The deputy program executive officer for the Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons was recognized for his appointment into the Senior Executive Service at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, Aug. 26, 2019.

“This past year has been everything I expected and more and I look forward to the upcoming challenges, but the journey doesn’t end today,” said Nicholas Stamatakis III.

“Nick, you have our utmost confidence and support in carrying out your duties as an SES and deputy program executive officer,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control Dr. Charles J. Ball.

Stamatakis said he owed much of his career to his supportive family and colleagues and emphasized the program’s commitment to completing the safe elimination of the remaining U.S. chemical weapons stockpile by Dec. 31, 2023

During his government career that began in the 1990s, Stamatakis served as a policy advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, established a first-of-its kind Advanced Development and Manufacturing Capabilities facility, and managed a $75 million medical countermeasures project.

“When I accepted the charter for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives Program nearly one year ago, I knew I needed a true professional to serve as my deputy. I needed someone with solid executive experience, public service values, and a broad perspective of government,” said Program Executive Officer Michael S. Abaie. “That’s when I called Nick.”

The ceremony was attended by Stamatakis’ colleagues, friends and family members, including wife Barbara, son Nicholas and daughters Mia and Ava.

The SES was established by Congress in the late 1970s as a link between executive management of the U.S. Government and the federal workforce. Members work to ensure that Presidential appointees understand the needs, policies and goals of the federal programs they are assigned.

This position in the U.S. civil service serves just below Presidential appointees and alongside General Officers.