Lt Gen Mark D. Shackelford, USAF (ret.)

Lt. Gen. Mark Shackelford, USAF (ret.) serves the aerospace industry and the U.S. Government as an executive consultant for acquisition program management, systems engineering, and business development. He has shaped capture strategies for several aircraft and satellite programs, assessed SpaceX’s launch vehicle certification timeline, and reviewed major acquisition programs for the Department of Defense. He provides expert advice to senior corporate executives, DOD acquisition officials, and independent review teams.

During his 34 year Air Force career Mark led organizations responsible for aircraft and weapon flight test, aircraft development and sustainment, ballistic missile defense system testing, space system capability development, and weapon system research and development. Prior to transitioning from the Air Force as a Lieutenant General he served as the Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition where he oversaw the Air Force’s $40 billion research, development, and procurement portfolios, managed the Service’s 28,000 person professional acquisition workforce, and steered over 50 major weapon and space systems through the Defense Department’s complex budget and program approval processes.

Mark has degrees in astronautical and mechanical engineering and is professionally certified by the Defense Department in test and evaluation, program management, and systems engineering. He is an accomplished aviator having been an operational fighter pilot, an F-16 weapons instructor, and an experimental test pilot conducting developmental flight tests on the F-16 and YF-22. He was program director for the F-16 and F-22 weapon systems. His uniquely extensive background includes executive positions in missile defense, military space, and weapon system acquisition.

Mark serves on the Boards of MBDA, Inc., Stratolaunch Systems, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA), and San Diego Christian College.