Military Trailblazer Kristin Goodwin Takes On a New Mission as COO of TechWise

As the sun broke over the Florida horizon on April 12, 1981, 10-year-old Kristin Goodwin stood in awe, watching the space shuttle Columbia roar into the sky. The solid rocket boosters ignited with an earth-shaking force, leaving behind a thick trail of orange smoke. The power, the sheer defiance of gravity, the idea that human […]

As the sun broke over the Florida horizon on April 12, 1981, 10-year-old Kristin Goodwin stood in awe, watching the space shuttle Columbia roar into the sky. The solid rocket boosters ignited with an earth-shaking force, leaving behind a thick trail of orange smoke. The power, the sheer defiance of gravity, the idea that human beings were venturing beyond the confines of Earth—it all captivated her young mind.

“There are no words to describe what I saw that day,” Goodwin recalls. “The brightness of the flames, the sound echoing moments after liftoff—it was beyond anything I had ever imagined. In that instant, I knew. I wanted to be an astronaut. I wanted to fly.”

That moment ignited a passion that would drive her through the U.S. Air Force Academy, into the cockpit of some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, and onto the frontlines of military operations. Now, after a decorated career, Brig. Gen. Kristin Goodwin, USAF (Ret.) has recently stepped into a new mission as Chief Operations Officer at TechWise, a firm specializing in defense, space, AI, and cybersecurity solutions.

She’s also been recognized as a 2025 Director to Watch by Private Company Director magazine. Goodwin was selected from a competitive pool of nominees, and joins some of the most powerful leaders shaping the future of private company governance.

“Success isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about the journey, the team, and the discipline to pursue excellence,” Goodwin says. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s that extraordinary things happen when talented people come together behind a common mission.”

Kristin Goodwin’s life—from a wide-eyed 10-year-old watching the first space shuttle launch to a decorated Air Force leader and trusted advisor in the Fortune 500 world—is proof that big dreams, hard work, and fearless leadership can take you anywhere.

She doesn’t just talk about resilience and excellence—she’s lived it. From commanding bomber squadrons in combat to breaking barriers in military aviation, every step has been about pushing limits and proving what’s possible.

People. Mission. Pride.

Kristin Goodwin graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993 with a degree in mechanical engineering, earning her pilot wings two years later. Over the next three decades, she would accumulate more than 2,900 flight hours across multiple aircraft, including the B-52, B-2, EC-130, and C-130. She became known for her precision under pressure, commanding bomber squadrons and planning critical air operations during combat missions in Iraq and Libya.

One mission in particular, early in her career, cemented her leadership philosophy of “People. Mission. Pride.”

In 1997, as a 25-year-old mission commander flying an EC-130 on combat operations in Bosnia, Goodwin led a crew through one of the most harrowing experiences of their lives. Mid-mission, her aircraft was intercepted by two enemy MIG-21s. The stakes were clear: evade or risk being shot down.

“I looked at my very fresh co-pilot and said, ‘Well… this is going to get exciting,’” Goodwin recalls with a laugh.

With quick thinking and expert maneuvering, she took the aircraft into a rapid descent, using the ocean as a visual barrier to confuse enemy targeting systems. Meanwhile, U.S. F-16s scrambled to intercept the threat, arriving just in time to scare off the enemy fighters.

But the mission wasn’t over. Hours later, a fire erupted in one of the engines, forcing the crew into emergency protocols. Then, a catastrophic decompression event forced them to don oxygen masks, all while still managing critical intelligence operations to protect ground forces.

“Success that night wasn’t just about making it back,” she says. “It was about knowing my team, trusting their skills, and keeping everyone focused on the mission.”

That ability to navigate complexity under pressure has defined Goodwin’s career. Whether commanding bomb wings, integrating new aircraft into operational combat plans, or advising top defense leaders, her approach has always been the same: Clear strategy. Adaptability. Relentless execution.

Kristin Goodwin Steps Into A New Mission at TechWise

Now, Goodwin is bringing that same operational rigor to TechWise, where she will lead strategic operations for a company specializing in defense training, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, and space technology.

“We are at an inflection point in national security and emerging technology,” Goodwin says. “AI, space operations, and cybersecurity are rapidly evolving, and TechWise is uniquely positioned to bridge those gaps with real-world solutions.”

As COO, she will oversee the integration of AI-assisted tools for satellite data interpretation, the development of crisis management and emergency response solutions, and advanced training programs for the defense and aerospace sectors. She will also lead synthetic aperture radar (SAR) initiatives, helping commercial and defense clients unlock new capabilities in Earth observation and surveillance.

The shift from military command to executive leadership is a natural evolution for Goodwin.

“This role is about taking everything I’ve learned—leading complex missions, integrating cutting-edge technology, building high-performing teams—and applying it to a rapidly changing landscape,” she explains. “TechWise is committed to innovation, and I’m honored to be part of that mission.”

Techwise COO Kristin Goodwin Has A Legacy of Breaking Barriers

Throughout her career, Goodwin has shattered ceilings. She was one of the first female commanders of the 2nd Bomb Wing, leading B-52 combat operations for the first time in a decade. She played a key role in integrating the B-2 stealth bomber into operational plans. And, in the midst of her military service, she fought for equality in the armed forces.

For years, Goodwin lived under the constraints of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT), unable to openly acknowledge her identity. Despite rising through the ranks, she had to lead a double life, knowing that coming out could end her career.

“Thirteen years into my service, I knew time was running short,” she says. “I wanted a family, but becoming pregnant out of wedlock as an officer was career suicide.”

Still, she took the risk, giving birth to her first daughter at age 40, while the repeal of DADT under the Obama administration allowed her to finally live openly.

“I had to hide my pregnancy for months. When I finally could talk about it, it was a moment of freedom,” she says. “Being a mom is the greatest accomplishment of my life.”

Today, Goodwin is not just a leader in aerospace and defense—she is an advocate for future generations. She serves on the Home Front Military Network board, helping service members and veterans navigate financial and mental health resources.

Looking to the Future

As she steps into her role at TechWise, Goodwin remains as committed as ever to excellence, innovation, and service.

“I’ve always believed that leadership is about bringing out the best in people—understanding their strengths, pushing them to grow, and making sure they know their work matters,” Goodwin says. “No matter the mission, success is built on trust, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to getting the job done.”

From watching the stars as a 10-year-old girl to leading national defense strategy, Kristin Goodwin is proving that the sky is never the limit—it’s just the beginning.