Overview
This page documents leadership transitions within the Human Systems Community of Interest (HS Col) as reported in September 2021, providing context for ongoing organizational changes in DoD human systems research.
Leadership Changes Documented
Dr. Michelle Zbylut - Outgoing HS CoI Chair
- Served two years as HS Col Chair
- This was her fourth time offering a "Senior Leader Perspective" to the newsletter
- Transitioning from Army to Navy in FY22
- Dr. Zbylut's departure marks a significant shift in oversight of human systems research, moving it from Army Research Institute to Office of Naval Research Code 34
Dr. Rajesh Naik - Departure
- Served as Chief Scientist at 711th Human Performance Wing (AFRL)
- Also served as Air Force Lead for the HS Col
- His departure represents a loss of senior leadership in human performance research
Dr. Guarav Sharma - Acting Leadership
- Already active in the HS Col prior to appointment
- Appointed as Acting Chief Scientist at 711th HPW, AFRL
- Also appointed as Acting Air Force Lead for the HS Col
- Represents continuity of leadership during transition period
Current Steering Group Composition (as of September 2021)
| Agency | Position | Name |
|--------|----------|------|
| Army Lead | Director, ARI | Dr. Michelle Zbylut |
| AF Lead (Acting) | Chief Scientist, 711 HPW | Dr. Guarav Sharma |
| Navy Lead | Division Director, Human & Bioengineered Sys | Dr. John Tangney |
| SOCOM | Director, SOF AT&L Science & Technology | Ms. Lisa Sanders |
| Army | S&T Lead Soldier System Performance | Dr. Robb Wilcox |
| OUSD (R&E) | Director, HSD | Dr. Ben Petro |
Sub-Area Leads
PAE&T (Personalized Assessment, Education, and Training)
- Navy Lead: Dr. Kendy Vierling (DON Secretariat at ASN(M&RA))
- AF Lead: Dr. Glenn Gunzelmann (AFRL 711 HPW)
- Army Lead: Dr. Greg Ruark (ARI Ft Benning)
PSWP (Protection, Sustainment, & Warfighter Performance)
- Navy Lead: Dr. Peter Squire (ONR Code 34)
- Army Lead: Dr. Michael LaFiandra (ARL HRED)
SICP (System Interfaces and Cognitive Processing)
- AF Lead: Dr. Mark Draper (AFRL 711 HPW)
- Navy Lead: Dr. Tom McKenna (ONR Code 34)
Organizational Context
The September 2021 newsletter documents a period of significant transition:
1. The HS Col was being reorganized from Army to Navy oversight in FY22
2. Multiple leadership changes occurred simultaneously
3. The "Senior Leader Perspective" format had been used four times, indicating established communication channels that were now changing
4. Dr. Zbylut's transition to the Navy represents a strategic shift in how human systems research is prioritized and funded across DoD