Wesley Spurlock Washington, DC

Wes Spurlock is a recently retired Air Force senior leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, risk management, and financial innovation, focusing on the defense and national security sectors. He has a proven track record of developing and implementing successful initiatives in complex environments.

At the Department of Defense, Wes established the Office of Strategic Capital, the first federal credit program designed to attract and scale private capital for national security initiatives. He skillfully navigated the legislative landscape to secure the necessary authorities and appropriations for this groundbreaking program, demonstrating his ability to achieve results in challenging bureaucratic settings.

As Chief Risk Officer for AFWERX, Wes identified innovative financing solutions to support domestic supply chains and emerging technologies critical to national security. He led international, interagency, and legislative engagements, showcasing his diplomatic and collaborative leadership style. He also oversaw the Department of the Air Force's SBIR Due Diligence Program, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources in the landscape of strategic competition with adversaries.

Wes also served as a White House Fellow at the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Domestic Policy Council (DPC). At the DFC, he coordinated the Defense Production Act (DPA) response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting his crisis management expertise. He also managed the DFC's European investment portfolio, demonstrating his international finance acumen. At the DPC, he addressed the needs of unaccompanied children at the southwest border and those evacuated from Afghanistan, underscoring his commitment to public service.

Previously, Wes served as a Military Aide to the President of the United States (carried the “nuclear football”) and commanded the Air Force’s first operational KC-46 unit. He has extensive experience in aviation, with over 3,100 flight hours, including over 600 combat hours.

Wes holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, an MBA from Mississippi State University, and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School.