Col. Melvin Mitchell sees ‘endless opportunities ahead’ for Enterprise Business Systems – Convergence

FORT BELVOIR, Va. – On July 23, 2024, PEO EIS’ Enterprise Business Systems – Convergence (EBS-C) held a historic assumption of charter ceremony at the Fort Belvoir Community Center — the first in the project management office’s (PMO) history. Col. Melvin Mitchell assumed the role of EBS-C’s first permanent project manager.

EBS-C was initially established in February 2021 as a product office under Army Data and Analytics Platforms (ARDAP). In October 2023, EBS-C transitioned away from ARDAP to a PMO, where it leads modernization and transformation efforts to streamline and unify business operations throughout the Army along the Army’s digital transformation journey.

“Today is a really big deal for the Army,” Col. (Promotable) Robert J. (RJ) Mikesh Jr., PEO EIS’ deputy program executive officer, said of EBS-C, which is a top priority as it is set to become the largest business system in the Army’s history and one of the largest in the world. “I think it’s important to note the magnitude of what the Army is asking them to do.” 

Now with Mitchell at the helm of EBS-C, the PMO will lead the charge in planning and implementing a modernized and converged enterprise resource planning system (ERP) across the Army — including consolidating five logistics, finance and data systems into one single ERP platform.

“It’s a tough mission ahead,” said Michael Gormley, who had been EBS-C’s acting project manager since February 2024 and will stay on as Mitchell’s deputy project manager. “There’s a lot of great work that’s been done, yet much work remains ahead as we deliver capabilities to our end users and our Soldiers.” 

Mikesh acknowledged those who helped establish the EBS-C PMO in its early days, all of whom played valuable roles in laying the foundation for EBS-C’s future. “It’s because of great leaders that this team has made tremendous progress in the last three years,” he said.

In accepting the charter, Mitchell thanked his family, colleagues and Army leadership for their unwavering support throughout his career and for coordinating what he called a “special day.” 

“The Army got it right,” Mikesh said of Mitchell’s appointment. “We’re incredibly excited to have you assume the leadership of the EBS-C portfolio, and I am confident that the Army selected the right leader.”

Mitchell reflected on his childhood and modest upbringing and credited that to his beliefs today, namely, about the power of opportunity and how he intends to bring that vision to EBS-C. “Opportunity is a powerful concept,” he said. “It is a gateway to innovation, growth and progress. It is a chance to turn our vision into reality, transform our challenges into triumphs and to build a future that reflects our highest aspirations. As I step into this role [as EBS-C’s project manager], I see endless opportunities ahead.”

Wrapping up his remarks, Mitchell expressed his deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve and lead the EBS-C team. “I am excited about the future we will create together,” he said. “I look forward to an incredible journey.”