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Dr. John P. Retelle, Senior Research Fellow and Director of Studies

John P. Retelle, PhD is a Senior Research Fellow and Director of Studies at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. He also supports technology development with DARPA’s Information Exploitation Office.

Dr. Retelle provides a broad technical background to the Institute, with program experience in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, sensor systems, and computer science. He has managed studies for government and industry, including two DARPA studies: a forecast of strategic technology needs and an investigation of technologies to support NGA.

He has worked for large aerospace corporations (Lockheed, Northrop Grumman) and smaller companies (PAR Technology and SRS Technologies) developing technology and new business. He culminated a twenty-year career in the Air Force as a DARPA Program Manager in the Tactical Technology Office. Other service assignments included Flight Test Engineer at Edwards AFB and Istres, France, Associate Professor of Aeronautics at the USAF Academy, and Simulation Program Manager at the AF Human Resources Laboratory at Williams AFB. While at DARPA, Retelle initiated the Pilot’s Associate program and managed several aircraft programs (X-29, X-31 and ATTT).

Dr. Retelle is a 1967 graduate of the US Air Force Academy with a BS in Aeronautics. He holds MS and PhD degrees in Aerospace Engineering Sciences from the University of Colorado and an MBA from Golden Gate University. He is a graduate of the French Test Pilot School and is a registered professional engineer. He is also an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.