Air Force Research Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Air Force Research Laboratory has 5 executives leading key functions including technology development, information systems, financial management, fiscal oversight, and supercomputing operations.

Dedicated to advancing national defense through scientific innovation, Air Force Research Laboratory maintains a commitment to developing cutting-edge aerospace and cyber capabilities for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

Leadership Roles at Air Force Research Laboratory

  • Chief Financial Officer, Financial Management, Digital Capabilities Directorate, Headquarters Portfolios - Audrey Wilson
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Irving Williams
  • Chief Technology Officer - Michael Salisbury
  • Chief Information Officer - David Cartmell
  • Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos) - Kristin Warren
  • Audrey Wilson - Chief Financial Officer, Financial Management, Digital Capabilities Directorate, Headquarters Portfolios

    Audrey Wilson, the Chief Financial Officer, Financial Management, Digital Capabilities Directorate, Headquarters Portfolios at Air Force Research Laboratory, governs the allocation of fiscal resources across critical research portfolios. Wilson directs financial planning and budget execution for complex digital capability projects, ensuring alignment with overarching defense priorities. By managing the fiscal health of headquarters portfolios, the Chief Financial Officer, Financial Management, Digital Capabilities Directorate, Headquarters Portfolios optimizes funding streams to support long-term scientific development. This leadership position involves rigorous oversight of financial reporting and compliance to maintain transparency in government spending. Audrey Wilson collaborates with senior leadership to forecast budgetary needs for emerging aerospace and cyber initiatives. Through precise financial modeling and resource management, the Chief Financial Officer, Financial Management, Digital Capabilities Directorate, Headquarters Portfolios enables the laboratory to sustain high-impact research programs. Wilson ensures that every dollar invested contributes directly to the advancement of defense technologies, maintaining fiscal discipline while driving innovation across the entire organization.

    Irving Williams - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Irving Williams, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Air Force Research Laboratory, supports the execution of complex budgetary strategies and fiscal accountability measures. Williams monitors daily financial operations to ensure the efficient distribution of funds across diverse research and development programs. By analyzing expenditure patterns, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost savings and process improvements within the laboratory's financial systems. This role involves coordinating with internal stakeholders to reconcile project budgets and maintain strict adherence to federal fiscal regulations. Irving Williams provides critical data-driven insights that inform strategic financial decisions, enabling the organization to maximize the impact of available resources. Through meticulous oversight of financial workflows, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer facilitates the smooth operation of research initiatives, ensuring that project teams possess the necessary funding to achieve technical milestones. Williams maintains the integrity of financial records, supporting the broader mission of the laboratory through disciplined fiscal management and operational transparency.

    Michael Salisbury - Chief Technology Officer

    Michael Salisbury, the Chief Technology Officer at Air Force Research Laboratory, directs the strategic roadmap for advanced technology development across air, space, and directed energy domains. Salisbury architects research initiatives that transition scientific breakthroughs into operational defense capabilities. By aligning laboratory resources with the evolving requirements of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the organization maintains a competitive edge in global aerospace systems. This leadership role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to integrate human performance research into broader defense frameworks. Michael Salisbury monitors emerging technological trends to prioritize high-impact projects that address complex national security challenges. Through rigorous oversight of scientific portfolios, the Chief Technology Officer drives the rapid maturation of innovative systems, ultimately securing the technological superiority of the United States in contested environments while fostering a culture of continuous scientific discovery and engineering excellence.
    Michael Salisbury

    David Cartmell - Chief Information Officer

    David Cartmell, the Chief Information Officer at Air Force Research Laboratory, manages the enterprise-wide digital infrastructure and cyber security protocols essential for high-stakes scientific research. Cartmell oversees the integration of secure data networks that support complex aerospace and cyber defense projects. By modernizing information systems, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless collaboration between research teams and external defense partners. This role requires constant vigilance in protecting sensitive intellectual property and research data from evolving cyber threats. David Cartmell implements robust IT governance frameworks to ensure compliance with federal standards while optimizing computational resources for applied research. The Chief Information Officer facilitates the digital transformation of laboratory operations, enhancing the efficiency of data-driven decision-making processes. Through strategic investment in scalable network architecture, Cartmell supports the long-term mission of the organization, ensuring that all digital assets remain resilient, secure, and fully capable of meeting the rigorous demands of modern national security operations.

    Kristin Warren - Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos)

    Kristin Warren, the Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos) at Air Force Research Laboratory, leads the computational strategy for high-performance supercomputing and optical research operations. Warren architects the technical environment required for advanced data processing and complex simulations that support space situational awareness. By managing the specialized infrastructure at the Amos facility, the Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos) ensures that researchers have access to the high-speed computing power necessary for critical defense analysis. This role involves overseeing the maintenance and upgrade of massive data systems to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Kristin Warren coordinates with scientific teams to optimize software performance and data storage solutions for large-scale research projects. Through the strategic management of supercomputing assets, the Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos) drives the laboratory's ability to process vast amounts of information, directly contributing to the success of space-based defense capabilities and scientific innovation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Air Force Research Laboratory Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Air Force Research Laboratory?
    Air Force Research Laboratory is led by Audrey Wilson (Chief Financial Officer, Financial Management, Digital Capabilities Directorate, Headquarters Portfolios), along with executives such as Irving Williams (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and Michael Salisbury (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Air Force Research Laboratory’s executive team?
    The executive team of Air Force Research Laboratory includes leaders such as Audrey Wilson (Chief Financial Officer, Financial Management, Digital Capabilities Directorate, Headquarters Portfolios), Irving Williams (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Michael Salisbury (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Air Force Research Laboratory have?
    Air Force Research Laboratory has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Air Force Research Laboratory’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Air Force Research Laboratory includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Financial Management, Digital Capabilities Directorate, Headquarters Portfolios, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos).