White Sands Missile Range leadership held a Twilight Ceremony to recognize WSMR’s new Executive Director Vincent Liddiard as a member of the Senior Executive Service Oct. 12 in front of Building 100.

WSMR welcomes new Executive Director

“We are here today to welcome Vincent Liddiard, and his family, as the new Executive Director,” said WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little.

Senior Executives lead America’s federal workforce. As the keystone of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the SES was established to ensure that the executive management of the Government of the United States is responsive to the needs, policies, and goals of the Nation and otherwise is of the highest quality.

As the Executive Director and Deputy to the Commanding General at WSMR, Liddiard serves as the Senior Civilian and has similar authority to act and make decisions for subordinate positions within the Command.

“Vincent now carries the responsibility with our military flag officers,” Little said. “Vincent, you have my highest level of trust and confidence as you step into the role of Executive Director.”

“Those of you who know Vincent recognize him as a committed leader who genuinely cares about ATEC, he genuinely cares about White Sands Missile Range and our entire workforce.”

“You are the technical expert to move this mission forward and continue White Sands on the path of excellence towards modernization,” Little said. “We are extremely fortunate to have you taking the reins.”

James Amato, ATEC Executive Technical Director, said he was thrilled to be at WSMR and thanked everyone responsible for putting the event together.

“The ATEC that you are living in today is a trusted and valued partner in our Army, and I am proud to be on your team,” Amato said.

“Vincent, getting to be an SES is kind of a big deal…so to rise to that level is a true testament of one’s professionalism, one’s dedication and one’s selfless service and Vincent is a model representative of all of those values,” Amato said.

Liddiard thanked WSMR and community leadership who were present at the event. He also thanked his wife and his children for their support throughout his career.

To the WSMR workforce he asked that they assume positive intent and help those around them who may need help.

“For those who in their path of duty are doing great things that are largely unrecognized, thank you,” Liddiard said. “You make a difference, I see you, and without you we can’t do anything.”

He said these individuals are doing things that are helping to propel the mission forward.

“They are making the Army better.”

He said the National Defense Strategy has set up some things that we are challenged to do.

“In talking about challenges, how are we going to prepare for the future force of the Army?”

“WSMR has always been whatever our country needed it to be.”

In talking about his responsibility as an SES Liddiard said that truth is what we are seeking.

“The challenge I have is to pursue standards of excellence,” Liddiard said. “I want you to hold me accountable, hold yourself accountable and hold each other accountable for standards of excellence.”

By Miriam Rodriguez

WSMR Public Affairs