Effie Fragogiannis stands as a towering figure in defense acquisition, currently serving as the Senior Procurement Executive and Director of Contracts Management Office for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In this pivotal role, she expertly manages a vast portfolio of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions, totaling a staggering $2.23 billion across over 2,700 actions. Her responsibilities extend beyond mere administration; she acts as the principal advisor to the Director of DARPA on all matters of acquisition, demonstrating her profound expertise and strategic insight. Ms. Fragogiannis’s career trajectory exemplifies the pinnacle of achievement for professionals within the acquisition field, a path often fostered by programs like the Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP) 2016, although her specific cohort year isn’t explicitly stated in available biographies. Her dedication and expertise underscore the critical importance of robust career development initiatives in shaping leaders within defense acquisition.
Ms. Fragogiannis’s career foundation was laid at the Army Contracting Command – Rock Island, IL, where she progressively ascended through various roles. Her early positions included Branch Chief for the Joint Manufacturing & Technology Center and Contracting Officer for diverse branches, including Information Technology, Iraq, and Kuwait/Qatar. Demonstrating her commitment to service and operational excellence, she undertook two deployments to Afghanistan. During these deployments, she served as the Transportation Flight Chief for CENTCOM – Joint Theater Support Contracting Command. In this demanding role, she provided crucial contracting support to the Afghan National Government and managed contracts exceeding $1 billion, ensuring the delivery of essential transportation services to both Afghan and U.S. forces. This experience honed her skills in high-stakes, complex contracting environments, skills that are crucial for leaders nurtured through programs like the Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP) 2016, designed to produce agile and effective acquisition professionals.
In 2017, Ms. Fragogiannis broadened her international experience by joining the Office of Program Manager – Saudi Arabian National Guard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As Director of Contracting for two years, she commanded direct oversight of Foreign Military Sales contracts valued at over $2 billion, supporting a massive $32 billion FMS program. Her leadership was instrumental in synchronizing all contracting efforts to achieve OPM-SANG’s mission: to train, advise, and assist in enhancing the capability and capacity of the Ministry of the National Guard for security and defensive operations throughout Saudi Arabia. This role further solidified her expertise in managing large-scale, international defense programs, reflecting the advanced competencies expected of graduates from programs akin to the Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP) 2016.
Returning stateside, Ms. Fragogiannis served as the Associate Director for the Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Here, she held accountability for a large workforce of over 400 employees across seven geographically dispersed locations, managing a substantial operating budget of $51.3 million. Her oversight extended to critical ACAT programs and Other Transaction Agreements, showcasing her ability to manage diverse and complex acquisition portfolios. Further demonstrating her adaptability and national service, Ms. Fragogiannis acted as a liaison with the COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force under the Office of Secretary of Defense. In this capacity, she leveraged her extensive acquisition experience to synchronize and support the Department of Defense’s COVID-19 response efforts. Simultaneously, she served as the DoD liaison with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, utilizing the corporation’s financial expertise to issue DPA Title III loans, expand U.S. production capabilities, and mitigate industrial shortfalls, all while promoting vital interagency coordination. These diverse roles highlight the breadth of experience and adaptability that are hallmarks of successful acquisition professionals, often cultivated through rigorous programs like the Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP) 2016.
Before her current position at DARPA, Ms. Fragogiannis served as the Executive Director of Acquisitions & Head of the Contracting Activity for the National Guard Bureau. In this significant role, she exercised management and authority over all National Guard Contracting. Under her leadership, the National Guard Enterprise executed approximately 22,000 contract and cooperative agreement actions annually, with obligations of $4 billion. This vast operation supported the National Guard’s presence across 50 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia, encompassing both the Army and Air National Guard. Her leadership at the National Guard Bureau underscores her capacity to manage decentralized, large-scale acquisition operations, a skill set honed by years of experience and potentially enhanced by professional development programs such as the Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP) 2016.
Ms. Fragogiannis’s academic credentials further underscore her commitment to professional excellence. She holds a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School for National Security & Resource Strategy/National Defense University, and a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Saint Ambrose University. Her Bachelor of Arts in International Business, with minors in Economics & Spanish, also from Saint Ambrose University, provides a strong foundation for her global perspective in acquisition. Furthermore, she has completed the Advanced Civilian Education System Course at the Army Management Staff College, the Senior Acquisition Course through the Defense Acquisition University, the Security Cooperation Management Executive Course through the Defense Institute of Security Cooperation Studies, and is a graduate of the prestigious Defense Senior Leader Development Program. Her memberships in the Senior Executives Association and Army Acquisition Corps, along with her DAWIA Level 3 certification in Contracting and Level 1 certification in Program Management, further attest to her professional standing and continuous development, reflecting the values promoted by career development programs like the Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP) 2016.
Ms. Fragogiannis’s distinguished career is punctuated by numerous accolades, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award, the NGB Distinguished Service Award, the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal, and two Superior Civilian Service Awards. She has also received the USD (A&S) Workforce Development Innovation Award, the NATO Medal in support of International Security Assistance Forces, the Secretary of Defense Medal for Global War on Terrorism, and twice received the Secretary of the Army Excellence in Contracting award, along with the Secretary of the Army Excellence in Contracting Outstanding Unit Award. These awards are a testament to her exceptional contributions and leadership within the defense acquisition community.
In conclusion, Effie Fragogiannis’s career is a compelling narrative of dedication, expertise, and leadership in defense acquisition. While the Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP) 2016 is referenced as a potential career shaping influence for professionals in her field, regardless of her specific cohort year, her journey exemplifies the profound impact of robust professional development and commitment to excellence in government service. Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration for those aspiring to leadership roles in acquisition and highlight the critical importance of continuous learning and strategic career development in this vital field.
