Dorsey L. Newcomb was named Executive Director of the Leonard Wood Institute (LWI) and the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership (SOP) on July 1, 2019. Prior to assuming duties as Executive Director Mr. Newcomb served as Deputy Director / Technical Program Officer (TPO) from July 2016 through June 2019 and TPO from July 2008 through June 2016.

LWI was created in 2004 as a tax-exempt, non-profit research organization established at Fort Leonard Wood (FLW) to help fulfill technology needs of the U. S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) and FLW and improve the technology base of the region. LWI has resident expertise in enabling and managing collaborative and innovative efforts to assist in developing solutions that meet science and technology needs and inform Army capability development, primarily focused on the missions associated with MSCoE. 

LWI fulfills this mission by providing a mechanism to connect the expertise of private sector researchers and small, technology producing companies with these identified Army needs. During his 11 years at LWI, he managed over 200 applied and basic research projects valued at $76 million.

As Executive Director of the SOP, Mr. Newcomb leads the nonprofit, membership-based organization representing the 4-county region around FLW that was formed by LWI and community stakeholders in the region in 2013, and operates as a part of LWI. 

SOP’s mission is to continue fostering the region’s commitment to national defense; advocate for local and regional development issues as well as FLW sustainment and growth; coordinate and facilitate growth of a diverse and sustainable economy for the region; publicize consensus while respecting individual interests of the members; and function as the central point of contact for regional partners. SOP’s focus areas include quality of life, education, healthcare, transportation, utility infrastructure, workforce development, and mutually beneficial partnerships with FLW. 

Since its inception, Mr. Newcomb and the SOP team have worked in concert with FLW, Missouri’s Congressional Delegation, state and local leaders, and others in identifying and executing strategies designed to develop and implement initiatives to ensure that FLW will continue to be an important and enduring installation for the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, and the nation.

Prior to June 2008, Newcomb was Commandant of the MANSCEN Noncommissioned Officer Academy at FLW. He served as the executive level leader of the largest Noncommissioned Officer Academy and Drill Sergeant School in the United States Army. Mr. Newcomb served 25 years in the U.S. Army where he led various levels of military organizations. 

His military service includes extensive experience in leadership development, training, personnel, facilities, logistic and budget management, and force protection. During his career, he served successfully as Commandant, Battalion Command Sergeant Major, Battalion Operations/Task Force Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Course Manager, Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, Squad Leader, Desk Sergeant, and Military Police Investigator. His service included various stateside, overseas, and forward deployed assignments. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia College and an associate degree in Law Enforcement from Central Texas College. He was inducted into the Military Police Regimental Hall of Fame in 2018.

Dorsey and his wife Lidia of 30 years have two adult children, Lynette a 2013 graduate of Drury University and Dylan a 2017 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis.