Expertise
Science & Technology, Human Systems, Technology & Experimentation, Partnerships, Workforce Development/Talent Management
Profile
Mr. Jack Blackhurst is a senior executive with over 45 years of US Air Force (USAF) experience, including executive leadership and management of complex major research and development (R&D) organizations as well as direction of human systems, space, plans and programs, small business, and domestic and international partnerships. He has extensive experience managing USAF science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, USAF small business programs, workforce development/talent management, studies and analyses, and senior mentoring. Mr. Blackhurst also possesses proven expertise in program management, technology management, science and technology (S&T) current/future planning, policy development, academic engagement, training programs, future studies, and organizational change and transformation. He is a skilled speaker; actively engaged in community partnerships and a trusted agent.
Significant Career Accomplishments
Led USAF-level S&T policy, regularly briefed SECAF/CSAF/SAF/AQ and senior USAF leaders on S&T matters, and regularly conducted DOD/Service/Congressional engagement for all USAF S&T activities.
Per SECAF and CSAF direction, created the first AFMC Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation (SDPE) office with the successful Light Attack experiment, the first government partnership with SpaceX on the Global Internet, the first palletized weapon drops, and most recent project rocket cargo.
Managed USAF $6B S&T program, 6,000 active duty/civilian science/engineer workforce, plans and programs (POM), and domestic (industry/academic) and international partnerships.
Established the first Human Systems Sector Community of Interest (COI) program. Led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Human Systems review of their human systems S&T portfolio.
Supported VCSAF’s standup of AFWERX changing the USAF culture of innovation and transition to an AFRL supported organization—resulted in the Agility Prime effort (Flying Cars) and the first beyond line-of-sight UAV capability in the US, both at Springfield, OH.
Supported OSD/AT&L Defense Better Buying Initiative known as the Defense Innovation and Marketing significantly improving IRAD communication with industry 24/7.
Developed new international strategy resulting in a 50% increase with emphasis on Asia and developed a Tech Warrior exercise bringing real war-like training to AFRL scientists, warriors, and small business demonstrations.
Created the first AFRL Learning Officer position and developed the first AFRL Human Capital Strategy. Also enabled future workforce studies to identify future trends to take advantage of commercial practices and increase workforce flexibility and diversity.
Key Positions
Executive Director, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Director, Plans & Programs, AFRL
Director, Human Effectiveness Directorate, AFRL
Technical Advisor, Plans and Programs, AFRL
Space Sector Chief, Plans and Programs, AFRL
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology, SAF/AQR, Pentagon, DC
Education
MA, Industrial Psychology, St Mary’s University
BA, Psychology, Allegheny College
Program Management, Defense Systems Management College (DSMC)
Air War College