Jeff Stower retired from the Marine Corps in May 2024 after 30 years of service.  During his first 15 years he served as an Infantry Officer, with most of his time in ground reconnaissance units, including two combat deployments.  His final 15 years were as a Marine Corps Ground Acquisition Professional.  His service as a Colonel included serving as Chief of Staff for the Marine Corps Systems Command, the Corps’ only acquisition command, and leading two of the Corps’ three major ground equipment portfolios.  During his last five years, he was the Portfolio Manager for Ground Combat Element Systems, which managed the development, acquisition, and life cycle sustainment of most the Corps’ ground kinetic weapon systems and related equipment.  Jeff holds a Masters in Management from Florida Tech, and a Masters in National Resource Strategy and Policy from the Eisenhower School / National Defense University.  He holds PMI’s Project Management Professional Certification, as well as DoD’s Program Management “Advanced” Certification (previously known as PM Level III).