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DR. DEREK TOURNEAR, DIRECTOR (2019-2025)
Dr. Derek Tournear is the Director of the Space Development Agency (SDA). Established in March 2019, SDA is recognized as the Department of Defense's constructive disruptor for space acquisition. SDA will quickly deliver much needed space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter to support terrestrial missions through development, fielding, and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
Before leading SDA, Dr. Tournear most recently served as Assistant Director of Research and Development for Space within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering where he was responsible for coordinating all DoD efforts in space and initiating programs to address critical gaps.
Dr. Tournear previously held leadership roles in industry, most recently the director for Harris Corporation Space & Intelligence research & development. Prior to industry, Dr. Tournear held program management positions at the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). He has professional experience at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) managing intelligence and defense programs.
Dr. Tournear has a Ph.D. in physics from Stanford University and a B.S. from Purdue University. In 2010 he received an Outstanding Alumnus award from Purdue University and a 2008 DARPA award for Outstanding Accomplishments in a Systems Technology Area. Dr. Tournear is a 2011, and 2020 recipient of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, and a 2012 recipient of the Office of Director of National Intelligence Award for Exceptional Public Service. Additionally, Dr. Tournear is the recipient of a 2021 Space News award, 2021 Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership award, 2021 Wash 100 award, as well as the 2022 Aviation Week Laureate. He was selected for the Senior Executive Service in 2019.
RYAN FRIGM, DEPUTY DIRECTOR (2019-2025)
Ryan Frigm is the Deputy Director of the Space Development Agency.
Established in March 2019, SDA is recognized as the Department of Defense's constructive disruptor for space acquisition. SDA) will quickly deliver much needed space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter to support terrestrial missions through development, fielding, and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
Mr. Frigm served as SDA's first Technical Director. Prior to SDA, as contractor support to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Mr. Frigm assisted with the development and execution of office strategy, portfolio management, and technical operations in the Strategic Technology Office (STO) and Tactical Technology Office (TTO). Mr. Frigm provided technical support to the development of new TTO program initiatives, including the DARPA Blackjack program. Mr. Frigm previously supported NASA, | providing technical leadership in collision risk management for its unmanned satellite missions.
Mr. Frigm holds a master of science in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland and a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Bucknell University.
He was selected for the Senior Executive Service in May 2020.
DR. FRANK TURNER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Frank Turner is the Technical Director for the Space Development Agency. SDA is recognized as the Department of Defense's constructive disruptor for space acquisition. SDA will quickly deliver much needed space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter to support terrestrial missions through development, fielding, and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
Dr. Turner has extensive public and private sector experience in the management and direction of advanced technology research, development, test, and evaluation of current and emerging military systems. He began his career as an officer in the United States Air Force, served as a Government Program Manager and certified acquisition professional, a senior leader in industry for both large and small companies, and as a senior analyst for both the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. His expertise spans space systems, directed energy, nuclear weapons effects, systems engineering, architectures, and operational evaluation and employment. He has successfully led some of the nation’s most difficult and challenging RDT&E programs, creating technical advantage for America's warfighters.
Dr. Turner has academic degrees in physics, biology, business, and engineering and has completed professional military education with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps.