AFRL selects Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space Science and Technology

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO (AFRL) – The Air Force Research Laboratory has selected Dr. Andrew Williams for the Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space Science and Technology (D-TEO), overseeing the lab’s responsibility to carry out the U.S. Space Force mission.

Williams is no stranger to AFRL, having served the last 18 years at the lab’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, where his most recent position was Space Mission Area Lead.

“Dr. Williams is exceptionally well-qualified, experienced, and a respected leader within AFRL, the USSF, and our Science and Technology stakeholders,” said Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle, AFRL commander.

In this role, Williams will ensure integrated development and execution of Space S&T efforts across AFRL and serve as the primary focal point for AFRL integrated Space S&T activities.

“Dr. Williams takes the reins from Dr. Kelly Hammett, who served as our acting D-TEO as we aligned our research efforts and a large number of our workforce, into the USSF,” Pringle said. “I couldn’t have had a better leader to take on this challenge, and I am grateful to Kelly for putting us in a fantastic position to carry out the space technology of the future.”

AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate manages a portfolio that includes an Air Force Vanguard program, Navigation and Technology Experiments Satellite (NTS-3), the Space Solar Power Beaming Experiments and Research project, a cislunar exploration program called Cislunar Highway Patrol (CHPS), research of space weather, advancing solar panel technology, and small satellite development, among others.

“In my most recent role as the Space Mission Area Lead, I oversaw AFRL’s space science and technology investment strategy, ensuring synchronization with the technology needs for Space Force, Space Operations Command, and Space Systems Command and that experience will be very valuable in my new role,” said Williams.
Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, from Texas A&M University, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering Sciences, from the University of Colorado and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Engineering, from the University of New Mexico.

“When I started at AFRL as an Air Force Palace Acquire Intern, a program that places recent college graduates in positions with growth opportunity, space was a very different operating environment,” Williams said. “Throughout my career I’ve experienced the dramatic changes and challenges that led to the stand-up of the Space Force, and I’m excited as the D-TEO to be part of that and ensure AFRL delivers science and technology necessary to advance our national defense, in the space warfighting domain.”

Dr. Andy Williams, center, Air Force Research Laboratory Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space Science & Technology, explains the engineering of the Roll-Out-Solar Array, or ROSA, to U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich during a past visit to AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. (Courtesy photo)