About

The Mitchell Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research organization established to provide fact-based policy options, inform debate, and empower our nation’s leaders.

Staff

Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.)

Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), serves as the Dean of the Mitchell Institute, PenFed Chair for Aerospace Studies, and Scholar at the U.S. Air Force Academy Center for Character and Leadership Development.

Background: Gen Deptula is the world’s foremost expert on military aerospace issues. He is a pioneer in conceptualizing, planning, and executing national security operations from humanitarian relief to major combat.

Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.)

Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.) is the Explorer Chair at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE).

Background: Retiring in 2011, General Chilton served for 34 1/2 years in the Air Force, most recently holding the title of Commander of U.S. Strategic Command from 2007 to 2011.

Doug Birkey

Douglas A. Birkey is the Executive Director for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Power Studies.

Background: As Executive Director, Mr. Birkey guides the research agenda and stakeholder strategy for Mitchell Institute.

Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.)

Maj Gen Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), is the Director of Research for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Background: He attained the rank of Major General in the U.S. Air Force while serving over 30 years as a fighter pilot, commander, and strategist.

Mark Gunzinger

Mark Gunzinger serves as the Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Background: USAF Col (Ret.) Gunzinger was a command pilot with more than 3,000 hours in the B-52.

Heather Penney

Heather Penney is a Senior Resident Fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. She conducts extensive research on cutting-edge defense policy with a focus on the leveraging the critical advantage that only aerospace power affords.

Background: Prior to joining Mitchell, Penney worked over a decade in the defense industry focusing on defense budgets, supporting program execution, and capturing campaign management.

Charles Galbreath

Charles Galbreath is a Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies at the Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE).

Background: Charles is a retired United States Space Force Colonel; a Command Space Operator with expertise in Missile Warning, Space Control, Space Launch, and ICBM operations; and a Senior Materiel Leader with experience developing advanced technology demonstration and prototype systems.

Jennifer Reeves

Jennifer K. Reeves is a Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies at the Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence.

Background: Jen is a retired United States Air Force Colonel with almost 29 years of active duty, finishing her career as the Chief of the Air Force’s Engine Room, leading the service’s Program Objective Memorandum (POM) build. Immediately prior to joining Mitchell, Reeves worked for a non-traditional government contractor focusing on creating purpose-built software applications to assist in decision making in the POM build process.

J. Michael Dahm

J. Michael Dahm is a Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies where he focuses on original research, threat-informed assessments, and recommendations for aerospace policy, strategy, and technical issues.

Background: Prior to joining Mitchell, Dahm worked for federally funded research organizations, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and then the MITRE Corporation, advising sponsors across the U.S. national security enterprise and supporting advanced research & development programs.

John Venable

John “JV” Venable is a Senior Resident Fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. He conducts extensive research on defense policy with a focus on airpower.

Background: Prior to joining Mitchell, Venable worked as a senior research fellow on air and space power for the Heritage Foundation, focusing on the capability, capacity, and readiness of the Department of the Air Force.

Brig Gen Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.)

Brig Gen Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) is a Senior Resident Fellow for Airpower Studies at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Background: Brig Gen Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), is an experienced airman and recognized national security expert.

Kamilla Gunzinger

Kamilla Gunzinger is the Senior Program Director at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Background: In addition to coordinating the Institute’s several research and writing projects, Ms. Gunzinger also manages multiple speaker series, public engagement efforts, and outreach programs.

Ana Maria Waldo

Ana Maria Waldo is the Operations Specialist at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Background:  Ana Maria graduated from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley in 2017.  She is responsible for daily support in all areas of event planning and execution, administrative services, external relations, office management, and budget. She supervises website content and maintenance, social media content and presence, and production of the Aerospace Advantage podcast.

Aidan Poling

Aidan Poling is a Senior Research Analyst at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Background: Aidan recently completed his Master’s in Security Studies at the Georgetown University Security Studies Program. As a senior research analyst, Aidan supports Mitchell’s research on the future of air and space power.

Joshua Baker

Joshua Baker is a Research Analyst at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Background: Joshua recently completed his Master of Arts in International Relations at Johns Hopkins SAIS. At the Mitchell Institute, Joshua supports research activities concerning the future of air and space power. Before joining the Mitchell Institute, Josh previously interned with the Center for a New American Security and worked as a research assistant for Dr. Christopher Sands at the SAIS Center for Canadian Studies and for Dr. Thomas Mahnken at the SAIS Merrill Center for Strategic Studies.

Shane Thin

Shane Thin is the Digital Media Content Assistant for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. He is the producer of the Aerospace Advantage podcast and the live production director for the Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation and Schriever Spacepower Series events. He also manages the Mitchell Institute website.

Background: Shane graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2020. He is proficient with various industry standard software for video and audio production. He is well-connected within the creative scene in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area and frequently collaborates with filmmakers, photographers, and videographers.