Cathy McClain

Background

About Cathy McClain

Cathy is the former Chair of the Board of Directors of the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates. She has deep board governance and strategic guidance expertise. Cathy, together with 14 elected directors, led a merger effort to enhance long-term support to fellow graduates and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cathy is also a Georgetown University-certified executive leadership coach. She promotes courageous and people-focused leadership both through Dauntless Leadership, her private practice, and as a coach for the Center for Creative Leadership. Cathy McClain's Air Force career spanned 25 years and offered her a myriad of leadership and coaching experiences, from commanding a KC-135 crew executing missions around the globe, to teaching Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the United States Air Force Academy. Cathy commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels. She deployed as a group commander, leading combat flight operations into Iraq and also served as the commander of the Air Force's largest tanker wing, the 22nd ARW at McConnell AFB. Cathy culminated her military career at the Pentagon where she was the director of general officer promotions, assignments, and leadership development. Cathy then worked for Boeing, leading teams working on B-52 weapons systems and KC-46 air refueling software. Next, she served as an executive at Spirit AeroSystems, leading the Business and Regional Jet programs.