A highly respected joint leader with over 35 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force, Kirk Pierce is now leveraging his deep leadership and managerial expertise as a Stellar Advisor. With a proven ability to manage complex operations, lead high-performing teams and achieve mission objectives in challenging environments, he is a results-oriented leader with a record of success in organizing and leading teams to solve complex problem sets.
Kirk commanded at the Squadron, Group, Wing and Numbered Air Force levels while additionally serving on key senior leader staff positions at NORAD, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Headquarters U.S Air Force, and the National Guard Bureau. Operationally, he has over 4900 flying hours primarily on the F-15, F-16 and T-38 including extensive combat experience, and continues to fly the Boeing 787 as a commercial pilot.
As the 1st Air Force Commander, he was responsible for planning and conducting air defense and air sovereignty operations in the continental United States in addition to supporting the deployment, sustainment, and redeployment of U.S. Air Forces in support of U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Space Command. He additionally provided defense support to civil authorities, theater security cooperation, and led DOD’s training and execution of contingency/rescue operation in support of NASA’s human space flight programs. Finally, he ensured the Civil Air Patrol was organized, trained, and equipped to fulfill their Air Force Auxiliary assigned roles and missions while also ensuring that the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center executed their multiple missions.
Kirk’s expansive skillsets include operational planning, strategy development, performance optimization, legislative liaison, and process improvement. His professional affiliations include service as Chairman of the Civil Air Patrol Board of Governors and an inaugural member of Skydio’s National Security Board of Advisors.
Security Clearance: TS/SCI and NATO Secret
USAF Military bio: available here
