Alumni Magazine - Summer 2008 - (Page 68) PA C E S E T T E R S ‘A Chance To Make a Difference’ John J. Young exemplifies the rewards of public service for both himself and the country By Gary Goettling Photography: Rob Felt John J. Young Jr.’s remarkable public service career has charted a rapid upward trajectory, just like the model rockets he launched as a boy and the ballistic missile systems he helped engineer as an adult. The Moreland, Ga., native and 1985 aeronautical engineering graduate was appointed in 2007 by President George W. Bush as undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics — the thirdhighest civilian post at the Pentagon. In May, Young was the guest speaker at the dedication of a new Center for Collaborative Systems Engineering Research on the Georgia Tech campus. “The formation of the center is good news,” he said in an interview prior to the event. “It’s desperately needed.” He noted that Pentagon studies suggest a more rigorous and thorough systems-engineering approach would significantly improve the performance and success rate of many military programs. At the same time, he added, the United States is facing a dramatic and troubling decline in the number of systems engineers as the work force ages into retirement and the number of new graduates is insufficient to take their places. The Georgia Tech center, a joint effort between the College of Engineering and the Georgia Tech Research Institute, intends to emphasize engineering fundamentals and applied research for solving problems associated with increasingly complex systems not only in the military arena but in the civilian realm as well. At the same time, it is hoped that the center’s high-profile work will boost the attractive- ness of systems engineering as a career. In his public remarks before the gathering of students, alumni and faculty, Young addressed the virtues of public service. “Every graduate forges their own path on to a career they enjoy,” said Young. “Not only is public service a fulfilling path, but there is an acute demand for the unique skill set that you learn here as engineers. “Public service gives you a chance to make a difference.” Young’s career to date reflects an impressive level of public service at the highest levels of the military. In 2001 he was appointed assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition by the president. As the Navy’s senior acquisition executive, Young implemented a number of organizational and business practices to increase 68 Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine • Summer 2008
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