Former commander of world’s largest supply chain named advisor to Wright State defense institute

A South Carolina native, McCoy spent more than 35 years in the Air Force. He was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base three separate times, most recently from 2003 to 2006, when he was director of logistics and sustainment at the headquarters of Air Force Materiel Command.

Maj. Gen. (retired) Gary T. McCoy, former commander of the world’s largest supply chain, has been named senior advisor to Wright State University’s Institute of Defense Studies and Education (IDSE).

McCoy retired Oct. 1 as commander, Air Force Global Logistics Support Center, Scott Air Force Base. The center manages an $8.5 billion budget and a command of more than 4,200 personnel.

McCoy will help develop educational programs at IDSE, which supports the Defense Department, commercial industry and others by employing experts from government, the military, academia and the private sector. He will also help market IDSE to make military personnel and others aware of its programs.

“I see this as an opportunity to use my extensive military background, experience and leadership to help shape and prepare the next generations of business and world leaders,” McCoy said. “I’ve wanted to be part of academia for many years. I’m really thrilled about this. I see this as an opportunity to help others achieve their career goal and aspirations.”

A South Carolina native, McCoy spent more than 35 years in the Air Force. He was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base three separate times, most recently from 2003 to 2006, when he was director of logistics and sustainment at the headquarters of Air Force Materiel Command.

McCoy said he has observed IDSE’s supply chain management program from its beginnings.

“I believe my years of experience working supply chain management and logistics for the Air Force has direct application to what is being taught and delivered by IDSE,” he said. “What has to be taught is how to be agile, flexible and successful at the same time.”

IDSE Director Vikram Sethi, Ph.D., said McCoy was responsible for unifying and streamlining the varied operating practices within the Air Force’s supply chain.

“The complexity of the Air Force supply chain is far beyond what any in the corporate world can imagine,” Sethi said. “He knows more about how to get materiel from the factory to the flightline and foxhole than anybody else I have met.”

Sethi expects McCoy to help IDSE develop more educational programs and strengthen existing ones. He said having McCoy on board will raise the profile of Wright State and IDSE and extend their reach in attracting students.

“We are delighted to have General McCoy join the Wright State team,” said Provost Steven Angle. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will assist WSU in matching the needs of the military and industry with our outstanding educational programs.”

McCoy said he has watched Wright State grow and is impressed with how it serves the community.

“I believe it is a university that understands the needs of the people; I believe it is a university with vision,” McCoy said. “I like being part of that vision.”