John Tencer, MBA

John Tencer is Associate Executive Director of Operations for the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, the DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command.

Tencer supports the NSRI executive director in leading and facilitating the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the institute to achieve its mission and strategic objectives.

Tencer played a critical role in the establishment of NSRI as a Department of Defense (DOD) designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) in 2012, building and managing operational functions and business systems from the ground up, including government contracting, finance, business development, project management, procurement, facilities, information technology, compliance and people operations.

Tencer has facilitated the award and successful project management of more than 175 government contracts, grants and other agreements with federal sponsors valued at more than $350 million. Additionally, he has filled a critical role as a liaison across 40 federal agencies, the University of Nebraska System and other academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and industry.

Prior to NSRI, Tencer completed 21 years of military service as an enlisted U.S. Marine and officer in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps. Throughout his military career he served in staff and operational assignments, both afloat and ashore, in procurement, logistics, readiness, contracting and fiscal accountability. 

Tencer earned Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Level III certification in contracting and was selected as a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps in 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s of business administration from Georgetown University.

In his free time, Tencer enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and pursuing adventurous outdoor activities on land and in water.