Mentor Protégé Program Manager
Department of Navy (DON) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)
Ms. Mercedes Thurston assumed her position as the Department of Navy (DON) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) Mentor Protégé Program Manager in April 2020. In Ms. Thurston’s role, she administers and manages all active and non-active Mentor Protégé Agreements (MPAs). In addition, she educates the acquisition workforce about the Mentor Protégé Program, reviews budget requests and provides advice and guidance to the major buying commands concerning potential and new MPAs. Prior to supporting DON OSBP, Ms. Thurston served as a Contracting Officer with an unlimited warrant at Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA). Since beginning her acquisition career, Ms. Thurston has gained experience dealing with various acquisitions including major weapons systems, shipbuilding, research and development, and professional and engineering support services. Ms. Thurston earned a B.S. in Business Administration from North Carolina A&T State University and earned a Master of Business Administration from Trinity Washington University.
