Chevalier Cleaves

Chevalier “Chevy” Cleaves is the inaugural Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. A four-time CDIO (higher education, industry, government, R&D), Mr. Cleaves is an experienced executive leader skilled in building and influencing coalitions to help further connect the application of diversity and inclusion (D&I) to an organization’s core strategy and goals. Prior to his current role, Mr. Cleaves served as the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer for the United States Air Force, the first Global CDO for Boston Scientific, and in a dual role as the Head of Admissions and the first Head of D&I for the Air Force Academy. Mr. Cleaves retired from active duty after a career as an instructor pilot, commander, and air/space/cyber power strategist. He was also the lead T-38 Evaluator Pilot for the B-2 Bomber Initial Cadre selection process. He played a critical role in the response to the September 11 attacks as the lead Checkmate (USAF Air/Space Strategy Division) team chief, commanded a total force flying squadron, and later as a Pentagon Joint Staff division chief. Mr. Cleaves has an MS degree in strategy and planning from the National Defense University, an MA degree in human resource development from Webster University, and a BS degree in basic sciences from the Air Force Academy, and is a Cornell University Certified Diversity Professional/Advanced Practitioner. He is the recipient of multiple awards and decorations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal.