Dr. Thomas H. Killion

Director, Biometrics Identity Management Agency and Executive Manager, DoD Biometrics
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3 Headquarters, Department of the Army
Washington, D.C.

Dr. Thomas Killion became the Director, Biometrics Identity Management Agency (BIMA) in October 2010.  As BIMA Director and Department of Defense (DoD) Biometrics Executive Manager, Dr. Killion executes the Secretary of the Army’s Executive Agent responsibilities for DoD Biometrics in order to deny anonymity to adversaries and enable identity management. Dr. Killion leads DoD activities to program, coordinate, integrate and synchronize biometrics technologies and capabilities, and operates and maintains the DoD authoritative biometrics databases.

Prior to joining the BIMA, Dr. Killion was detailed to the Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) as Science Advisor to the Director in July 2010. In this capacity, he provided scientific and technical advice on programs, developed a systematic Science and Technology (S&T) strategy and roadmap to help guide JIEDDO investments and engaged with S&T organizations within the DoD, other Departments, industry, academia and internationally to leverage their efforts to counter the threat of IEDs.

From March 2004 through June 2010, Dr. Killion served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology (DASA(R&T)) and Chief Scientist. He was responsible for the entire Army Research and Technology program, spanning 21 laboratories and research, development and engineering centers; more than 10,000 scientists and engineers; and a 6-year budget of more than $11 billion. This included developing a S&T strategy responsive to Army needs, from the near-term (<5 years) stretching out through the far-term (>20 years). He was also the principal scientific advisor (PSA) to both the Secretary of the Army and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. In support of major acquisition, Dr. Killion was responsible for providing independent assessments on the readiness of critical technologies for weapon systems programs approaching key program decision points (Milestones B and C), both to the Army leadership and to DoD decision makers.

Prior to becoming the DASA(R&T)/Chief Scientist, Dr. Killion served as the Director for Technology. In this position, he was responsible for oversight and coordination for most of the Army’s Applied Research (6.2) Program and its Advanced Development (6.3) Program. He also co-chaired the Warfighter Technical Council and managed the S&T Objective and Advanced Technology Demonstration approval process.

Prior to this assignment, Dr. Killion served as the Director for Personnel Technologies in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS), G-1, where he was responsible for policy, guidance, oversight and advocacy of the Army’s MANpower and PeRsonnel INTegration (MANPRINT) and Soldier Oriented Research and Development in Personnel and Training Programs. Dr. Killion also served as the PSA to the DCS, G-1.

Previously, Dr. Killion served as the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Liaison to the Office of the DASA(R&T), where he assisted in shaping, advocating and defending Army S&T program investments and priorities to senior leaders in the Army, DoD and Congress. He also served as the manager for the Army’s Dual Use S&T Program.

Dr. Killion’s other key assignments include Technical Advisor in the Advanced Systems and Concepts Office at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, ARL Liaison to the MANPRINT Directorate, Executive Assistant to the Director of ARL, Technology Team Leader for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Joint Project and Principal Scientist for Electronic Combat Training at the Air Force Human Resources Laboratory.

Dr. Killion is a recipient of the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award and of the Exceptional Civilian Service Award from the Department of the Army.

Dr. Killion earned dual B.A.s in psychology and English from Saint Mary’s College. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in experimental psychology from the University of Oregon. Dr. Killion also graduated with highest distinction from the Naval War College.

 

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