Scott Smith

A strategic and innovative leader with nearly four decades of international military, diplomatic,
and business expertise, Scott is an expert in international relations and aerospace operations.
He brings a wealth of experience to all facets of defense development from products and
personnel to concepts of operation and policy.

Retiring as a Major General in the U.S. Air Force, Scott’s career culminated as USAF Director of
Training and Readiness, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. The directorate encompassed
seven divisions and the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation, and was responsible for
policy, guidance and oversight of Air Force operational training infrastructure, officer and
enlisted operations career field management, operational readiness and reporting, global
deployment taskings, and aircrew management.

Previously, Scott commanded at squadron, group, wing and Combined Joint Task Force levels.
His principal staff tours included Office of Net Assessment, Secretary of Defense, Secretary &
Chief of Staff of the Air Force Action Group, Commander USSOUTHCOM Executive Officer, and
Inspector General, Headquarters Air Mobility Command. Scott served as an evaluator pilot and
instructor navigator in several airlift and aerial refueling units, with operational and staff
experience across all mobility missions.

Exceptionally familiar with Europe/NATO, Latin America, North Africa, and Middle East
operations, Scott understands the complexities involved with cultural differences, organizational
dynamics, and achieving objectives—for military, diplomatic, and corporate missions. In every
setting his leadership, managerial, and communicative skillsets proved foundational to overall
success.

Since retiring from the Air Force, Smith has held leadership and advisory roles in the defense
industry. At General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, he led European and NATO strategic
development efforts that helped position the company for new business and customer growth.
At Mach Industries, he established pathways for major defense opportunities, strengthened the
company's Pacific portfolio, and helped develop its European market strategy.
Scott earned his BA in History (Russian) at Columbia University. In addition to holding three
Masters of Arts degrees in National Security Affairs disciplines, Scott is also a Stanford
University Hoover Institution National Defense Fellow. Based in San Diego, he is an aerospace
consultant who remains active in civic, educational, and military-support organizations.