Two days before his death, he completed a lifetime goal and earned his Doctorate in Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from Regent University. Those that knew him best loved him for his work ethic, determination, positive attitude and good heart. He lived his life in pursuit of achieving his dreams, taking care of his wife and family, and getting the job done. He was a good man who believed in his country, believed in hard work, and was willing to lead by example in all phases of his life.
Dr. Novikov has been serving as the Joint Project Lead for Radiological and Nuclear Defense at the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland for the past 16 months after serving as the Deputy Joint Project Manager for Radiological and Nuclear Defense for 2 years. His previous assignments included the JPEO-CBD’s Chief of Strategic Initiatives and Deputy Program Manager for JPEO Support Services.

Dr. Novikov retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army in 2006 while serving as the Director for Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Combat Developments for the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Dr. Novikov’s other assignments during his 25 year Army career included: 3rd Chemical Brigade Executive Officer; 4th Infantry Division Chemical Officer in Tikrit, Iraq; 2nd Infantry Division Chemical Officer at Camp Red Cloud, Republic of Korea; Conventional Forces Analyst for Joint Staff; 4th Forward Support Battalion S3; 2nd Armored Division Assistant Chemical Officer; West Point Prep School Mathematics Instructor; 84th Chemical Battalion S3; Headquarters Company Commander at Johnston Island; 71st Chemical Company Executive Officer; and Chemical Officer for what was a nuclear capable 25th Division Artillery and 1-8th Field Artillery Battalion. After reaching the rank of Specialist Five with the Air Defense Artillery, and subsequent completion of Officer Candidate School as the Distinguished Academic Graduate at Fort Benning, Georgia, Dr. Novikov was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps.

He held a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University, a dual Master’s of Science degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His last academic achievement was earning a Doctorate in Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from Regent University.

Friends are invited to celebrate Dr. Novikov’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, December 12 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD on Friday, December 13 at 10:30 am. Interment, with full military honors, will take place at a later date.