you to both Preston and Lee for stepping up to lead this critical Army program that will help transform the Army!  

IPPS-A FUTURE CAPABILITIES

In January, Integrated Personnel and Pay Systems – Army (IPPS-A) delivered Release 3 to our 1.1 million Soldiers across the Total Force.

IPPS-A Increment II is an online human resources system that provides integrated personnel, pay and talent management capabilities in a single system to all Army components. It provides three essential capabilities to the Army, while positively impacting readiness: Total Force visibility, talent management and audit readiness.

This month, the former Product Lead IPPS-A Increment II office becomes the Product Lead IPPS-A Future Capabilities office, with a focus on continuing to delivering capabilities to Soldiers post-Release 3.

Mike Van Buskirk, who has led the program during this critical period, was selected to lead an O5 program office, and the IPPS-A Future Capabilities charter will be assumed by Lt. Col. Ryan Martin, who most recently served as a legislative liaison and the Defense Fellow for Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Thank you, Mike, for your continued service with PEO EIS, and welcome aboard, Ryan — we look forward to your expertise and insight in leading this high priority program into the future!

APRIL OBSERVANCES

April is Month of the Military Child. Children and families support our Army through their patriotism, dedication and enduring support for their Soldier’s well-being. Their resilience and love for their Soldier aids in our nation’s readiness.

Days of Remembrance for Holocaust Victims

In early April, we set aside an observance remembering the millions of victims of the Holocaust and honoring the resiliency of survivors. We at PEO EIS will reflect on our Army Values, which embody a moral responsibility to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

A FOND FAREWELL TO LT. GEN. MARION

This month, ASA(ALT) Military Deputy Lt. Gen. Robert Marion is retiring after more than 30 years of service to our United States Army.

I have had the great fortune to work with many memorable leaders in my Army career and Lt. Gen. Marion is high on this list. Having served as the military deputy, in theater and close to Soldiers, and as a former PEO, he uniquely understands the acquisition corps and lifecycle, and he has been a tireless proponent of PEO EIS programs and leaders.

It has been a pleasure to serve under his superior leadership. Fair winds and all the best in your retirement, Sir. Thank you for your great service to the Army and our Nation!

AUSA GLOBAL FORCE – HUNTSVILLE

Attending the AUSA Global Force is an annual highlight, as we gain insights into latest industry innovations and practices as we collectively move to a more Agile approach — a sea change in our profession that will bring positive change and rapid, successful capabilities to the Soldier.

It was a pleasure to meet with many of our industry partners in Huntsville in late March. If we missed the opportunity to connect, it’s not too late!  You can request a meeting with me, Deputy PEO Bill Hepworth, or any of our PMs by visiting the PEO EIS website and filling out a meeting request form.

I look forward to seeing you at future events!

Thank you for all you do to support PEO EIS, the Army and Soldiers.

Ross R. Guckert, Program Executive Officer, PEO EIS

Connecting the Army. Working for Soldiers.