Harold E. Rafuse, Ph.D.

Dr. Rafuse, Co-Founder and Managing Director, has 40 years of experience in scientific, engineering, technology, educational, senior program management, information resource management, and administrative positions. He oversees engineering, logistics, test and evaluation, enterprise modeling and simulation, and technology assessment projects in support to both public and private sector clients. He served as a senior science advisor to the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency assessing Russian Federation compliance with the provisions of START I in the dismantlement and destruction of nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and sea launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

Formerly a Vice President with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), he managed multiple DoD systems engineering and technical assistance programs. Dr. Rafuse served 12 years as a Government Program Manager and is a Level III certified DoD acquisition management officer. Previously, his United States Air Force career involved extensive aviation and space operational assignments and program management experience. He also served in senior administrative positions at Headquarters Air Force Systems Command and Headquarters USAF in the Pentagon. He was a Research Associate in the USAF’s Executive Management Program on the White House staff in Washington, D.C. and he is a graduate of the Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and the Defense Systems Management College, Program Manager’s Course. In the Air Force, he was rated as a Command Missileer, Senior Space Operations Commander, Space Surveillance Expert, Master Acquisition Manager, Air Training Command Master Instructor, and Senior Pilot.

He holds Ph.D. and MBA degrees in Engineering Management, and undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Technology. Dr. Rafuse is a recipient of the prestigious General Jimmy Doolittle Fellowship and of the USAF’s Award for the Most Innovative Use of Computer Technology in Support to Strategic Mission Requirements. Dr. Rafuse is a frequent presenter at national symposia and has had numerous articles published in professional journals.

Dr. Rafuse is the President of the Heart of Texas Chapter, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); chairs the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, Air Marketing Task Force; and is a member of the Chamber Workforce Utilization Committee. His other professional affiliations include the National Defense Industrial Association, Air Force Association, Military Operations Research Society, American Chemical Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Scientific Research Society of America.

Next Bio: Mr. Virgil F. McCaleb