Tanya M. Skeen 

Tanya M. Skeen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics in 1990. Subsequently, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Nuclear Power Training Command. After serving in the Navy, Skeen pursued engineering roles in the private sector, contributing to development of such projects as the USAF B-2 Bomber, as well as the X-35 Concept Demonstrator, a precursor to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Her career later transitioned to the Nevada Test and Training Range, where she was a flight test engineer. In this position, she was responsible for test planning, execution, and data analysis for various aircraft, including the B-2, F-117, F-15, F-16 and F-22. In 2004, Skeen joined the Air Force as chief engineer in the USA Rapid Capabilities Office, overseeing a significant portfolio of projects. In 2017, she served as director and project executive officer of the Army’s Rapid Capabilities Office. The following year, Skeen joined the U.S. Department of Defense as executive director of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office. In 2022, she was promoted to assistant secretary of defense for acquisitions, leading a large team of program managers, project officers, and engineers. In 2023, Skeen joined CACI International as senior vice president of corporate strategy and development. Among government honors, Skeen has received a David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award from the DOD, a Joint Civilian Service Achievement Award, and an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Annual Award for Acquisition Process Improvement. Purdue recognized her with an Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award in 2018 and a Distinguished Engineering Alumna Award in 2021.