Arlington, Va. — Mary Jane Mitchell, an executive with more than thirty years of acquisition experience with the Department of Defense, including a number of senior positions within the U.S. Air Force, has joined the Aerospace Industries Association as assistant vice president of Acquisition Policy. She will report to Christian Marrone, vice president of National Security and Acquisition Policy, and will be responsible for managing AIA’s work and advocacy on acquisition and procurement policy.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone of Mary Jane’s outstanding qualifications join our new National Security and Acquisition Policy team,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “During a time of increasing pressure on investment accounts, the extensive acquisition experience she brings to the table will be of great value to our members.”

Mitchell’s background includes assignments within the Secretary of the Air Force’s organization as the Deputy Director, Program Integration Division and the Chief, Congressional Budget and Media Affairs, as well as the Electronic Systems Center’s Deputy Director for Plans and Programs and, most recently, Chief Financial Officer of a major program office.

The recipient of a number of awards and honors for her government service, Mitchell has also been awarded the Air Force’s Civilian Meritorious Service Medal. She holds a B.A. from Boston College, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, a Master’s Degree in National Security Studies from the Naval War College and several senior management and professional certificates of study.