Ben Jonsson

Background

About Ben Jonsson

Executive leader responsible for city operations in St Louis under Mayor Cara Spencer, overseeing cross-departmental execution, managing city services and resources, and ensuring measurable outcomes aligned with the Mayor's priorities for a flourishing St. Louis. Founder and owner of Jonsson LEADS (Language Enabled Aerospace & Defense Services) LLC. As the Chief of Staff at Air Mobility Command, I synchronized and prioritized activities for 1,300-person headquarters to fulfill the 4-star commander’s vision and strategy for Active Duty Airmen around the globe, 1,100 aircraft, and 11+ billion dollar budget, by managing tasks and outcomes through our corporate processes and leading a team of teams. I led at the Air Force Academy as the Vice Superintendent and Chief Operations Officer to the Superintendent. I oversaw administrative, policy and organizational functions of the Academy’s 550 person staff supporting the commissioning and Bachelor of Science education for cadets, as well as the installation’s personnel workforce,$300M+ budget and multi-billion real property and infrastructure programs. While in command and vice command of large and complex air bases in Florida and overseas, I led and flew worldwide combat missions and provided installation support to Headquarters U.S. Central Command, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command and 31 Joint partners. I protected the well-being of the bases’ employees and their families, and sustained $2.8 billion in base property and capital assets, including a 7-mile coastline. I'm passionate about building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and achieving results. With experience leading teams in dynamic international settings—including my role as a White House National Security Council Director—I bring a unique combination of operational depth, strategic leadership, and cultural and foreign language expertise. I’m all about building connections and getting things done. Olmsted Scholar, command pilot with over 900 combat hours, and author of several articles on national security topics. This is a personal profile. My opinions are my own.