Jacobs VP named ATA's new deputy general manager

  • Published
  • By Deidre Ortiz
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA) has a new deputy general manager.

Jeff Haars, who has been serving as Jacobs Technology vice president, stepped into the role, formerly held by Phil Stich, on June 16.

Stich stepped down from the deputy general manager position earlier this month to focus his efforts on preparing Jacob Technology's bid for the Test Operations and Sustainment contract at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). He has had a 35-plus year career in the aerospace field, spent mostly at Arnold AFB.

"Looking back on my career, I have had the opportunity to work with many outstanding people on some very interesting projects at AEDC," Stich commented. "Middle Tennessee has been a great place to live, work and raise a family. I feel very fortunate that, somewhat by chance, I made the choice to come to work 'at ARO' right after graduation from college. With the exception of a five-year assignment managing the wind tunnel and range contract at NASA Ames Research Center in California, I have spent my entire career at AEDC."

Stich will officially retire in October but says he plans to continue living in the area.

In preparation for Stich's departure, Haars is assuming his duties as well as acting as ATA's transition manager and emphasis area point of contact for AEDC's Combined Test Force initiative.

Haars is excited to join the ATA team at AEDC. He has an impressive career in the field of defense technology, which he mentions is something he's always been intrigued by.

"Growing up as a U.S. Air Force dependent, I've always been interested in defense technology," Haars said. "After graduating from Auburn, I joined Texas Instruments and designed guidance and control systems for the Paveway, High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile, Tri-Service Standoff Attack Missile and other armament systems. I hired on with our Technical and Engineering Acquisition Support (TEAS) group in 1989 and moved back home to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., where I supported the Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) of air armament systems for our Eglin [Air Force Base] customer.

"Except for a one-year stint as the tech director for our U.S. Special Operations Command Group in Tampa, I spent 20 years in the TEAS Group ultimately serving as the DGM. To expand my understanding of the many capabilities with Jacobs' Technology Region, I took an assignment with our business development group in Tullahoma. When the time came to take another operational assignment, I jumped at the chance to join ATA. Our support to the AEDC customer has always been top notch. I attribute that to our exceptional employees, strong leadership and a commitment to teamwork."

Having many years of leadership experience in support of system development and testing for U.S. Air Force programs, Haars says he's prepared for his new role.

"For the last five years, I've been developing new business for Jacobs out of our Tullahoma office," he said. "This has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the Technology Region capabilities and our customer base. As the lead of a Jacobs Technology's Sales Team, I led our pursuit of new Test and Training Range Operations and Maintenance opportunities. I believe my RDT&E experience with Air Armament Systems, coupled with the experience gained by my management and business development assignments, has prepared me to take on the responsibilities of DGM for ATA. We have significant challenges ahead but I'm confident in our ability to meet those challenges and excited to contribute to our high level of support to AEDC."

Though he's just started in his position, Haars commented he's noticed the personnel at AEDC really enjoy and are passionate about what they do.

"What stands out most after my first week on the job is the competence of our people and the pride and excitement that shows when they talk about their work. It's clear that our folks understand the importance of the customer's mission and the critical role we play. As AEDC presses forward with their strategic plan, I'm certain that we will constructively partner with them to accomplish their goals. I envision an end-state where we will have the ability to test within the full performance envelope required today and also meet the needs of next-generation weapon systems. An additional goal to which we should all aspire is to maintain the same level of excitement, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence as we have today."

Haars continued that he looks forward to starting this new chapter in his career.

"Working at Eglin, I've been a customer of AEDC when developing systems like Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, AIM-9X and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. However, I never fully appreciated the amount of work and expertise required to plan and execute those test programs. I'm looking forward to gaining a better understanding of what it takes to deliver AEDC's capabilities and getting to know our people is at the top of my list."