Wesley Sparks is the Huntsville Business Development and Strategy lead for American Rheinmetall Munitions, a subsidiary of the global land systems prime contractor Rheinmetall. He has been in the Huntsville area since 2020 after retiring from the US Army as an Acquisition Program Manager in Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems. At Rheinmetall, Wesley develops strategic business case opportunities for large weapon and ammunition programs serving all branches of the DoD. His objective is to grow the company’s portfolio of medium and large caliber ammunition, primary weapon systems, and engineering products and services focused on the US Army and SOCOM.

Achieving this strategy involves continuous interaction with teaming partners, Pentagon staff, and Congressional stakeholders. His training and experience include an MBA, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, DAWIA PM Level 2, Shipley BD and Capture, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Procurement and Contract Management from the University of Virginia. Wesley lives in Madison with his wife, Alaine, and their three kids. When he is not attending trade shows, industry day events, or traveling to the company Headquarters in Germany, he enjoys cheering on his children at gymnastics, dance, and Scholar’s Bowl.

What is your career goal, and how does HSV fit into that picture?

I hope to continue developing experience and growing responsibility in corporate development and strategy in the defense industry. With Cummings Research Park and the large number of prime and small defense companies here in Huntsville there are so many opportunities for growth. This city has been famous for engineering since the beginning of US rocket programs, but there are so many roles in finance, program management, operations, and administration.

What’s the best place to grab a drink, coffee, tea, etc. in town?

There are some excellent breweries across the city and we highly recommend Black Patch Distillery in Madison. Gold Sprint near Lowe Mill always has some great coffee and is a good place to work remote for a few hours.

What is your favorite thing to do in Huntsville on the weekends?

The big things that we always get on the calendar are the US Space and Rocket Center, the Botanical Garden, Toyota Field for Trash Panda games, and our new favorite detour out to the Buc-ee’s on I-65.