John Shaw

Lt. Gen. John Shaw (Ret.) brings over 34 years of experience in national security space and aerospace engineering, specializing in leading large-scale technical organizations on a global stage. With a proven track record in executive decision-making, strategic risk management, and combat operations, he is recognized for driving organizational transformation and integrating commercial and international capabilities into national security missions.

• Lt. Gen. Shaw was one of the first general officers to commission into the U.S. Space Force, transitioning from the U.S. Air Force to take on critical leadership roles. His final active duty position was Deputy Commander of U.S. Space Command, where he directed over 12,000 personnel and managed a $525M budget, safeguarding national space assets and providing vital space capabilities to both military and civilian sectors.
• Previously, he served as the last commander of the 14th Air Force (U.S. Air Force) and the first commander of Space Operations Command (U.S. Space Force), overseeing global space operations and managing teams of more than 10,000 personnel in collaboration with international partners.
• Lt. Gen. Shaw also held leadership roles within the Department of Defense and the National Reconnaissance Office, where he directed operations critical to the nation’s space infrastructure. In addition, he served as a senior policy advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and played an integral role in international space security dialogues.

John holds multiple advanced degrees, including a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an M.S. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from the University of Washington, and an M.S. in Organizational Management from The George Washington University. A recognized public speaker and author, he has shared his expertise through numerous keynotes, media interviews, and publications on space strategy, security, and policy.

Outside of his professional pursuits, John is an avid runner, skier, hiker, fly fisher, chess player, musician, and wine enthusiast.