Dr. Matt Willis leads the Army’s portfolio of private sector engagements through prize competitions and the Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, comprising over $275M in annual research and development investments. Previously, Dr. Willis has served as the Army Director for Laboratory Management; Chief for Acquisition at the Joint Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Program Analysis and Integration Office; and the Deputy Director for Special Projects in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research, providing alignment for DoD’s S&T investments amongst the Services. Dr. Willis started his Army career as a Research Chemical Engineer at the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. Dr. Willis received a BS in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University, an MS and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is the author of numerous manuscripts, technical reports, and patents. He has received several awards including the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service in 2014 and 2015.