National Armaments Consortium Appoints Don Palathinkal as Director of Customer Affairs

National Armaments Consortium Appoints New Director of Customer Affairs

The National Armaments Consortium (NAC) has made a significant leadership change, announcing the appointment of Don Palathinkal as its new Director of Customer Affairs. This strategic move reflects NAC's commitment to enhancing collaboration with government partners and to driving innovations in defense technology that are critical for U.S. warfighters.

In his new position, Palathinkal will spearhead efforts to streamline business operations and implement necessary process improvements to ensure that the delivery of advanced capabilities to America's military personnel is both efficient and effective. Don Palathinkal is not new to this field; he brings over 20 years of extensive experience encompassing defense acquisition, program management, and armaments technology development, serving both in government capacities and the defense industry.

Prior to his tenure at NAC, Palathinkal founded BridgeHill Corporation, where he provided Agile Acquisition, Program Management, and Engineering expertise to U.S. Department of Defense customers. His professional journey has been marked by a consistent dedication to connecting technologies with operational needs, positioning him as a critical figure in advancing the mission of the NAC.

Joe Buzzett, Chairman of the NAC Executive Committee, expressed confidence in Palathinkal, stating, "Don has built his career connecting people, ideas, and organizations to develop technologies that deliver decisive advantages to our warfighters. His unique blend of experience across government and industry makes him a valuable addition to our team as we work to equip our warfighters with the most advanced technologies available, especially in today’s environment of increasing global tensions."

Ben Harris, Executive Director of the NAC, echoed this sentiment, commending Palathinkal's ability to respond quickly to the evolving needs of the armaments landscape. He indicated that Palathinkal’s technical knowledge and acquisition experience would further enhance NAC’s capability to address timely requirements, fostering partnerships across government, industry, and academia

The NAC stands as a pivotal organization delivering advancements in armaments technology to the U.S. Department of War (DoW). By bringing together over 1,200 innovative companies and academic institutions, NAC fosters collaboration under several Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) with the DoW. This partnership model emphasizes the importance of joint efforts between traditional contractors, smaller innovative firms, national laboratories, and academic entities to enable rapid development of critical prototypes in weapon technology, including missiles, ammunition, and more.

Palathinkal's previous roles included significant leadership positions within the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO AA). As Deputy Product Director, he managed a robust portfolio that featured technologies such as Shoulder-Launched Munitions and various protection systems. Furthermore, as the Deputy Chief of Staff for JPEO AA and Director of the Assured Precision Weapons and Munitions Office, his oversight of the integration of Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) technologies played a fundamental role in enhancing military effectiveness.

Earlier in his career, Palathinkal made substantial contributions at the Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM AC), including pivotal involvement with the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC). His active engagement during the establishment of the NAC, which arose from the merging of critical technology consortia, highlights his long-standing commitment to advancing U.S. defense capabilities.

"I have witnessed firsthand the NAC's role as a leader in accelerating the development of prototype weapon technologies, both from my perspectives in government and industry," expressed Palathinkal. "Joining the NAC at this crucial juncture, where the urgency to deliver technologies that bolster America’s competitive edge in any conflict is paramount, is a true honor."

A graduate of the Defense Acquisition University Senior Service College Fellowship program, Palathinkal holds a Master's degree in Supply Chain Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH).

About the National Armaments Consortium

The National Armaments Consortium is recognized as one of the premier collaborative organizations working closely with the Pentagon in developing armament technologies essential for national security. By facilitating the fast-tracking of technology into the hands of warfighters, promoting innovation, and enhancing collaboration among government, industry, and academia, NAC plays a crucial role in driving the nation’s defense initiatives forward. Moreover, NAC brings together nontraditional defense contractors, contributing to advancements in research, development, and future military capabilities.

For additional information on NAC, please visit www.nacconsortium.org.