Mr. Thomsen advises on reforms affecting technology, engineering, and acquisition policy in the National Security domain. He retired from the Department of Navy as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (Research, Development, and Acquisition). Jim served more than 35 years in the Department of Defense as a Naval Engineer, Surface and Undersea Warfare Weapons Executive, Navy Program Manager, and Program Executive Officer (PEO). He received the Presidential Rank Award, the Defense Civilian Service Medal for Exceptional Service (twice), and the Defense Department’s Distinguished Civilian Service Medal. He serves on several Company Boards in the National Security domain and on the National Academies of Science & Engineering’s Army Board for Research and Development. Mr. Thomsen has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Science Degree in Management from Florida State University.