Speakers

As Executive Director of the Maritime Accelerated Response Capability Cell (MARCC) Mr. Mike Dickerson leads the Department of the Navy’s responses to urgent Department of Defense security cooperation actions, contingency operations support, and critical Warfighter priorities. Mr. Dickerson established the MARCC to drive collaborative efforts between allies, partner nations, industry, academia, and the labs to rapidly identify, adapt, mature, and field innovative solutions for critical U.S. priorities. He identifies and champions opportunities to modernize Navy and Marine Corps capabilities, accelerate the transition to next generation weapon systems, and secure critical industrial base investments to better posture the Department for future demands.

Throughout his defense acquisition career Mr. Dickerson has led complex, high visibility efforts to rapidly address critical Warfighter needs. As Director for Counter Unmanned Systems, Expeditionary Programs and Urgent Needs he oversaw the development, acquisition and execution plans for counter- unmanned, expeditionary and urgent needs efforts, spearheading strategic initiatives to increase alignment and efficiency of developmental and programmatic activities across the Joint Force. As Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Family of Systems lead, he managed the acquisition of counter-air capabilities for the naval and maritime force, coordinated the development of interoperable materiel solutions, and maximized U.S. investments to drive technology and streamline implementation actions.

Mr. Dickerson also served as Deputy Portfolio Lead for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division AIRWorks’ Rapid Development Capabilities, overseeing the successful execution of multiple urgent and emergent Warfighter requirements responses. He managed joint integrated photonics research and development efforts; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance projects; non-program of record unmanned platform and payload efforts; led the Persistent Ground Surveillance System program’s acquisition, operations, and transition to an Army program of record; and facilitated the transfer and reuse of retrograded defense assets to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Mr. Dickerson earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland. He has received the Department of the Navy’s Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Department of the Navy’s Innovation Excellence in Acquisition Team of the Year award, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Commander’s Innovation Award, and numerous Letters of Commendation.