New chief of staff wants to ensure ESC is 'operating on all cylinders'

  • Published
  • By Patty Welsh
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The new chief of staff for the Electronic Systems Center foresees significant challenges ahead but hopes he brings the right talents to the job in order to meet them.

"On the near-horizon, we have the change of command with new leadership coming in and we'll also be going through another re-organization," Col. Tim Nickerson said. "I'm hoping my organizational and leadership skills will assist in making those a success."

Colonel Nickerson has a diverse background. He was a B-52 navigator, a KC-135 pilot, worked in acquisition at the Space and Missile Systems Center and has also worked in Plans and Programs for Air Mobility Command. He has been at Hanscom since July 2008.

Prior to beginning the chief of staff position June 30, he was the Aerospace Management Systems deputy division chief in the Battle Management Directorate.

For Colonel Nickerson, the new job means a larger focus.

"My focus is no longer on one division," the colonel said. "I need to ensure I'm looking at all of the parts and pieces to ESC, including the GSUs [geographically separated units] located throughout the United States."

A long-term goal Colonel Nickerson set for himself is to review all the center's processes and procedures.

"I want to see if there are better ways that we can do business," he said. "Especially with the upcoming changes and fiscal realities, I want to ensure ESC is operating on all cylinders efficiently and effectively."

In addition to looking at the business side, Colonel Nickerson is also focused on personnel. He especially likes to mentor younger troops.

He has provided guidance at career days for cadets, the lieutenant leadership program that is often called "Smart Start" and the First Term Airmen Course. Next week he will be speaking at a Young AFCEANS (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association) event.

"I enjoy going out and mentoring our young folks because they are our leadership of tomorrow."

Advice that Colonel Nickerson has received over his career that he likes to pass on is, "Bloom where you are planted," meaning that no matter what job you have you should do it well and you will be recognized.

He likes to leave the positions he takes on in better shape than they were in when he arrived.

"The positions are not necessarily in a bad state when I come in, but that's one of my goals, to always improve them," he said.

An additional recommendation the colonel offered was "Never let anybody say you can't do something." If you don't ask, the answer will always be no.

Although he knows significant challenges lie ahead, Colonel Nickerson is embracing his new role.

"I'm looking forward to working with personnel from all throughout the base and ESC," he said. "And in these trying times of limited budgets and finding efficiencies, I'll be looking to ensure we continue to take care of our people because without the fine people we have today, the mission will not get accomplished in the future."