IEEE OES General Co-Chair OCEANS 2023
Innovative and results oriented Senior Level Management Leader with more than 30 years in-depth expertise in leveraging Earth Science and operational all source measurements and new scientific knowledge to enable innovative and practical applications by public and private organizations. Proven highly successful track record in requirements definition, managing, analyzing, and executing government, contract programs and projects with leading operational and research and development organization.
His work experience includes:
- NASA SSC Technology Transfer Office Lead for the NASA Remote Sensing Toolkit (RST) (Earth, Lunar and Planetary) Software Catalog under a Mississippi State University /NASA Agreement.
- NASA Applied Science Program Deputy Applications Program Lead for the Joint US /French Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) Satellite Mission under a Mississippi State University /NASA Agreement.
- ASRC Research and Technology Solutions (ARTS) Applied Sciences Department Manager, ARTS NASA ASTPO Customer Service Representative.
- NASA Applied Sciences Technology Project Office Deputy Chief, Senior Research Scientist, Gulf of Mexico Alliance Project Lead, Gulf of Mexico Initiative, and Rapid Prototyping Capability Program Manager, Applications Engineering Division Chief under an IPA (Intergovernmental Personnel Act) with the University of New Orleans.
- Director, Ocean Projects Department (N9), Naval Oceanographic Office
- Chief of Staff, Naval Meteorology and Oceanographic Command
- Director of Operations and Special Programs Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command,
- Director, Defense Mapping Agency, Combat Support (Global Mapping and Charting Distribution) Center
- Director for DOD Emerging Environmental Systems Naval Oceanography Command
Prior to these assignments, he held various high performance operational and research and development leadership positions in Aviation, Safety, Unmanned Systems, Combat Search and Rescue, oceanography, meteorology, remote sensing and mapping, charting and geodesy. He left active duty in the United States Navy as a Captain following completion of a 30-year officer career and 6 years enlisted service.
Mr. Peterson was awarded a B.S. degree in physics from Carroll College and a M.S. in oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a graduate of the Federal Quality Institute Executive Leadership/Management program. He holds a Naval Aviator, Aviation Safety Officer, and Weapons Systems Acquisition Program Manager designation as well as Heavy Helicopter and Commercial Pilot licenses. He has unique hands on and leadership experience for both unmanned air and underwater systems program development and operations and Rapid Prototyping and Development of applications for next generation satellite systems.
His awards include the first NASA Silver Achievement Medal for leadership in Applied Sciences. , the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal (Two single action and five strike fight awards), and the Navy Commendation Medal. Captain Peterson was credited with numerous air sea rescues of military and civilian personnel during his career, including fourteen of which were downed USMC/Navy/USAF airmen in the Coastal / waters and harbors off N. Vietnam, Six of which were under severe Combat Conditions.
He is active in numerous national, state, and military professional societies. He was the IEEE(OES) Deputy General Chair for the planning and execution of the highly successful October 2020 virtual IEEE(OES) /MTS Oceans 2020 Singapore – U.S. Gulf Coast Conference and is currently the Deputy General Chair for planning and organizing the in-person IEEE(OES) /MTS Oceans 2023 U.S. Gulf Coast Conference.
