Picatinny Arsenal, NJ –
Project Director Joint Services welcomed a new leader during a virtual change of leadership ceremony conducted here on June 16.
The organization said farewell to Col. Justin Highley as he transferred authority to Matthew Zimmerman.
The ceremony was officiated by Brig. Gen. Vincent Malone II, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, who oversees PD Joint Services.
During his speech, Highley expressed his gratitude to the PD Joint Services team, as well as many others who played an integral role during his tenure at Picatinny Arsenal.
“To the outstanding men and women of PD Joint Services, thank you for your professionalism, your willingness to persevere despite the myriad of challenges, and your support and dedication to our warfighters,” he said.
He went on to praise the team's efforts in quickly pivoting from day-to-day operations to operating in a virtual environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the many unknowns associated with the Army and the nation.
“The team did a tremendous job putting that together, and we haven’t interrupted our support to the warfighter,” he said. “That’s a testimony to the professionalism and the caliber of the people within Joint Services.”
Highley closed by wishing Zimmerman the best of luck as he handed over the reins.
Zimmerman thanked the leadership for placing him within this critical role and for having confidence in him to execute the mission. He also acknowledged the challenges he expects to face within his new position.
“Challenging times they are,” he said as he began his speech. “This position has several complex challenges ahead, and I look forward to tackling them head on.”
Zimmerman was previously the deputy at Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems, also within JPEO A&A. Prior to that he was the deputy at Project Director Joint Services.
PD Joint Services integrates the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA) mission, providing the warfighter with conventional ammunition required to train and go to war. PD Joint Services is responsible for: coordination and integration of SMCA activities, functions, processes and operations on behalf of JPEO A&A; demilitarization of the Department of Defense’s conventional ammunition; execution of SMCA industrial base functions, including Army Ammunition Plant Modernization; providing technology solutions to improve ammunition manufacturing safety, effectiveness, quality and cost; and managing U.S. Army ammunition logistics research and development efforts.