About Dr. Neal Finkelstein
A 36-year experienced professional in the innovation of technology, for the commercial, and defense. Serving as a scientist, technologist, and professor while working on shared challenges that cut across government, academics, and industry. Today, an acquisition and procurement expert and modeling and simulation evangelist leading an organization that has the vision to put the latest integrated technology in the hands of its users. As such, Dr. Finkelstein has become an expert in acquisition, procurement, business development, and proposal writing from grants to all contract vehicles used in the Federal Government (e.g., SBIR/STTR, BAAs, OTAs, C-Contracting, FAR). From start-up companies, subs, and primes, Dr. Finkelstein has the contacts, collaborative alliances, and team knowledge to support your growth.
He also specializes in workforce development issues, especially revolving around fueling the Science Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pipeline challenges on how to recruit and retain talent. Dr. Finkelstein has also worked for the Department of Justice as an Expert Witness in the procurement and acquisition of defense contracts.
Prior to working at the National Center for Simulation (NCS). For three decades, Dr. Finkelstein served in the Department of Defense. His last position was as Chief Scientist for the U.S. Army Modeling, Simulation, and Training (MS&T) Laboratory in Central Florida. He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Doctorate in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Finkelstein holds a certificate in Program Management from the Army School of Engineering and Logistics at Texarkana, Texas. Additionally, three Level III Certifications in the Acquisition Corp for Science and Technology Management, Program Management, and Engineering and is a past Graduate of the U.S. Army Leadership and Education Development Course, and Graduate of the Manager's Development Course.
Over his career, Dr. Finkelstein has worked in various capacities of increased responsibility specializing in human-in-the-loop immersive training and simulation effectiveness, human/system integration, human sciences, human/unmanned research, mobile application development, virtual reality, augmented reality, data infusion, Digital Twins, mixed reality, and served on billions of dollars in projects that cut across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, DHS, and VA to name a few. He also served at the Pentagon while supporting the establishment of the Army Modeling and Simulation Office in Alexandria, VA. By chairing or participating in 47 Source Selection Evaluation Boards, authored/co-authored over seventy technical publications, and being a Faculty Scholar, and Adjunct Professor, Dr. Finkelstein has a unique set of expertise to bring to companies or agencies seeking to learn more about navigating business and digital transformation across various sectors.
Dr. Finkelstein also serves on several Boards of Directors from industry, academia, to Government. Dr. Finkelstein lives in the United States in Central Florida, he is married to Lysa Finkelstein, and they have two daughters Kaitlynn and Kara.
