He was the Department of Defense’s most seasoned manager of major programs, with more than 25 years’ experience leading major weapons acquisitions. Also one of the department’s most forceful advocates for program management innovation, Little is considered by many to be the best program manager in recent DoD history. Currently, he consults on acquisition leadership and business development with The Spectrum Group and with Modern Technology Solutions. An honorary professor at the Defense Systems Management College, Little has presented case studies to every program manager class at the college for the past 15 years.

Mr. Little served as Executive Director of the Missile Defense Agency—the senior civilian in an organization of approximately 8,000 employees—while also directing the $14 billion Kinetic Energy Interceptor Program. Previously, he was the first director of the Air Force Acquisition Center of Excellence, which enhanced all acquisition activities through streamlining contracts, devising incentives, and overseeing contractors.

Little’s many awards include the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award (received twice), the Executive Service Presidential Rank Award, and the Air Force Stewart Award for Excellence in Program Management. Mr. Little holds an MS in systems analysis from the Air Force Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of West Florida. After graduating with distinction from Officer Training School in 1967, he served eight years in active duty with the U.S. Air Force.