2024 The Government Decision-Making Process with Neil Thurgood
Join us as LTG (Ret.) L. Neil Thurgood with Global Growth Technologies dives into the intricate processes of the government decision-making cycle. In today's world, understanding how decisions are made within governmental bodies is crucial for small businesses looking to align their products and services with the needs of the department of defense.
This program aims to demystify the complexities of the government decision-making cycle, shedding light on its various stages, actors, and factors influencing outcomes.
Ret. LTG L. Neil Thurgood, DBA
Special Advisor to the President of UAH
for Military Affairs and Technology
Retired Lieutenant General L. Neil Thurgood is the special advisor to the UAH president for military affairs and technology. Prior to his appointment at UAH, he served as the director for hypersonics, directed energy, space, and rapid acquisition in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (acquisition, logistics, and technology) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
In this role, LTG Thurgood was responsible for the fielding of select capabilities to deter and counter rapidly modernizing adversaries. He oversaw the development of an Army long range hypersonic weapon and led the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office in researching, developing, prototyping, testing, evaluating, procuring, and fielding critical technologies and capabilities consistent with the Army’s modernization priorities.
Before this appointment, LTG Thurgood served as the director for test at the Missile Defense Agency at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. His most recent deployment spanned from 2017 to 2018 when he served as deputy commander for the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan during Operation Resolute Support/Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Before his deployment, he assumed the role of the deputy for acquisition and systems management at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (acquisition, logistics, and technology) in Washington, D.C.
LTG Thurgood’s military career began in 1983 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was commissioned as an aviation branch officer in 1986. He served in various company-grade and battalion aviation positions in the U.S. and overseas, including multiple combat deployments. His service extended to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (airborne) as a platoon leader, operations officer, and company commander.
After transitioning into the Army Acquisition Corps in 1995, he served in various program offices for conventional and special programs. As a project manager, LTG Thurgood served in the Utility Helicopters Office. Later, as a program executive officer, LTG Thurgood led the PEO for Missiles and Space at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. His contributions included operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.
LTG Thurgood holds a bachelor’s in business from the University of Utah, a master’s in systems acquisition management from the Naval Postgraduate School, a master’s in strategic studies from the Air University Air War College, and a doctorate in strategic planning and organizational leadership from the University of Sarasota. Additionally, he possesses several professional certifications.
Event Sponsors
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Date and Time
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
Fees/Admission
Online Registration
Member: $15
Non-member: $20
On-site Registration
Member: $20
Non-member: $25
Refunds to credit cards will be charged a 6% processing fee. No refunds will be processed after April 22, 2024.
Contact Information
Diana Baccus
256-535-2009
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