OC-ALC/EN director moving to AFMC Published Jan. 22, 2010 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- He'll be nearly 900 miles away, but Russ Howard said neither Tinker nor Oklahoma City will be far from his heart or mind. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Engineering and Technical Management director recently accepted a promotion at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Starting in February, Mr. Howard will become the Air Force Materiel Command director of Engineering and Technical Management. Mr. Howard said he's enjoyed his experience at Tinker -- it developed his skills, introduced him to new friends and gave him a place to call home. The Alabama native said he will visit frequently as he is still a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve at the 507th Air Refueling Wing. "Tinker has taught me about sustainment and logistics, which I knew very little about, and I will be the first AFMC director of engineering, to my knowledge, that has test, acquisition, sustainment and lab experience," Mr. Howard said. "So, while in the past, engineers have been heavily focused in 'little a' acquisition, I'll take a broader look at that and think, 'Okay, we bought it, now we have to take care of it.' I think that perspective is important for the entire Air Force to embrace." Mr. Howard, a member of the senior executive service since 2006, came to Tinker in July of that year. During his time here, he managed the professional development and provided technical direction for the OC-ALC engineering and scientific work force. Mr. Howard also advised the OC-ALC commander on engineering and technical policy. Prior to coming to Tinker, Mr. Howard completed 11 assignments including multiple positions in munitions test and evaluation and served as chief engineer and director of engineering for major defense acquisition programs. He was also a distinguished graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. "Mr. Howard's extensive systems engineering background in development and testing proved extremely complementary to our system sustainment mission," said John Over, OC-ALC executive director. "Obviously his accomplishments earned him this well-deserved promotion, and he will continue to support the OC-ALC, as well as the command's, mission as the HQ AFMC director of Engineering." Mr. Howard said the OC-ALC engineering and technical management directorate tackled many challenges but the one that means the most to him is the development and implementation of a systems and engineering strategic plan for the center. Mr. Howard and other senior engineers from EN and the ALC identified the role of the scientists and engineers within the center. The plan pinpointed issues and set specific goals to improve the engineering processes critical to the center's success. In Mr. Howard's first year, the team brainstormed four goals. The plan has been revised each year since and is cohesive with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century strategic plans. "Now, we're even better than ever; we're tied in with the success of the center," Mr. Howard said. "Everything we do aligns EN with the center's strategic goals. It's a powerful tool that will bear fruit well into the future." Mr. Howard said he will continue to use strategic planning in his new position. Recently, Mr. Howard helped standardize the system engineering processes for the 327th Aircraft Sustainment Wing and said a similar project is underway for the 76th Maintenance Wing. He said he will continue to work these ideas from his position at AFMC. "Tinker has been my favorite assignment because I learned so much and because of the great people ... the EN team is like family to me," Mr. Howard said. "I had never worked in a place that was so collegial at the leadership level. There was very good communication of what problems were and what was needed to move forward. I made a lot of good friends, and look forward to maintaining those friendships."