Jim Threlfall’s military service was just the beginning. Today, he leads the world’s largest modeling, simulation, and training conference, bringing a new level of expertise to a global stage. As the Conference Chair of the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) for 2024, Threlfall oversees an event that attracts more than 18,000 attendees from across the globe, including representatives from the Department of Defense, industry leaders, and academia. Held annually in Orlando, Florida, I/ITSEC showcases innovations in training, modeling, and simulation, creating a space for collaboration and cutting-edge research. For Threlfall, leading such a prominent event is an important part of a second career—one that began after his years of military service as an Army field artillery officer.
Threlfall’s journey to I/ITSEC started at Norwich University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in military history. As he neared the end of his service in the US Army, his path brought him to Old Dominion University’s Darden College of Education & Professional Studies, where his wife, Denise, had earned her master’s and was pursuing her doctoral degree, and where she served as an instructor. He earned his master’s degree in technology education in 1995. He credits his ODU education with opening up new opportunities and paving the way for his post-military career. "Pursuing this degree at ODU opened up a second career for me," Threlfall said. "It allowed me to shift from the military to a field I’m passionate about—education and training."
After completing his degree, Threlfall joined Computer Sciences Corporation, where he spent nearly a decade training employees in technology and management. He went on to serve in executive roles, working with major clients such as Toyota and Blue Cross Blue Shield, before eventually finding his way to volunteer with I/ITSEC. Over the past 16 years, he has steadily risen through the volunteer ranks, from serving on subcommittees to holding leadership roles, including deputy chair. Now, as Conference Chair, he coordinates every detail of the massive event, from planning sessions to overseeing key industry collaborations, along with the over 350 volunteers that make up the planning committees.
I/ITSEC isn’t just a conference—it’s a vital platform where government, industry, and academia come together to shape the future of training and simulation. Threlfall is passionate about ensuring that the event meets the evolving needs of its diverse participants, which include everyone from defense contractors to healthcare professionals. "The collaboration between the Department of Defense, industry, and academia is one of the most exciting parts of I/ITSEC," he said. "It gives us a chance to understand what’s happening across the field and how advancements in technology, like artificial intelligence, are shaping the future. Our main goal is to ensure that our war fighters have the capability to ensure they are successful in the battlefield - but this also has grown to include first responders, the medical industry, and grown to support the nation as a larger whole."
Threlfall sees artificial intelligence as one of the most transformative trends in the industry today. While AI offers exciting opportunities to revolutionize training and simulation, Threlfall also recognizes the challenges it presents. “AI has the potential to change how we simulate real-world scenarios,” he said. “But we have to think carefully about its impact on the workforce and how we adapt training to these new technologies.”
Though Threlfall’s career has taken him around the world, he remains deeply connected to ODU. Both he and his wife earned degrees from the university, and their son graduated from ODU with a degree in sport management – making their connection to the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies a strong one. Reflecting on his time at the university, Threlfall fondly remembers Dr. John Ritz, a former faculty member who had a lasting impact on both him and his wife. "Dr. Ritz played a huge role in shaping our academic and professional journeys," Threlfall said.
Looking back on his own career transition from the military to leading the world’s largest modeling and simulation conference, Threlfall encourages current students to pursue careers they are passionate about. “Make sure this is something you love,” he advised. “That passion will carry you through the program and into the workforce. My field has evolved so much—from basic tools like PowerPoint when I started, to advanced AI and online learning today. The opportunities now are incredible.”
For Jim Threlfall, leading I/ITSEC isn’t just about organizing an event—it’s about continuing his mission to impact the future of training and simulation, a journey that started with a second career path and a degree from Old Dominion University.
Learn more about Darden College’s Programs.
Learn more about I/ITSEC’s December 2024 conference.