Mr. Richard A. Ellis is the Deputy Commander, Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support. DLA Troop Support annually buys over $14.5 billion worth of food, clothing, textiles, medicines, medical supplies, construction and equipment items for America's warfighters and other customers worldwide.

Before coming to DLA Troop Support, Mr. Ellis served as Contracts Manager, Readiness and Sustainment, Electronics, Intelligence & Support; BAE Systems, Inc. He was responsible for providing contracting functional expertise, specifically as it related to Performance Base Logistics (PBLs).

He retired from the Navy Supply Corps at the rank of Captain after a 26 year career. His responsibilities included operational logistics, inventory management, and contracting.

His last assignment was Director of Contracting at Naval Inventory Control Point (NAVICP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was responsible for the acquisition of aviation and maritime repair parts; awarding over 40,000 contracts valued in excess of $4.5 billion annually. During his tenure, NAVICP awarded 30 Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contracts. Additionally, Mr. Ellis pioneered the use of on-line reverse auctions in the federal government.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University, a Masters in Business Administration from University of Washington and he attended the Wharton School Executive Development Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ellis is also certified Level III in Acquisition Management.