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Our Experts
Our PhD and Master’s level experts are retired senior military, government civilian, or high-level industry executives who average 30 years of experience in all technical and management disciplines essential to weapon system acquisition and sustainment. Each has held important government positions such as center/laboratory commander, system program director, program executive officer (PEO), directorate chief, chief engineer, and director of various functional home offices, such as contracting and financial management.
Detailed experience is available on each expert’s page.
Filter the randomized gallery by business area or sort alphabetically by last name.
Our hand-picked consultants are defense acquisitions’ brightest, most innovative experts. We roll up our sleeves and provide support through all phases of the weapon system life cycle.
Accomplished acquisition advisor with a proven track record in cross-service defense applications. He is adept in strategic planning and relationship building. He is a strategic professional prepared to deliver impactful business solutions. Known for fostering collaborative team environments and stretching organizations toward greatness.
Brig Gen, USAF (Ret)
Chris "Alf" Athearn
Experienced configuration management (CM) SME with 40 years of experience in DoD acquisition development, production, and sustainment programs. Possesses unique qualifications, insights and understanding of CM, data management and data digital transformation.
NH-03, DAF (Ret)
Leisa Lemaster
40+ years of leadership and management experience in aerospace and defense as a senior USAF officer and within the private sector, including congressional and international experience. Extensive financial and M&A experience with strong DoD and OSD domain relationships.
Brigadier General, USAF (Ret)
Bob Edmonds
Over 20 years of acquisition, logistics, technology, and business transformation experience in executive and management positions in the US Air Force (USAF), US Navy (USN), and US Marine Corps (USMC). She served in senior leader positions at Headquarters Air Force (HAF), US Air Forces Europe, and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AF).
GS-15, DAF (Ret)
Aspasia Wooldridge
45+ years of experience in electronics engineering with expertise in development and fielding of advanced aircraft self-protection systems, with assignments on many of today’s operational bomber, fighter, and cargo aircraft.
GS-15, DAF (Ret)
John Geise
35+ years of aerospace flight systems engineering experience on major USAF aircraft systems development programs. Recognized SME in all aspects of air vehicle subsystems design, development, certification, and sustainment with specialized expertise in aircraft fuel systems and fire protection systems.
NH-04, DAF (Ret)
Betty Rodriguez
35+ years of weapon system acquisition and manpower standards estimating experience in DOD development programs. Nationally recognized financial manager; successfully managed cost and schedule activities for the F-22 Raptor.
Major, USAF (Ret)
Steve Sowers
35+ years' active duty and civil service experience as a USAF attorney at all levels of the DAF and DOD. Possesses an engineering background with specialized expertise in IP, tech transfer/transition, Defense Production Act transactions, internal investigations and compliance strategy.
Colonel, USAF & DO-IV, DAF (Ret)
Paul Van Maldeghem
25+ years of experience covering all aspects of USAF financial management—finance, accounting, budget, and cost estimating—in the operations and maintenance; test; and acquisitions and procurement arenas.
Colonel, USAF (Ret)
David Peeler
Defense acquisition leader focused on delivering advanced capabilities that strengthen national and allied readiness. Brings deep experience guiding multibillion‑dollar programs across DOE, NASA, national defense, and allied partners. Former B‑2 program director with a record of driving operationally aligned acquisition outcomes and cross‑agency mission integration.
Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Cory Brown
35+ year career as an innovative thinker on sustainment strategies for traditional weapon systems to commercial derivative applications. Former C-17 director of logistics and recognized PBL and public-private partnership expert.
Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Gregg Sparks
Government acquisition expert specializing in contracting and acquisition leadership, with experience in major classified and unclassified weapon systems. Served as a warranted contracting officer for USAF, USAFE, and USSOCOM. Participated in many formal source selections and sole source contract negotiations and awards, and in post-award management for weapon systems contracts.
Colonel, USAF & SES, DAF (Ret)
John Lyle
35+ years of experience; recognized leader in airworthiness, systems engineering, and program management throughout the life cycle for the nation’s most complex and critical aviation platforms (F-35, B-1, C-17, and F-15) and weapons systems, including joint service and multinational contexts.
GS-15, DAF (Ret)
Bob Stanton
Over 40 years of experience in industry as a systems engineer and avionics specialist supporting development, production, sustainment, and operation phases for military aircraft programs. Recognized for expertise in navigation systems, Kalman filtering, sensor integration, weapon/sensor alignment, AWACS, and USAF modernization efforts.
Industry Executive (Ret) (Ret)
David Borgersen
40+ years of direct experience in program management, engineering, and T&E of complex aerospace systems at multiple corporate levels. Proven record successfully developing and evaluating industry capture strategies, proposals, EVM processes, and IMSs.
Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Bob Kayuha
30+ years of experience leading complex, technology driven programs. Specialized expertise in product line strategy, investment planning, design, manufacture, program management and field sustainment of high performance IR/RF systems.
Industry Executive (Ret)
Carl Smith
35+ years of experience in engineering, program management, product support, logistics, depot production, and integrated life cycle management. Served as director of engineering, technical director, and chief engineer at multiple geographic locations for numerous programs and organizations.
NH-04, DAF (Ret)
Luke Burke
35+ years of project development and leadership experience applying proven engineering and certification processes to achieve airworthiness certification. Former Lockheed Martin Engineering Technical Fellow for Airworthiness and Airworthiness Certification with specialized technical expertise in both military and civil certification.
Industry Executive (Ret)
Don Roberts
30+ years of engineering and management experience; successfully led multiple, complex organizations of 10,000+ people, owning direct oversight of up to $10B annually; former JSF deputy program executive officer (PEO) and director.
Rear Admiral, USN (Ret)
Randy Mahr
35+ years experience leading large, complex organizations as an acquisition, test, and operations expert. As AFLCMC commander, built a new organization responsible for “cradle to grave” management of nearly all USAF systems.
Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)
C.D. Moore
Strategic acquisition and industrial base expert with experience leading complex defense procurement, supply chain resilience, and industrial policy initiatives across national defense and federal agencies. Trusted advisor to senior executives on mitigating supply chain risks, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and advancing acquisition innovation.
NH-04, DAF (Ret)
Vinita Veneziano-Martin
Dynamic and results-driven executive with extensive experience leading organizational transformation, strategic innovation, and operational excellence in research-focused environments. Proven ability to align mission-driven organizations with stakeholder priorities, diversify revenue streams, and build impactful partnerships across academia, industry, and government.
Industry Executive (Ret)
Mark Ingram
30+ years of USN experience spanning large-scale supply management and material support, logistics, information systems development, program management, forecasting and planning, inventory control, distribution, and transportation.
Rear Admiral, USN & Industry Executive (Ret)
Mike Roesner
30+ years of joint, combined, interagency and operational experience with expertise in joint warfighting and DoD policy at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Former Deputy Chief of Staff Strategy, Requirements and Integration (Acting), HQ USAF and Director, AFWIC.
Major General, USAF (Ret)
Mike Fantini
35+ years of USAF acquisition-related experience including executive leadership of major procurement operations supporting weapon systems life cycle management. First director of the 711th HPW and former AFMC director of contracting.
SES, DAF (Ret)
Tom Wells
Seasoned, senior executive with global leadership experience; face-to-face communicator dedicated to building and guiding award-winning teams. Focused on achieving organizational objectives while emphasizing affordability, continuous process improvement, and organizational excellence.
Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Samuel Payne
40+ years of contracting-focused USAF acquisition experience; involved in all stages of federal acquisition including strategy formulation, requirements development, source selection, negotiation, program execution, policy formation, and workforce initiatives.
SES, DAF (Ret)
Patsy Reeves
40+ years of experience in aerospace engineering. Accomplished in the design, development, installation, certification, and testing of military aerial refueling systems. Critical thinker with experience in executive problem solving, engineering policy and process and sustainment and logistics.
NH-04, DAF (Ret)
Mark Burket
Senior executive with over 35 years of experience as an engineer and program manager. As the USAF S&T Executive, directed the USAF’s cutting-edge $5B S&T investment portfolio. Recognized SME in all aspects of weapon system cybersecurity, mission systems, digital engineering, and S&T.
SES, DAF (Ret)
Jeff Stanley
30+ years of experience including 20+ years as a senior manager of aerospace and defense organizations ranging in size from 30 to 3,000 professionals. Former Chief of Staff for US Africa Command (US AFRICOM) and vice president for a major defense company.
Major General, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Mike Kingsley
30+ years USAF and defense industry experience. Former commander or vice for three USAF procurement centers: Nuclear Weapons, Electronic Systems, Space and Missile Systems, as well as the program executive for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
Major General, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Terry Feehan
Executive program manager with success leading large, complex systems though development and into sustainment with a focus on customer, safety, first pass quality, and continuous improvement. Strong background in systems architecture and engineering, product life cycle management, and militarized commercial derivative aircraft.
Industry Engineering Executive (Ret)
Ken Coe
30+ years of of senior executive management experience leading multi-billion dollar enterprises to develop and field fighter, missile defense, command & control, and intelligence/surveillance/ reconnaissance systems for the US, NATO & Allies.
Brigadier General, USAF (Ret)
Gary Connor
25+ years of aerospace engineering experience on major aircraft systems development programs for the USAF. Recognized aircraft structures DADT technical expert. Highly experienced in all aspects of aircraft design, development, sustainment, modifications, and airworthiness certification.
NH-04, DAF (Ret)
Juan Lado
40+ years of aerospace engineering and airworthiness experience; former USAF Delegated Technical Airworthiness Authority (DTA) and Director of Engineering for Fighter Bomber, ISR/SOF and Agile Combat Support Directorates.
DR-04, DAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Doug Atkinson
40+ years of experience as a US Department of the Air Force attorney and legal services manager. Proven acquisition professional with an engineering background and specialized expertise in acquisition and sustainment strategy. Dayton Aerospace general counsel.
Esq, SES, DAF (Ret)
Tony Perfilio
35+ years of acquisition experience working with various technologies in the USAF and Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Served in senior positions as Deputy Program Executive Officer for C3I&N, Division Deputy,and Deputy Program Manager of Targets & Countermeasures in MDA.
NH-04 (GS-15), DAF (Ret)
Tanya Lambert
40+ years of DoD acquisition experience; recognized as a leading expert on cargo systems, parachutes, air transport, and airdrop for all US cargo aircraft, rotary wing, and V-22 craft with 30+ years in airdrop and air transport engineering.
NH-04, DAF (Ret)
Mark Kuntavanish
40+ years of executive leadership in the USAF acquisition enterprise, including support of weapon systems life cycle management. Two-time PEO, deputy director, wing commander and program manager responsible for airlift, bomber, tanker and trainer aircraft, aircraft simulators, ACS systems, and propulsion systems.
SES, DAF (Ret)
Paul Waugh
35+ years program management experience across weapon programs development, procurement, and sustainment. Former deputy PEO, Fighters & Bombers Directorate and deputy director, Big Safari program office, AFLCMC.
GS-15, DAF (Ret)
Brian Rutledge
35+ years computer resources policy, processes, and standards experience for the USAF, DoD, NATO, and the commercial sector, with specialized expertise in AMP, VMS, CRSIE, software analysis and integration, FCA/PCA, airworthiness certification, aircraft SIBs, FQTs and engineering education.
NH-04, DAF (Ret)
Dana Springer
Highly accomplished aviation and logistics professional with over 40 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, logistics management, and airworthiness assessment with both government and industry. Recognized SME in MIL-HDBK-516, Military Airworthiness Certification, and experienced instructor for USAF airworthiness programs.
GS-13, DAF (Ret)
Gary Welch
Over 40 years of direct experience leading and managing highly complex aerospace programs as an acquisition and logistics leader. Former ASC Commander (now AFLCMC) and VP, F-35 Sustainment, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
Lieutenant General, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Tom Owen
35+ years of experience as a senior USAF acquisition, logistics, and maintenance officer; defense industry VP; ops research analyst; and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Expert in complex program portfolio management and product field support.
Colonel, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Brian Waechter
Senior financial consultant with extensive cost estimation and budget execution experience on multiple DOD ACAT 1D and other government agency programs. Highly skilled in multiple cost forecasting techniques; proven ability to project full program cost recovery.
USAF Cost Estimator
Travis Logsdon
Strategic defense executive in complex acquisition, driving modernization and coalition readiness across major DOD and allied portfolios. Former director for the KC 46, MQ 1/MQ 9, and Global Hawk enterprise lines, bringing deep program acumen, cross domain integration expertise, and a track record of shaping high impact capability delivery in rapidly evolving operational environments.
Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Chris Coombs
Executive leader with 30+ years of experience; two-time PEO, deputy PEO and program manager responsible for airlift, tankers, trainers, fighter and bomber aircraft, aircraft simulators, agile combat support (ACS) systems and armament weapon systems.
SES, DAF (Ret)
Lynda Rutledge
45+ years USAF and defense industry experience. Former PEO for the F-22 program, command and control (C2) and combat support systems, and weapons; also commanded the Air Armament Center (AAC) and Air Force Security Assistance Center (AFSAC).
Major General, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Jeff Riemer
35+ years experience as operations research and cost/price analysis subject matter expert. Former OSD CAPE senior ops research analyst; responsible for independent cost estimates for some of DoD's most important weapon systems.
GS-15, DoD (Ret)
Ken “Sully” Sullivan
Nearly 35 years of direct experience leading and managing highly complex aerospace programs as an acquisition and logistics leader. Former Deputy Chief of Staff, USAF, and Vice/Deputy Commander, AFMC.
Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)
Warren Berry
Engineering leader with extensive experience across nearly every USAF owned platform and all phases of the acquisition life cycle. Former branch chief of the USAF Airworthiness Office with specialized expertise in human systems integration, bringing deep technical judgment and mission focused systems insight.
GS-15, DAF (Ret)
Dawn McGarvey-Buchwalder
Dynamic senior executive with proven leadership in logistics, supply chain management, operations, and organizational strategy. Experienced in leading large, diverse teams of up to 10,500 professionals and managing multi-billion-dollar resources and operating budgets. Adept at driving process improvements, optimizing supply chains, and aligning strategic initiatives with organizational goals.
Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Abby Ruscetta
Business-savvy aerospace and defense industry executive offering diverse and progressive experience managing high-performing teams and multi-million dollar transactions for defense industry giants such as General Atomics and Boeing. Financially astute program leader sought after for subject matter expertise on U.S. Military and DOD systems program management.
Industry Executive (Ret)
David Levy
Strategic senior executive with a strong record leading complex defense organizations and major weapon system portfolios. Former PEO for C3I & Networks (AFLCMC/HN) and director of the Fighter Bomber Directorate (AFLCMC/WW), bringing enterprise‑level acquisition leadership and integrated combat capability expertise.
Major General, USAF (Ret)
Dwyer Dennis
Over 35 years of demonstrated performance in USAF, DoD and related service industries. Former Senior Procurement Executive, SAF/AQ and Commander, AFICA. Highly experienced in procurement and contracting, quality assurance, program management, and supply chain management.
Major General, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Casey Blake
Acquisition professional with an extensive breadth of experience in government defense procurement, research and development, installation services, and innovation with a focus on improved critical thinking and better decision making that leads to successful business and professional outcomes
Colonel, USAF & NH-04, DAF (Ret)
Roger Westermeyer
Over 38 years of technical expertise in air vehicle flight mechanics, with extensive specialization in stability and control, flying qualities, and flight controls, with significant experience in internal aerodynamics, external aerodynamics, and flight performance. Received the “Civilian of the Year” award at every stage of career.
NH-04, DAF (Ret)
William Thomas
45+ years experience with US and Allied military forces, including active-duty service and as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Integration responsible for planning and analysis of the USAF $229B FYDP research, development, and procurement acquisition portfolio.
Colonel, USAF & SES, DAF (Ret)
Bobby Smart
Over 30 years of dedicated public service with proven leadership and management expertise. Former Director, F-35 Directorate, with proven, superior performance under difficult conditions. Proactive, industrious, innovative, and passionate; all the skills necessary to energize people, overcome obstacles, effectively manage change, and guide program efforts to successful completion.
NH-04, DAF (Ret)
Ron Taylor
35+ years of acquisition, engineering, and program management experience focused on innovation, creating lean teams, managing risk and leading change. Former Director, Information Dominance Programs (SAF/AQ) and Director of Engineering & Technical Management, ESC and AFMC.
SES, DAF (Ret)
Susan Thornton
Strategic senior executive leading large, complex defense organizations and driving enterprise level transformation. Former AFLCMC commander, interim AFMC commander, PEO of Rapid Sustainment Office, AFRL commander, and SMC vice commander —bringing deep organizational leadership and cross enterprise integration experience across the Air Force’s most critical technology and acquisition missions.
Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)
Robert McMurry Jr.
Senior aerospace and defense executive with subject matter expertise across aircraft acquisition logistics, sustainment, missile defense, and depot-level maintenance operations. Former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Maintenance Policy and Programs.
Colonel, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Dennis Dabney
30+ years of experience in DoD product support/sustainment, aircraft/munitions maintenance, defense acquisition, SCM, and retail supply. Former Pratt & Whitney senior executive and Director, AFLCMC/LG.
Colonel, USAF & Industry Executive (Ret)
Ray Lindsay
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