My core competencies include IT Strategy, Program Management, and Mission Critical Systems architecture, Systems Engineering (this is a profession in the aerospace domain). With a core physical sciences background I'm biased away from the softer side of most things, enjoying instead numbers, facts, and "actionable outcomes" rather than the theory of how things work.

With an MBA in Systems Management and Finance, numbers are the basis of many of my engagements. Project performance is of special interest these days, since my assignments include the "program architecture" of large "systems of system" project ranging from several 100 Million to billions of tax payer dollars. These projects are unique for many, but they are quite normal in the aerospace business.

You can learn more about me on my blog, Herding Cats, or by visiting Niwot Ridge Consulting. 

John is a nationally known expert in Systems and Portfolio/Program management in the Federal/DoD/Intel acquisition environment.  He was part of the Project Management Institute (PMI) pilot program for Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) and has written white papers published by PMI.  Background includes experience as a military officer on major ACAT1D Aircraft and IT/Intel program(s), Managing Director of senior consulting groups, researcher in economics of portfolio/program controls and industry structure, and instructor along with curriculum/program development and administration experience at Defense Acquisition University, American University, and industry professional groups and companies.   He is currently an Intermittent Professor at Defense Systems Management College.

Educated as an Industrial Engineer and Economist, John earned senior level qualification of defense program manager, acquisition logistician, and financial manager (DAWIA level IIIs) as well as several industry certifications.  He completed PhD course work in economics at George Mason University, conducting research on federal acquisition and new approach on quantitative analysis of projects.  His work resulted in several published papers and a patent pending process (US Patent Pending 2012/0215574 A1) for quantitative and qualitative analysis and assessment of program Challenges, Resources, Evaluation, Schedule, and Technical (CREST) performance data.