by Chief Petty Officer Marlowe Dix
Mr. Scott DiLisio, Commander, Submarine Force Executive Director In August 2008, Mr. Scott DiLisio reported to Commander, Submarine Force (COMSUBFOR) as the first Executive Director of the Submarine Force headquarters in Norfolk, Va. He is the principal advisor to the Submarine Force Commander on all matters relating to Undersea Enterprise programs and requirements, and is also the senior civilian in the Submarine Force. Mr. DiLisio had over 20 years of civilian service for the Department of the Navy prior to entering the Senior Executive Service (SES) in 2006. His assignments focused on support and innovation of logistics for various Navy communities. COMSUBFOR is his second SES assignment. In his first SES role, he served as the Assistant Deputy Commander, Fleet Logistics Support at the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). There, he was responsible for the program management and implementation of logistics functions, policies and processes within NAVSEA and its field activities. Mr. DiLisio holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Strayer University. He is a recipient of numerous professional awards, including the Superior Civil Service Award, and holds an honorary commission as a Naval Supply Corps Flag Officer. He is a member of the Acquisition Professional Community. As the Executive Director at COMSUBFOR, can you describe your role and how the position fits into the leadership chain? I serve as Vice Adm. [Jay] Donnelly’s senior advisor on all matters relating to the management of our Submarine Force. In this role, I provide counsel for executive-level decisions that aim to improve
12
F A L L 2 0 0 9 U N D E R S E A WA R F A R E
research and development, acquisition, logistics, maintenance, and modernization so that our Sailors can successfully support combatant commanders’ missions. Additionally, as Vice Adm. Donnelly’s principal advisor, I execute his intent by attempting to strike a sustainable balance between current and future readiness. In this capacity, I strive to allocate Submarine Force resources to best meet evolving oper-
U.S. Navy photo
ational and fiscal challenges. Much like other Navy Executive Directors, my goal is to bring sound business acumen and sage counsel to the Navy Enterprise. The Commander, Chief of Staff, Force Master Chief, and I comprise the SUBFOR Senior Leadership Team. We frequently meet to establish Submarine Force priorities, tackle policy issues, evaluate war-fighting requirements, and formulate strategic guidance. However, meeting the current and future needs of the Submarine Force’s officers, enlisted, civilians and families requires more effort than any one leadership team or individual can provide. Therefore, another part of my job is to increase collaborative efforts between the Norfolk SUBFOR headquarters staff, the Commander Submarine Force Pacific (SUBPAC) staff, and our partners across the Navy and industry. Overall, I feel my voice advocates the priorities, concerns and needs of the Submarine Force, which is a reflection and amplification of Vice Adm. Donnelly’s positions. What are your efforts in determining budgetary priorities for maintenance, performance, military and civilian per-
