Dr. M.I. Cooper-Krueger
DBA | DAWIA Level II | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Defense Contracts, Claims & Acquisition Leadership
Twenty-five years in defense acquisition, contract management, and program leadership across NATO, DoD, DOE, and research institutions. Current role managing claims, contract compliance, and dispute resolution on a billion-dollar DOE/NNSA nuclear construction program. Research focuses on how leaders drive measurable organizational outcomes.
Experience & Expertise
Contracts, Claims & Strategic Leadership
DAWIA Level II certified program manager with Prince 2 credentials and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Current focus on construction claims, contract compliance, and dispute resolution on DOE/NNSA nuclear construction programs, with published research examining how strategic narratives correlate with measurable outcomes.
Career spanning Naval Nuclear Laboratory (Fluor Marine Propulsion), RAND Corporation, Defense Contract Management Agency, NATO Office of Resources, and NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency (NC3A). Experience includes managing claims and contract compliance on billion-dollar nuclear construction programs, serving as contracting officer and source selection authority across 28 NATO nations, and conducting defense acquisition research for Flag-level decision makers.
Currently Adjunct Lecturer at Saint Vincent College McKenna School of Business, teaching strategic leadership and bringing practitioner experience to academic instruction.
Areas of Focus
Contract Management & Claims Resolution
Managing claims analysis, contract compliance, and dispute resolution on DOE/NNSA nuclear construction contracts exceeding $1B. Former contracting officer and source selection authority across 28 NATO nations on $5B+ defense portfolios. Expert in FAR/DFARS, REA and claims resolution, backcharges, and multi-tier procurement structures across FFP, CPIF, CPAF, and IDIQ instruments.
Defense Acquisition & Program Management
Led DCMA programs through strategic rebaselining, recovering $15M+ in costs and re-aligning government requirements with executable contractor performance plans. Applied EVM and WBS-based controls to validate cost and schedule baselines on ACAT I weapons programs. Expertise in DoD PPBE processes and international procurement.
Leadership Communication Research
Research examines how leadership narratives correlate with organizational performance outcomes. Published findings in Journal of Leadership Studies demonstrate relationships between communication patterns and measurable results. Framework validated across multiple contexts and time periods.
Strategic Leadership Education
Teaching strategic leadership and organizational effectiveness at Saint Vincent College McKenna School of Business. Curriculum integrates practitioner experience from NNL, NATO, DCMA, and RAND with research-based frameworks for leadership development.
Research & Publications
From Words to Wins: Tracing Narrative Impact in Presidential Debates Over Three Decades
Journal of Leadership Studies (2025)
Analysis of how narrative strategies shape political outcomes, with applications to strategic communication in defense and organizational leadership.
Read Publication →Language of Legendary Leaders
Doctoral Dissertation (2024)
Mixed methods study on organizational storytelling, examining how leadership narratives drive strategic implementation and organizational performance.
View Dissertation →Analysis of Alternative Uses for the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility
RAND Research Report RRA2719-1 (2024)
Analysis of strategic alternatives for critical infrastructure, demonstrating cost-benefit analysis and alternatives evaluation for defense assets.
View Report →Asteroid Economics
SSRN Working Paper & Psyche.co (2024-2025)
Examination of economic behavior under existential risk, exploring patterns in consumption and strategic decision-making frameworks.
Read Article →Community Engagement
Humanitarian Impact
Support for humanitarian initiatives including medical care and vocational training for war-affected communities in West Africa.
Spine Alliance →Education
Teaching and mentorship in strategic leadership and organizational effectiveness at the university level.
Contact →Community Development
Support for community development initiatives that strengthen societal foundations.
Habitat for Humanity →Contact Information
For inquiries regarding research collaboration, speaking engagements, or professional opportunities.