Thomas Mills
Colorado Springs
Summary
Results-driven leader adept at guiding high-performing teams and implementing strategic initiatives to drive business success. Known for fostering collaborative environment and achieving measurable milestones. Exhibits strong leadership and adaptability to changing business needs.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Business Development, High Consequence Missions
Parsons Corporation
10.2024 - Current
- Identifies, develops, and drives technology-driven solutions to support a full understanding of mission and customer requirements. Develops and executes comprehensive technology strategies that drive pipeline development and organizational revenue growth, to include technical strategies, and proposal preparation.
- Leads capture planning and strategic growth efforts for mission-critical space solutions across the DoD & IC
- Applies technical and operational knowledge to shape proposals aligned with customer needs in Space ISR, OTH-T, & C2
- Directs high-value solution development for >$300M in classified ISR and space domain operations, leading to % increase in bookings and awards aligned with USSF and Five Eyes priorities
- Spearheaded strategic M&A targeting and alliance development for next-gen defense tech
- U.S. NAVY – RETIRED (23 YEARS ACTIVE DUTY, AUGUST 2001 – SEPTEMBER 2024)
Military Fellow – Special Programs
SpaceX
05.2023 - 07.2024
- Bridged operational military expertise with cutting edge commercial innovation which enriched my ability to lead effectively and foster a collaborative environment for technological advancements and classified strategic defense space initiatives.
Deputy Director, Space Combat Power Capabilities Division (J84)
U.S. Space Command
08.2020 - 09.2024
- Led a team of 21 senior professionals through the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process at the highest levels of the Pentagon. Oversaw the full lifecycle of capability development—from identifying operational gaps to surveying cutting-edge industry technologies and academic research, conducting detailed requirements analysis, and securing resources and advocacy. Deep working knowledge of the Defense Acquisition System (JCIDS, PPBE, DAS).
- Primary author of the Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEON) titled "Rapid, Scalable, and Sustainable Space Superiority Operations," presented to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Requirements Oversight Council.
- Pioneered the development of the first-ever Initial Capability Documents (ICDs) in critical mission areas including Joint Space C2, Space Domain Awareness, Space Combat Power, Electronic Warfare/Offensive Cyber Operations, and Directed Energy. These efforts achieved Joint Staff validation and catalyzed significant Service-level investments
- Directed all Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution activities for the division, maintaining mission area equities across the command’s Integrated Priority Listing, Program Objective Memorandum advocacy, issue team participation, and issue paper development. Ensured effective resourcing from the combined $690B+ budgets of the USSF, USAF, USN and USA
- Managed all division personnel functions, including officer assignments and evaluations, civilian position descriptions and hiring, interviews, performance management, and contractor support requirements. Spearheaded collaborative initiatives with NRL, AFRL, ONR, DARPA, NASA, NOAA, and National Labs
- Oversaw the source selection, execution, and performance evaluation of a $250 million DoD advisory and assistance contract, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and accountability across all phases
Battle Watch Captain (BWC) & Force Tactical Action Officer (FTAO)
Carrier Strike Group Five/Task Force Seven Zero
07.2018 - 08.2020
- Deployed 3x throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), serving as the BWC and FTAO for the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Commander. Acted as the central point for operational execution and C2, ensuring rapid, accurate information flow across all CSG components. Enabled timely, risk-informed decisions on maneuver and weapons employment while operating in close proximity to armed adversaries.
- Directed operations within the Tactical Flag Command Center, leading a 5-person watch team responsible for full-spectrum C2 across the CSG. Oversaw communication, coordination, maneuver, and mission execution for all CSG assets—including the Destroyer Squadron, Cruisers, Aircraft Carrier, Carrier Air Wing, and expeditionary squadrons
Information Warfare Branch Chief, Intelligence Directorate (N2)
Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Group One
06.2017 - 07.2018
- Led the Information Warfare Branch for Naval Special Warfare Group ONE, overseeing 50+ Sailors to deliver fully trained, mission-ready teams supporting West Coast SEAL Teams deploying in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE.
- Pioneered the development of a first-of-its-kind social media exploitation and publicly available information capability, integrating routine intelligence and target development functions across SEAL Team intelligence and fires departments.
- Developed and delivered IW planning support for NSWG-1’s future operations and strategic plans across all U.S. Indo-Pacific and Central Command missions. Produced comprehensive infrastructure and operations budget estimates ranging from $15M to $45M.
- Redesigned and optimized the IW training pipeline, aligning integration with SEAL Team deployment readiness cycles to enhance mission synchronization and operational effectiveness
Detachment Commander (OIC)
Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center
03.2016 - 07.2018
- Led a specialized detachment of 32 personnel responsible for delivering deployable Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) capabilities in direct support of Naval Special Warfare combat forces operating across the U.S. Indo-Pacific and Central Command theaters.
- Directed integration of UUV assets into SEAL Team operations, overseeing sensor and vehicle configuration, technical R&D efforts, and operational implementation to enhance undersea mission effectiveness
Intelligence Branch Chief, Intelligence Directorate (J2)
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Iraq
12.2016 - 06.2017
- Deployed to Baghdad, Iraq supporting OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR). Led intelligence and targeting operations during the Mosul counteroffensive, integrating Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) to support coalition efforts in liberating the city from ISIS control.
- Directed intelligence operations that provided actionable insights to Special Operations Forces and Iraqi Security Forces, facilitating precise targeting and operational planning
- Integrated HUMINT & OSINT to enhance situational awareness, supporting real-time decision-making in a complex urban combat environment
- Collaborated with multinational partners (including NATO members and the ADF) to synchronize intelligence efforts and multi-domain operations, contributing to the strategic objectives of OIR and the successful liberation of Mosul
Director of Operations, Operations Directorate (J3)
Joint Typhoon Warning Center
12.2012 - 03.2016
- Led a team of 35 joint military and civilian personnel operating a continuous watch floor responsible for tropical cyclone forecasting and decision support for U.S. government agencies across the U.S. Indo-Pacific and Central Command areas of responsibility. This included providing critical meteorological intelligence to safeguard military assets, personnel, and operations in regions prone to severe tropical weather events.
- Oversaw real-time weather monitoring and forecasting, enabling proactive mission planning and risk mitigation
- Coordinated interagency collaboration, ensuring timely dissemination of forecasts and warnings to relevant stakeholders
- Enhanced operational readiness by integrating advanced meteorological tools and models into daily operations
Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer
Strike Fighter Squadron Three Seven (VFA-37)
05.2006 - 09.2009
- Led a department of 60 personnel aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) during deployments supporting OPERATIONS IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. Oversaw all maintenance, inspections, and logistics for 12 F/A-18C Hornet aircraft, ensuring peak operational readiness for Carrier Air Wing THREE missions.
- Managed a $50M+ budget, including Operating Target and fuel funds, optimizing resource allocation
- Directed comprehensive maintenance operations, ensuring aircraft availability and mission success
- Coordinated logistics and supply chain activities, streamlining parts procurement and inventory management
Education
B.S. - Aerospace Engineering
University of Colorado
05-2005
M.S. - Systems Engineering
National University of Singapore
05-2012
M.S. - Physical Oceanography & Meteorology
Naval Postgraduate School
12-2012
M.C. - Space Systems Engineering
Naval Postgraduate School
12-2012
M.C. - Joint Professional Military Education I
Naval War College
08-2017
M.C. - Joint Professional Military Education II
Joint Forces Staff College
09-2021
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Vision & Execution
- Team Building & Culture
- Effective Decision Making
- Business Development & Growth
- Critical Thinking
- Data Analytics
- Organizational Development
- Relationship Building
- Creative Problem Solver
- Innovation & Technology Integration
- Operational Excellence
Timeline
Senior Director of Business Development, High Consequence Missions
Parsons Corporation
10.2024 - Current
Military Fellow – Special Programs
SpaceX
05.2023 - 07.2024
Deputy Director, Space Combat Power Capabilities Division (J84)
U.S. Space Command
08.2020 - 09.2024
Battle Watch Captain (BWC) & Force Tactical Action Officer (FTAO)
Carrier Strike Group Five/Task Force Seven Zero
07.2018 - 08.2020
Information Warfare Branch Chief, Intelligence Directorate (N2)
Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Group One
06.2017 - 07.2018
Intelligence Branch Chief, Intelligence Directorate (J2)
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Iraq
12.2016 - 06.2017
Detachment Commander (OIC)
Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center
03.2016 - 07.2018
Director of Operations, Operations Directorate (J3)
Joint Typhoon Warning Center
12.2012 - 03.2016
Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer
Strike Fighter Squadron Three Seven (VFA-37)
05.2006 - 09.2009
B.S. - Aerospace Engineering
University of Colorado
M.S. - Systems Engineering
National University of Singapore
M.S. - Physical Oceanography & Meteorology
Naval Postgraduate School
M.C. - Space Systems Engineering
Naval Postgraduate School
M.C. - Joint Professional Military Education I
Naval War College
M.C. - Joint Professional Military Education II
Joint Forces Staff College
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