Carol McIlwain PhD

I am an award-winning author of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Nonfiction for my book Managing the Bucket List: The Journey Begins. The award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights and their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance understanding.

Additionally, I am a retired Senior Executive of the United States Navy with thirty-nine years of service. My professional experience spans engineering and program management. I deployed as the Senior Advisor for Acquisition and Logistics in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan for eighteen months, as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn for fifteen months.

An avid lifelong learner, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and a Master of Science in Business Administration (Management Science and Operations Research) from Temple University, a Master of Engineering in Engineering Science from The Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Arts in International Relations from Salve Regina University, a Master of Science in National Security Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and a Doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Project Management) from the University of Maryland.

My recognitions and awards include two Joint Civilian Service Commendation Awards, two Global War on Terrorism Awards, a NATO Medal, the Naval Air Warfare Center Innovation Award for Program Management, and the Daniel S. McCauley Professional Achievement Award for Engineering. I have also published several papers on system mathematical modeling, maintenance data and reliability, project management, and leadership.