Mr. David J. Shaffer
Last updated: 8 September, 2026
ORSA Hall of Fame | Inducted: 2018
Service and Career
David J. Shaffer spent more than three decades strengthening Army operations research, logistics analysis, and systems evaluation.
After working in private industry, he joined the Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) as an operations analyst in 1974. He later led its Logistics Analysis Division and entered the Senior Executive Service in 1997 as chief of the Combat Evaluation Division. He directed AMSAA from March 1998 through July 2006, then became deputy to the commander of Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, retiring in 2008.
Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Shaffer studied mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh and earned a master's degree in logistics management. His professional education included the Army War College and the Senior Management Executive Development Program.
His legacy includes leadership of Army materiel analysis and research organizations, alongside mentoring analysts and developing the Army's analytical workforce.
After working in private industry, he joined the Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) as an operations analyst in 1974. He later led its Logistics Analysis Division and entered the Senior Executive Service in 1997 as chief of the Combat Evaluation Division. He directed AMSAA from March 1998 through July 2006, then became deputy to the commander of Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, retiring in 2008.
Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Shaffer studied mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh and earned a master's degree in logistics management. His professional education included the Army War College and the Senior Management Executive Development Program.
His legacy includes leadership of Army materiel analysis and research organizations, alongside mentoring analysts and developing the Army's analytical workforce.
Source: AORS Hall of Fame biography. Biography summarized from the 2025 archive.