William McCormick
On December 4th, 2018, Dr. Jacques “Jack” Singleton Gansler passed away due to complications with melanoma at the age of 84. Gansler had been affiliated with the University of Maryland in various roles since 2001. His biography with the university listed his roles as the interim dean, vice president of research and professor of the School of Public Policy.
During his academic career, his driving passions were teaching and interacting with the student body. As a researcher, Dr. Gansler focused on national security and ensuring the country had a world class and affordable defense industry.
His contributions to academia came after a remarkable career in defense. Jack Gansler was the inaugural holder of the Roger C. Lipitz chair in Public Policy and Private Enterprise. He served as the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. As the third ranking civilian at the Pentagon from 1997 to 2001, Dr. Gansler was responsible for research and development, acquisition reform, advanced technology, the defense industry and several security programs over his career. Jim McAleese, founder and principal at McAleese & Associates, described Dr. Jacques “Jack” Singleton Gansler as a true Renaissance-man.
“He was an engineer’s engineer, with his Electrical Engineering B.S. from Yale; an M.S. from Northeastern University; and his Ph.D. from American University. He was a masterful senior manager and board member of multiple IT & professional-services companies; a true-wealth-generator. He became a legend for his forceful stand on ever-accelerating defense industry M&A consolidation, blocking Lockheed’s proposed ~$8B acquisition of Northrop Grumman and astounding both industry & investors alike, said McAleese. He had a genuine-desire to do the right thing for the warfighter, that rose above politics and bureaucracy. He was also a prolific author. We have lost a great patriot, but heaven has gained a great-angel!â€
Gansler is survived by his wife, Leah, three children, Gillian, Douglas and Christine, and five grandchildren: Jenna, Vance, Samuel, William and Kaitlin. The Gansler family requested for donations to be made to the Jacques S. Gansler Fund to honor and continue his legacy.
