Contact Information
Name: Dr. Neal Finkelstein
Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Company: National Center for Simulation (NCS)
Location: Oviedo, FL
LinkedIn Profile: [Neal Finkelstein, Ph.D. - LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-finkelstein-ph-d-17177524)
Professional Experience
Current Position
Dr. Neal Finkelstein serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the National Center for Simulation (NCS). In his role, he collaborates with the President/CEO, the NCS Board of Directors, and member companies to advance the Modeling, Simulation, and Training (MS&T) community. His responsibilities encompass promoting, protecting, and expanding the MS&T sector, as well as addressing interdisciplinary challenges among government, industry, and academia. Key areas of focus include:
- Integration of advanced technologies such as digital twins, AI, VR, AR, cybersecurity, mobile applications, data analytics, and gamification.
- Working on shared challenges that involve research, development, and acquisition of training aids, devices, simulations, and simulators (TADSS).
Previous Experience
Dr. Finkelstein has an extensive background in defense and simulation:
- Department of Defense: Served for 31 years, including his position as Chief Scientist for the U.S. Army MS&T Laboratory in Central Florida.
- Oversaw projects across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, DHS, and Veterans Administration (VA), specializing in simulation effectiveness, human sciences, and mixed reality.
- Contributed to the establishment of the Army Modeling and Simulation Office in Alexandria, VA.
- Participated in 47 Source Selection Evaluation Boards and authored/co-authored over 70 technical publications.
Key Accomplishments
- Educational Leadership: Faculty Scholar, Adjunct Professor, and Senior Advisor to the University of Central Florida School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST).
- Chaired various boards including:
- Team Orlando Board of Directors
- National Defense Industrial Association (Orlando)
- Valencia State College
- Florida Governor’s Defense Alliance
- Florida I-4 High Technology Corridor
- Florida Polytechnic University Engineering Board of Directors
- STEM Advocacy: Director of STEM Camp Orlando for five years, collaborating with notable partners like NASA and Universal Studios.
Education
- Doctorate in Industrial Engineering: University of Central Florida
- Master of Science in Industrial Engineering: Texas A&M University
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering: Florida Atlantic University
- Program Management Certificate: Army School of Engineering and Logistics, Texarkana, Texas
- Level III Certifications in the Acquisition Corps for Science and Technology Management, Program Management, and Engineering.
- Graduate of Leadership Courses: U.S. Army Leadership and Education Development Course and Manager’s Development Course.
Professional Networks and Contributions
- LinkedIn Connections: 500+ connections
- Engages in hosting panels and representing NCS in significant events, such as the Governors Florida Defense Alliance and the VR/AR Association Central Florida Immersive Technology Summit.
Personal Background
- Family: Married to Lysa Finkelstein with two daughters, Kaitlynn (a UCF graduate) and Kara (currently attending Flagler College).
NCS Contact Information
Address:
National Center for Simulation
3039 Technology Parkway
Orlando, FL 32826
Phone: 407.882.6111
This detailed profile provides insights into Dr. Neal Finkelstein's extensive expertise in the simulation and defense sectors, his leadership roles, educational background, and influential presence in the MS&T community.
