Mr. Eric Kelley, a member of the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service is the Acting Director, Concepts, Development and Management Office, Competitive Activities, Headquarters Department of the Air Force, Arlington, Virginia.
Mr. Kelley is responsible for envisioning and implementing strategies which address and resolve highly complex problem sets at the intersection of the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. He leads, manages and provides oversight of assigned organizations, programs and developmental activities for national security priorities.
Mr. Kelley’s career spans over 41 years of government service. As a Marine Corps Intelligence Officer, he held a diverse range of positions providing critical support to global operations including specialized expertise in acquisition and logistics for intelligence, special operations, and other sensitive activities.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kelley has cultivated a distinctive expertise in leading global access operations, having supported esteemed organizations such as Combatant Commanders, Special Operations Command, Joint Special Operations Command, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency and various Special Access Programs.
His extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of intelligence, special operations, logistics, and budget execution have enabled him to occupy specialized roles and acquire exceptional expertise, both as a military officer and as a government civilian.
In the private sector, Mr. Kelley served as a Project Lead for the MITRE Corporation, supporting high-level initiatives for the Army G2. In this capacity, he played a key role in advancing 'Great Power Competition' initiatives, aimed at enhancing real-time risk assessments and mitigating threats to the defense industrial base.
Mr. Kelley’s diverse experience in the military, government civilian, and private sectors has broadened his expertise and enhanced his unique skillsets, enabling him to excel in complex and challenging roles.
EDUCATION
1994 Bachelor of Business Administration, Averett University, Danville, Va.
1999 Master of Science, Information Systems and Telecommunications, Capitol Technology University, Laurel, Md.
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. August 1980–December 1980, Basic Infantry Training, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
2. January 1981–July 1984, Squad Leader and Platoon Guide 1st Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
3. August 1984–July 1989, Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence Agent, 4th CI and HUMINT Team, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
4. August 1989–June 1993, Chief Tech Ops, HUMINT Support Detachment, Headquarters, Marine Corps, Arlington, Va.
5. July 1993–June 1995, Instructor Interagency Training Center, Fort Washington, Md.
6. July 1995–July 1996, CI and HUMINT Commander, 7th CI and HUMINT Team, Okinawa, Japan
7. July 1996–August 2000, Chief Technical Operations, HUMINT Support Detachment, Headquarters, Marine Corps, Arlington, Va.
8. September 2000–February 2007, Program Manager, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
9. February 2007–October 2010, Command Information Officer, Office of Special Programs, U.S. Navy, Crystal City, Va.
10. October 2010–August 2011, Senior Consultant, Honeywell Corporation, Arlington, Va.
11. August 2011–May 2014, Chief Technical Operations, Office of Technical Operations, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C.
12. May 2014–November 2018, Director, Office of Technical Operations, Office of Technical Operations, DIA, Washington, D.C.
13. December 2018–August 2021, Project Leader, MITRE Corporation, Mclean, Va.
14. August 2021–August 2023, Director of Operations, SAF/ Concepts, Development and Management Office, Fort Washington, Md.
15. August 2023–December 2024, Acting Deputy Director, SAF/CDM Fort Washington, Md.
16. December 2024–present, Acting Director, SAF/CDM, Fort Washington, Md.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Southwest Asia Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Navy Achievement Medal with three oak leaf cluster
National Defense Medals
Global War on Terrorism Medal
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Program Management Acquisition, Level III
Military Operations Training Course (HUMINT Certified)
Counterintelligence Agent Course (CI Certified)
Advanced Counterintelligence Course
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures Course (TSCM Certified)
(Current as of December 2024)