VICKSBURG, Miss.— The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently inducted Patricia Sullivan, Nick Boone and Dr. Robert Moser into the Senior Executive Service (SES) during a ceremony at ERDC Headquarters in Vicksburg.

The event, which was attended by ERDC leadership and employees, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officials and family members, recognized the inductees for their exceptional contributions to research and development, as well as their new responsibilities as top leaders of the organization.

ERDC Commander Col. Christian Patterson hosted the ceremony, which featured remarks from Commanding General of the Mississippi Valley Division Maj. Gen. Kimberly Peeples and ERDC Director Dr. David Pittman. Both highlighted the significance of the SES and the critical role these leaders will play in shaping ERDC’s future.

“The SES designation means planning, directing and coordinating multimillion-dollar research programs, managing hundreds of team members and identifying new and strategic research opportunities to address the nation’s toughest challenges,” Pittman said. “For ERDC, it means overseeing the operation and business aspects of the organization as a member of the ERDC Board of Directors — one of the most challenging tasks.”

Pittman also shared his personal connection to the three inductees.

“I have worked closely with all three of our honorees,” he said. “They are each an ERDC champion and valuable proponents for research and development, helping lead ERDC into the future.”

Each inductee was presented with an SES pin and shared reflections on their careers, expressing gratitude for the support of colleagues, mentors and family.

“We aren’t promoting these great Americans and professionals today for what they’ve done,” Peeples said. “Today is about what they are capable of doing and what they will do in the future. It’s about celebrating their potential and passion to ensure continuity, excellence, personal engagement, senior leadership and accountability in our organizations.”

Sullivan, ERDC’s deputy director, has held multiple leadership roles at ERDC, including associate director and executive staff officer, and has been a mentor and advocate for innovation and excellence throughout her career.

“This promotion celebration is an immense honor and joy, and I’m deeply humbled to share it with all of you,” Sullivan said. “It is because of the wonderful people in my life — my family, friends and colleagues — that I’ve reached this significant milestone. I look forward to continuing to serve the Army, USACE and ERDC in this esteemed role.”

Boone, director of the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), has spent his career working in the areas of survivability engineering and advancing force projection and maneuver support technologies. Over the years, Boone has contributed to the development of protective systems that have saved lives in combat zones.

“Through my experiences, I found my true passion — solving hard problems and making a difference, and we get to do both of those every day here,” Boone said. “As I step into this role, I do it with a deep sense of responsibility. Our work matters, not just today, but for the future of our country. I’m honored to continue serving and look forward to what we’ll accomplish together.”

Moser, director of the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), has been a leader at ERDC in materials science, advanced manufacturing and high-performance computing. His efforts have driven ERDC’s capabilities in computational research and supported national defense missions.

“The work we do matters, every single day, to our nation and the Warfighter,” Moser said. “It’s our amazing people who make that happen in a way that no other organization can. I know I have big shoes to fill with a great legacy of leadership in ITL, and I commit to doing my best to shape our organization to be as impactful as it can be in the future.”

The ceremony concluded with a reception honoring the inductees and their contributions to ERDC’s mission.