Photo By Aliyah Harrison | COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service...... read more read more
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support
TITLE: Logistics management specialist
YEARS OF SERVICE IN AAW WORKFORCE: 16
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Advanced in life cycle logistics; Practitioner in program management
EDUCATION: M.A. in business, administration and management, Lawrence Technological University; B.S. in business, Southern Wesleyan University
AWARDS: Certificate of Achievement Maneuver Support Vessel (Light, 2023); Commander’s Award for Civilian Service – Product Director Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (2017); Achievement Medal for Civilian Service – Program Executive Office, Combat Support and Combat Service Support (2016); Achievement Medal for Civilian Service – Product Director Allied Tactical Vehicles (2014); Achievement Medal in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan (2013)
STACEY MILLER
by Cheryl Marino
In the ever-evolving landscape of Army acquisition, rigid plans and fixed mindsets quickly become liabilities. Logistics Management Specialist Stacey Miller believes being open to change and ready to pivot strategies isn’t just beneficial—it’s crucial for success.
“I’ve seen firsthand how quickly priorities can shift, requirements can evolve and unforeseen challenges can arise and this extends far beyond the professional realm,” Miller reflected. “Life itself is a constant state of flux, and the ability to navigate uncertainty with grace and resilience is essential for personal fulfillment.” Adaptability, she explained, “isn’t just about what we do, but how we approach everything we do—with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a commitment to continuous improvement.”
Miller’s focus within the Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS) is on ensuring Soldiers have the reliable, sustainable equipment they need to succeed—from initial acquisition through the entire system life cycle. This, she noted “requires a proactive and holistic approach to logistics, encompassing everything from policy interpretation to data driven analysis and continuous process improvement.”
Ultimately, Miller’s role focuses on centralizing planning at the PEO staff level to alleviate the burden on individual program managers, while maintaining decentralized execution.
“By working across functional boundaries and aligning logistics activities with broader acquisition strategies, I strive to deliver a seamless and supportable capability to the warfighter,” she described.
Miller’s journey with the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) began with a life-changing move from Easley, South Carolina, to Detroit, Michigan, in 2007. Before joining the Army acquisition community, she spent a decade working at Michelin’s North American headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina, where she gained a strong foundation in logistics and supply chain management.
“This experience gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of efficient logistics, cross-functional collaboration and customer satisfaction, all of which translated seamlessly into my later work with the Department of Defense,” she said.
Shortly after relocating to Michigan, Miller worked as a contractor supporting government efforts in prognostics and diagnostics in alignment with the Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (now DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center)—a role that introduced her to the defense environment and sparked her interest in acquisition and sustainment efforts that support the warfighter.
She then transitioned into a civilian role at the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), formally joining the AAW as an item manager within the Integrated Logistics Support Center (ILSC).
“My background in private-sector logistics and my early exposure to military systems allowed me to quickly grasp the unique challenges of Army acquisition,” said Miller. “Today, I’m proud to contribute to the life cycle management and readiness of critical combat service support platforms. My previous roles have prepared me to solve complex problems, manage sustainment planning and ultimately serve Soldiers by ensuring they have the equipment they need to succeed.”
Miller’s initial role within the TACOM ILSC provided a strong foundation in sustainment, but she quickly recognized the value of a broader perspective and proactively transitioned to a Program Management Office within PEO CS&CSS—a pivotal move allowing her to take ownership of the entire equipment life cycle from conception and development through to disposal, fostering a more holistic understanding of the acquisition process.
This expanded role, and the increasing complexity it presented, fueled Miller’s commitment to continuous learning. She pursued her master’s degree and advanced certifications from the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) in logistics and program management, which provided her with the theoretical framework and practical skills to excel. Miller then complemented her degree with a Contracting Officer Representative, or COR, certification, which deepened her understanding of the contractual landscape and reinforced her commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
“These experiences, taken together, have underscored the importance of a life cycle-focused approach, a dedication to continuous professional development and a strong understanding of the acquisition process,” she said. “They’ve equipped me to contribute more effectively to PEO CS&CSS’s mission of delivering reliable, sustainable and innovative capabilities to our Soldiers.”
Miller said completing the Army Coaching Program and Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) have profoundly transformed her leadership style, fostering a more empathetic and inquiry-based approach centered on active listening and empowering team members.
“I wholeheartedly recommend the Army Coaching Program to anyone seeking to elevate their leadership skills,” she said. “Beyond the practical tools and techniques, the program fosters a mindset shift towards truly understanding and developing those you lead. It’s not simply about telling people what to do but about empowering them to find their own solutions and reach their full potential. In a complex environment like PEO CS&CSS, the ability to build strong relationships, navigate challenging conversations and inspire high performance is invaluable—and this program delivers on all fronts.”
When mentoring junior acquisition professionals, Miller emphasizes the importance of proactive career development and embracing continuous learning, while actively seeking out opportunities for growth. She said it’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks, but “investing in your skillset, whether through formal training like DAU courses or certifications like the ACTP, is crucial for long-term success in the AAW.”
Outside of work, Miller is a dedicated mother, known for being resilient and “relentlessly tenacious—qualities constantly tested and strengthened by the joys and challenges of raising a family.” Miller, who often uses humor to navigate stressful situations, tends to be deeply empathetic, fundamentally trustworthy and known for being a good listener.
“Resilience is vital when navigating the complexities of acquisition, and tenacity is essential for overcoming obstacles and driving projects to completion,” she said. “My empathy allows me to better understand the needs of the Soldiers we serve and the perspectives of my colleagues, fostering stronger collaboration. A sense of humor and a bit of sarcasm can actually be incredibly valuable for diffusing tension and building rapport within a team.”
Just as she’s committed to continuous growth in her personal life, Miller approaches her career with the same dedication to learning and adapting.
“Embracing change, even when it pushes me outside my comfort zone, has been key to my professional development,” she explained. “Ultimately, the values and habits that define me as a person are the same ones that drive my success within the Army Acquisition Workforce.”
“Faces of the Force” highlights the success of the Army Acquisition Workforce through the power of individual stories. Profiles are produced by the Army AL&T magazine team, working closely with public affairs officers to feature Soldiers and civilians serving in various Army acquisition disciplines. For more information, or to nominate someone, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/submissions/.
| Date Taken: | 08.13.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2025 08:27 |
| Story ID: | 546672 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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