Maj. Melvin McDonald brings a competitive edge to work

Maj. Melvin McDonald III, assistant program manager for the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) Integrated Mission Management System (AIMMS) program, is developing a cloud-based solution that will replace three legacy systems. 

AIMMS is seeking qualified commercial development providers able to deliver a low-code/no-code cloud-based software solution combining project and portfolio management, enterprise content management, workflow management, application integration and data-analytics capabilities. To that end, the AIMMS program plans to award up to three prototypes in August 2021.

Despite being 5-foot-9, McDonald’s hard work and competitive spirit made him an Oklahoma City high school basketball star. He brings a desire to do his best to work.

During his 17 years of Army service, McDonald has developed expertise in acquisition, communications and logistics. McDonald, today’s #PEOEISTeammateTuesday, answered questions about his career and life.

What inspired you to join the Army?
I enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school. I initially intended to serve in the Army Reserve, but I loved basic training. I decided to walk away from a college basketball scholarship and joined the Army full time as a communications technician. After four years of Army service, I joined the private sector for eight years working as a systems engineer for telecommunications companies. After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, I decided to rejoin the Army as a second lieutenant.

How do your friends describe you?
My friends describe me as loyal and very competitive. Some people believe competitiveness is bad. I don’t. I believe in being competitive, doing the right thing and standing behind your work. Competition makes everybody better.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I coach my sons’ basketball teams.

How would your former coaches describe you as a basketball player?
They would describe my style as direct, very competitive and leading by example. I hate to lose, but I am not bitter about it. As a team, there is always something that can be done better to affect a game’s outcome.

Three of my sons play sports. I am never mad or upset if they lose, but I do get upset if they don’t give it their all. There is no excuse for not giving it your best shot.

When I play sports with my sons, I tell them, “I love you, but I play to win.” [Laughs.]

Besides sports, what else are you passionate about?
I am passionate about supporting my family's well-being, mentoring youth and uplifting my teammates. I am also passionate about financial independence. Eliminating debt provides freedom.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
My wife and I met during high school at a local state fair. I gave her my grandmother’s phone number because my family didn’t have a phone in our home. When the girl who became my wife called my grandmother’s home, my grandmother informed her that I didn’t live there. In spite of a rocky start, my wife and I have been married for 22 years.

Describe your leadership style.
I am direct. My parents taught me to speak to individuals with compassion and always tell the truth. That’s how I’ve approached my military career. Having hard conversations is tough, but being upfront doesn’t leave room for anyone to question your integrity or loyalty. It’s always right to be honest with the understanding that it isn’t a one-way conversation. I am always looking for feedback. Having candid conversations is the best way to resolve problems and conflicts.

Why have you been so successful in your career?
I am blessed. I have always had a supportive spouse, great leadership and the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who have underwritten my success.

What is the best career advice you received?
Be willing to listen to others as opposed to being the first person to always speak or provide the answer. Understand that there is more than one way to do things. Know your job, take care of your people and your family.

Why is PEO EIS a great place to work?
We have great leaders at all levels. We are empowered to make decisions with little or no guidance. We develop solutions on the cutting edge of innovation.

If you could thank anyone for the role they played in your life, who would it be and why?
My parents. They gave me a strong foundation. My mom is a superwoman who made countless sacrifices for my brothers and me. My dad taught me the importance of honor and integrity.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who always did the right thing and gave it my best, no matter what.