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Mr. Hugh Montgomery, IPA-Executive Director, Institute for Defense and Homeland Security

In July 2003, Mr. Montgomery began as the first Executive Director of the newly established Virginia Institute for Defense and Homeland Security, with special emphasis on telecommunications, biodefense, sensor systems, and risk management Science and Technology. He serves in an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignment from the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, where he has been a Senior Fellow since January 2001. Since that time he has focused his efforts on reinvigoration of the Department of Defense (DOD) Research and Development infrastructure and the national Science and Technology (S&T) base.

Mr. Montgomery served from 2001-2003 in an IPA assignment as the first Technical Director of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, with broad oversight of USMC initiatives in technology development and transition, warfighting experiments, wargaming and emerging threats and opportunities. He was the senior Marine Corps civilian official for oversight and assessment of the USMC S&T Program.

Mr. Montgomery served from 1985-2000 as a Senior Executive on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Positions included Deputy Director and Director, Science and Technology Division and Deputy Director, Test and Evaluation and Technology Requirements. As the Department of Navy (DON) senior career civilian for Science and Technology requirements and resources ($2B annual investment), responsibilities included development of the investment strategy and policy for the Navy-after-next, development of the Future Naval Capabilities strategic planning process and assessment of all Naval S&T. He was the creator of Advanced Technology Demonstrations (ATDs), which became the DOD model for transition of technology, and established the first formal Naval S&T requirements, strategic planning and program guidance. He served as the CNO principal civilian official for S&T program justification to DOD and Congress.

Mr. Montgomery served in the Office of Naval Technology from 1980-84. As Director of Planning and Programming, he developed the first Planning, Programming and Budgeting System and the first strategic plan for Naval Applied Research. As the first Naval Industry Independent Research and Development (IR&D) Manager, he created and managed the system for oversight of the $5B annual IR&D investment.

Earlier career assignments include: Director of Research, Naval Sea Systems Command; Deputy Director, Explosives Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC); Head Technology Branch, NSWC; Research Physicist, NSWC.

Mr. Montgomery received a BS Degree in Physics and Mathematics from Mississippi College in 1966, graduating first in the class with a 4.0 GPA. He received an MS Degree in Physics in 1969 at the University of Tennessee. His Ph.D. was completed but not formally awarded, after two dissertation topics each became classified.

Mr. Montgomery conducted research in fast neutron physics at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including publication in the "American Journal of Physics" as an undergraduate. At NSWC, he published extensively as an international authority in reactive and incendiary materials and as an expert in weapons-related R&D. He lectures frequently in the area of DOD and national S&T policy.

Mr. Montgomery is the only person to twice receive the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award (highest civilian award). He has received also the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award (second-highest award), Presidential Meritorious Executive Award, Secretary of Defense Commendation and numerous Senior Executive Service bonus and performance awards. He holds six technical patents.

Active in his community, Mr. Montgomery serves as a member of the Spotsylvania County Planning Commission and the Rappahannock Area Development Commission (RADCO). He has served on the regional Transportation Advisory Group and Transportation Advisory Committee. He is a member of Ferry Farm Baptist Church, where he is an active deacon, choir member, musician and Sunday School teacher. He conducts an active Christian music ministry in the area as a singer and musician (guitar). He and wife Mitzie have been married since 1966 and have two daughters, Melinda Montgomery-Wiegers (Deputy for Legislation and Program Integration, OSD(Installations & Environment)) and LT Michelle Montgomery Pettit, JAG, USN, and grandchildren Andrew and Lauren Pettit and Katie Wiegers.