Kenneth P. Ekman is an experienced senior leader, strategist, and aviator. He has led diverse and distributed organizations in developing and executing strategy, engagements, and programs affecting the capacities and capabilities of foreign partner militaries. Ken has contributed to the formulation of national security policy with an emphasis on Africa and the U.S. homeland. He is versed in collaborating with joint military services, the U.S. interagency, and allied and partner militaries. Ken deep theoretical and practical experience countering violent extremism, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. He also served as a fighter pilot in the F-16 and F-22 with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ken is an expert at planning and executing joint air operations at the operational and tactical levels. He was the joint and coalition mission planning lead for the first 30 days of high-intensity air operations during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Ken retired from the U.S. Air Force after 34 years. He also is an avid contributor and participant in general aviation, to include competing and teaching in gliders and owning and flying single-engine aircraft. Ken’s interests include attending and supporting his church, flying, running, and reading. He is married to the former Renee Lane of Wichita Falls, Texas, and they have five children and four grandchildren.

Education:

1991 – B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, USAF Academy, CO

1994 – M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, California State University—Fresno

2000 – Graduate, USAF F-16 Weapons Instructor Course, Nellis AFB, NV

2004 – M.A. in Military Operational Art and Science, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL

2005 – M.A. in Military Strategy, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Maxwell AFB, AL