Mr. Joseph M. McDade, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. In support of the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force, Mr. McDade assists with the development and integration of the Air Force’s program across the Future Years Defense Plan and resource allocation plan, as well as the activities ensuring the Air Force builds and employs effective air, space and cyber forces to achieve national defense objectives.
Prior to his current position, Mr. McDade served as the Principal Deputy General Counsel of the Air Force. As the senior civilian career attorney in the Air Force, he provided oversight, guidance and direction regarding legal advice on matters arising within the Department of the Air Force.
Mr. McDade has delivered award-winning performances in Air Force legal, personnel and acquisition SES positions. He also had the honor of serving as the Army Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel. Prior to entering public service, Mr. McDade worked as an associate in a private law firm from 1988 until 1991 where he specialized in government contract law and lobbying.
EDUCATION
1985 Bachelor of Science, International Affairs, cum laude, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Washington, D.C.
1988 Juris Doctor, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C.
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. May 1988–August 1991, Attorney, private practice, Washington, D.C.
2. August 1991–April 2002, Attorney, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, D.C.
3. April 2002–October 2005, Deputy General Counsel for Dispute Resolution, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, D.C.
4. October 2005–November 2007, Deputy Director of Airman Development and Sustainment, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
5. November 2007–May 2009, Director, Force Development, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel and Air Force Senior Language Authority, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
6. May 2009–September 2011, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters, U.S. Army, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
7. September 2011–November 2013, Director, Air Force Small Business Programs, Washington, D.C.
8. November 2013–December 2013, Principal Deputy General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
9. December 2013–September 2014, Acting General Counsel, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va.
10. September 2014–January 2018, Principal Deputy General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va.
11. January 2017–February 2018, Acting General Counsel, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va.
12. February 2018-August 2019, Principal Deputy General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va.
13. August 2018–present, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Programs, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va.
AWARDS
1999 Director, Office of Personnel Management, Special Act or Service Award 1999 Secretary of the Air Force Special Act or Service Award
2002 Air Force General Counsel Award
2006 Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service (Air Force)
2008 Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award
2009 Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service Award (Air Force)
2011 Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service Award (Army)
2013 Decoration for Meritorious Civilian Service Award
2015 Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award
2019 Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service Award (Air Force)
2021 Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Member, District of Columbia Bar Member Pennsylvania Bar (inactive)
(Current as of December 2021)