Posted on January 1, 2025
VICKSBURG, Miss., – Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, 56th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, recently announced Patricia Sullivan has been designated as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) effective Dec. 15, 2024.
The SES represents the federal government’s top civilian leadership. SES members act as the vital link between presidential appointees and the federal workforce, ensuring strategic and operational excellence across federal agencies.
Sullivan currently serves as the deputy director of U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), and brings decades of leadership and technical expertise to the role. Since joining ERDC in 1984 as a research civil engineer in the Geotechnical Laboratory of what was then known as the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Sullivan has held numerous key positions, including assistant technical director for military engineering research, strategic assistant to the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory director, ERDC executive staff officer and associate director.
“ERDC is a world-class organization with a world-class team that discovers, develops, and delivers innovative solutions every day for the Warfighter and the Nation,” said Sullivan. “ I am extremely blessed and honored to continue to lead and serve in this role at this esteemed rank.”
As the center’s deputy director, Sullivan has been the chief operating officer for ERDC, one of the world’s most diverse research organizations. ERDC is home to seven laboratories across four states, $1.2 billion in facilities and guides an annual research program exceeding $2 billion. ERDC’s cutting-edge research supports the Department of Defense and other agencies in areas such as military engineering, civil works, geospatial research and engineered resilient systems.
Sullivan is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Society of American Military Engineers and Blacks in Government. She also serves on the Dean’s Leadership Advisory Council for the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Alcorn State University.
Her academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Tulane University, a master’s degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University and postgraduate studies at Louisiana State University. Sullivan has earned numerous awards, including the Meritorious and Superior Civilian Service Awards and the Women of Color STEM Conference Career Achievement in Government Award.
“I have had the privilege of working with Pat for many years, both in the Geospatial and Structures Laboratory and as part of the ERDC Executive Office leadership team,” said Dr. David Pitman, ERDC director. “She is a proven leader in strategic communication, organizational and leadership development and change management initiatives and will continue to excel in this position.”
Sullivan’s designation as an SES member is a testament to her dedication, professional expertise and exemplary contributions to ERDC and the nation.
