Gary Kessler

Gary Kessler joined TRG as a Senior Advisor after over 35 years of distinguished Federal Service, retiring as a member of the Senior Executive Service. Prior to retiring, Gary served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air Programs, where he was the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition on matters relating to aircraft (manned and unmanned), air-launched weapons, cruise missiles, airborne sensors, and avionics. Gary also held leadership positions as Executive Director for Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Deputy Assistant Commander for Test & Evaluation for Naval Air Systems, Deputy Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation, and Chairman of the NATO Joint Capability Group on Unmanned Air Vehicles.

Mr. Kessler graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maryland in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and aerospace engineering. He received his master’s degree in business administration in 1987. He received a Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in May 2016. He is a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College, the Senior Executive Management Development Program and the Leadership Maryland Program. Personal awards include the Secretary of Defense Superior Management Award, FCT Program Manager of the Year, ANA Edward H. Heineman Award, University of Maryland Glenn L. Martin Medal and the Meritorious, Superior and Distinguished Civil Service Awards.