Aberdeen Proving Ground Leadership Visits Harford Community College

Major General James (Jim) D. Turinetti IV, Senior Commander, Aberdeen Proving Ground, visited the Harford Community College campus on January 8.

During his first visit to the College since taking command, MG Turinetti met with Dr. Theresa B. Felder, Harford Community College President; Dr. Diane Ryan, Vice President, Academic Affairs; and Dr. Michele Campagna, Vice President, Student Success; at a welcome reception held in his honor. Members of the President’s Cabinet discussed how the College and APG collaborate on projects, build relationships, and share resources.

Following the reception, MG Turinetti was escorted to Aberdeen Hall to tour the state-of-the-art biotech labs for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) division. He also visited Joppa Hall to view one of the cybersecurity labs. It was noted that Harford students learn from experts in the field who have firsthand experience in cutting-edge technology.

Dr. Pamela Pape-Lindstrom, Dean, STEM, and Dr. Marc Minnick, Dean, Business and Applied Technology, stressed the importance of the long-standing partnership between the College and APG and the invaluable opportunities for Harford students and faculty it has provided. Dr. Pape-Lindstrom highlighted the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant that allowed the College to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, giving students the opportunity to conduct state-of-the-art research. Several Harford Community College students have presented their research at state and national conferences. Dr. Minnick discussed the P-Tech (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) program that combines high school, college, and work-based learning. Students are immersed in high school as well as college courses while working in the field of Computer Information Systems or Cyber Security. It is offered at Joppatowne High School in partnership with Harford Community College and the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command on Aberdeen Proving Ground, offering students paid internships and individualized mentorship throughout their educational journey. In addition to existing partnerships, opportunities for future partnerships were discussed.

APG is the largest employer in Harford County. The Post Command works closely with College leadership to ensure Harford programs are aligned with regional workforce needs. They, along with their many defense contractors, provide opportunities for Harford students to explore cutting-edge careers through co-ops and internships. The College maintains an office on Post where it provides support to active duty military, veterans and their families who are pursuing academic goals. Harford also offers a schedule of credit classes each semester and provides contract training for organizations on Post. 

Throughout his 30-year career as an Army officer, Major General Turinetti has served as a leader in roles at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. He assumed his duties as the 18th Commander of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and Senior Commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground on June 28, 2024. He is the commanding general for a 9,000-person, two-star global command and senior commander of a 28,000-person military base.  MG Turinetti serves as the U.S. Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) and medical materiel integrator. He is responsible for enabling the U.S. Army’s warfighting readiness by providing sustainable global C5ISR and medical materiel support.