David R. Oliver, Jr.

Rear Admiral David "Dave" R. Oliver, Jr. (Ret.) was the executive vice president of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) for North America. Currently he is an independent consultant. Since September 21, 2006 he has been the director of the American Superconductor Corporation.

Education
Oliver graduated from the United States Naval Academy. He received a Master of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs (Middle East) from American University.

Navy
While in the Navy, Oliver commanded diesel and nuclear submarines, as well as two submarines groups in the Cold War, one in Japan and one in San Diego. His final appointment in the Navy was Principal Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. His Military decorations include Defense and Navy Distinguished Service Medals and six awards of the Legion of Merit.

Oliver retired in 1995.

Career
David R. Oliver, Jr. held management positions at Westinghouse Electric and Northrop Grumman.

For both the Clinton and Bush Administrations, Oliver served as the Principal Deputy under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.

He was stationed in Baghdad, Iraq as Director of Management and Budget for the Coalition Forces.

Between 2004-2008 Oliver was the Chief Executive Officer of the Defense Division of EADS North America. During this time he ran the EADS portion of the capture effort for the Air Force Tanker Program.

From January 2008 through December 2011 Oliver held the title of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of EADS. In this position, he oversaw marketing, business development activities, and managed the operational activities of the EADS North America holding company.

Oliver continued to grow with the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company for the North American division. He also served as a strategic advisor, mergers and acquisitions, from January 2012 to July 2013.

Oliver is also a published author. He wrote an instruction primer for political appointees titled Making it in Washington. He also penned a management book, Lead On, and his wife's biography, Wide Blue Ribbon. His latest book is on leadership, featuring examples from the naval career of Hyman G. Rickover. It was published in Nov. 2014 by the United States Naval Institute Press.

Awards
Oliver has received two awards for public service: the Bronze Palm to the Department of Defense Award for Distinguished Public Service, and the Army and Navy Public Service Awards.