Within the context of career progressions, some people follow a linear path, while others carve a winding road filled with unexpected twists and turns. Dave Patterson falls into the latter category. A former Under Secretary of Defense, he is a seasoned professional with a diverse background. From military service to high-stakes corporate projects, his journey is a testament to adaptability and seizing opportunities. In this Associate spotlight, we delve into his remarkable career history. Patterson offers us insights into the mindset of a truly remarkable man. 

Patterson’s career began with him being drafted into the Army, where he served as a medical laboratory specialist. Upon leaving the army he charted a course to becoming an embryologist. However, one day while in grad school, he happened to drive by Wright Patterson Air Force Base. There, he witnessed a 22T38 training aircraft take off. It was then that Patterson decided to switch gears. He set out the next day to join the Air Force.

Reminiscing about that time, he says “I said ‘sign me up’ and [I] had the rigorous exam on the following Saturday, and Voila, was I in the OTS on my way to pilot training. Went to Vietnam. Flew O2-As in Vietnam as a forward air controller came back, flew C-5s and various assignments in the Air Force, and finally, you know, got out of the Air Force”.  That experience in the military was just the beginning of his winding career path. 

The transition from military to civilian life saw Patterson take on roles that made use of his skills for innovation and problem-solving. He got positions at firms like McDonald Douglas and Boeing, where he navigated through troubled waters, steering projects towards success. He describes his first encounter with the C-17 program at Boeing as “a problem-plagued, troubled program” but by the time he left, it was “a model program, which is what you want all your programs to be”. Through his work in the industry, he began establishing a reputation for himself as being a ‘fixer’.

After leaving McDonald Douglas in 1999, he “joined SMA and was assigned to the Joint Strike Fighter program at Lockheed.” Which Patterson cites as one of his most memorable projects. “It wasn’t enjoyable, to begin with, but memorable”   

Patterson’s journey wasn’t confined to corporate boardrooms; it extended to the heart of government institutions. A stint at the Pentagon, serving under Paul Wolfowitz, provided a unique view into the intricacies of defense policy and acquisition. This insight into the inner workings of bureaucracy shed light on the challenges of shaping national security strategy.

After serving in government, Patterson found himself drawn back to SMA. “I came back and it’s been an excellent experience and association ever since.” He now serves as an Executive Advisor to SMA.  

Reflecting on his journey, Patterson credits a high school English teacher with shaping his trajectory. “My English teacher in my freshman year in high school took me aside and said ‘Your writing is terrible and you need to do a better job.” ” And she said you can’t write intelligently unless you think intelligently.” That teacher’s advice laid the groundwork for his future successes.  

As Patterson continues to build his legacy, he now passes his English teacher’s wisdom to those starting their careers after him. “Do whatever you can to improve how you express yourself, either in written form or verbally, so you can get an accurate representation of what you’re thinking.” He also encourages newbies to be flexible. “Pick up and do what you’re supposed to do without missing a beat. And if you can do that, then you’re gonna be successful.”  

Dave Patterson’s career journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. From humble beginnings in the military to commanding heights in corporate and government spheres, his story encapsulates the essence of seizing opportunities and embracing challenges. 

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