Robert Winkler

Robert Winkler has a diverse work experience that includes a combination of roles in the government and private sectors. Robert began their career in the United States Air Force, where they served as a Commander and Operations Officer for an F-16 Fighter Squadron. Robert then moved on to work at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where they served as a Special Assistant to the Director, providing strategic advice on advanced technology development efforts.

After leaving DARPA, Winkler joined the United States Air Force once again, serving as a Director in the Weapons Systems Division, Office of Legislative Liaison, where they led Air Force legislative affairs efforts for Air, Space, and Cyber Platforms and Programs. Robert was later appointed as the Commander of the Fighter & Air Control Operations Group, leading a 1180-person unit in all aspects of flight operations in the NATO theater.

Winkler then transitioned to the private sector, joining Harris Corporation as a Director/Senior Principal, Strategy & Advanced Technology. In this role, they led the company's efforts to gain market share in Department of Defense innovation programs. Robert then moved on to work at the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services as a Professional Staff Member, where they were responsible for legislative oversight of Air Force and Army programs, as well as DoD space activities.

Most recently, Winkler joined Kratos Defense and Security Solutions as Vice President, Corporate Development and National Security Programs.

Robert Winkler holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1986-1990). Robert went on to pursue further education and completed a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in National Security Policy Studies from the American Military University (1999-2001). Robert then obtained a Master of Science (MS) degree in Strategy and Joint Campaign Planning from the National Defense University (2005-2006) and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College (2010-2011). Most recently, Robert Winkler attended Stanford University in 2019, where they obtained a certificate in Executive Cyber and AI Course.