Solutions: What inspired you to serve at the DEVCOM CBC?

McIntosh: This is the third opportunity I’ve had to serve on Edgewood. My first two assignments were as a major and lieutenant colonel with the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO CBRND). Most recently, from 2013-2016, I served as the Joint Product Manager for Biological Detection Systems which was part of Joint Project Manager (JPM) Contamination Avoidance, now known as JPM CBRN Sensors. Getting to do what you want to do doesn’t always happen in the Army. Fortunately, this time around, the Army gave me my first choice of assignments – the Chemical Biological Center.

Solutions: Tell us a little about your new role at the Center.

McIntosh: My official title is Military Deputy, or MILDEP. A couple examples of what I think a MILDEP should do includes: acting as the military representative to the joint warfighter; executing all aspects of daily operations to include planning, organizing and leading Center interactions with the Army Modernization Enterprise and providing military operational and acquisition experience to assist in aligning science and technology efforts to joint modernization priorities. Simply put, I think it’s my job to lead and to solve problems. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you think I can be of assistance.

Solutions: How would you describe how you help the warfighter?

McIntosh: As an acquisition officer serving in program management positions, I would say delivering capability that meets requirements, at the right time and for the right price. When I worked at the Combined Arms Support Command, I tried to make sure requirements met warfighter needs. When I worked for the Army Test and Evaluation Command, I helped by assuring requirements were met. At the Defense Contract Management Agency, it was all about delivering safe aircraft. Here, at the Center, I think I help by having a positive impact on the organization, making a difference, and by being an advocate for the capability our Center can provide.

Solutions: What prior experiences, education or background prepared you most for your role?

McIntosh: I believe a combination of things prepared me for my role at the Center. As mentioned, I have two prior assignments with JPEO CBRND. I’ve commanded at the colonel (O6) and lieutenant colonel (05) level so I can provide a certain amount of perspective on leadership. I’m level III certified in program management and level II in logistics, and I’ve completed PMT 401 and PMT 402 courses at the Defense Acquisition University. My master’s degree is in program management and I have 34 years of experience in the military.

Solutions: Do you/did you have any role models or mentors and how did they influence your career?

McIntosh: I’ve had several role models over the years. On a personal level, I have always looked to my father. I feel like he set the bar for how he balanced working a full-time job while still being present for his children – he did it right. On a professional level, I’ve looked to a couple former battalion commanders for examples of what right looks like. From one person in particular I learned valuable lessons about the importance of leading from the front and how technical expertise can lead to credibility. Based on these examples, I pushed to be both a tactical and technical expert as an Army aviator; ultimately leading to my attendance at the AH-64 maintenance test pilot course.

Solutions: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

McIntosh: Getting involved and making a difference. You always want to leave an organization better than you found it, or at least that should be your goal. That’s my goal with the Chemical Biological Center.

Solutions: What is your leadership style?

McIntosh: I try to adapt my leadership style to the situation. If you are familiar with Myers-Briggs, I’m a solid ISTJ. If you are familiar with Emergenetics, my scores are: Analytical 10, Structural 53, Social 16 and Conceptual 20.

Solutions: In light of COVID-19 and remote working, how have you stayed productive and influential? Tell us about your experiences in a virtual work environment.

McIntosh: I started working remote while in Orlando, both with my past organization and the Center. I’ve been fortunate to have a dedicated workspace in Florida and Maryland. I believe that is key to making the at-home work experience productive. I’ve been impressed with the tools we have available at the Center to make us productive while working from home. Going forward, I believe we need to develop a long-term remote work plan that balances the goals and objectives of the Center with the goals and objectives of the workforce. I really think positives will outweigh the negatives regarding long-term remote work opportunities.

Solutions: Is there anything additional you’d like people to know about the work you do?

McIntosh: I take what I do very seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously. My son is now in the armed forces, so what I do is personal. We need to make sure we bring our “A-Game” every single day.

Solutions: Do you have a favorite quote or motto that keeps you motivated?

McIntosh: My favorite motto is from my last organization – Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation in Orlando, Florida. Their motto is, “We work for our Soldiers. It’s the best job we ever had.” I believe this says it all.