William J. Palermo

William J. Palermo has a diverse work experience spanning several industries and roles. William J. is currently serving as the Program Director at the Space Development Agency since March 2021. Prior to this, they worked for the National Reconnaissance Office as a Program Director from December 2016 to March 2021.

Before joining the Space Development Agency, Palermo was the Executive Assistant to the Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command at NAVAIR SYSCOM, AIR 0.0 from March 2015 to December 2016. William J. also served as the Air Segment IPT Lead, PMA-268 at NAVAIR SYSCOM, AIR 1.0 from July 2014 to March 2015.

Palermo's previous experiences include serving as the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at Space Exploration Technologies from June 2013 to June 2014, and as the Acquisition Division Chief and Program COTR - SPAWAR Space Field Activity at the National Reconnaissance Office from October 2011 to June 2013.

In addition, Palermo worked as the Assistant Program Manager for Systems Engineering (Military Class Desk), PMA-266 at NAVAIR SYSCOM, AIR 4.1 from June 2009 to October 2011, and as the Program Manager and Space Segment IPT Lead - SPAWAR Space Field Activity at the National Reconnaissance Office from February 2006 to July 2009.

Before transitioning to the aerospace and defense industry, Palermo served in the United States Navy. William J. held various roles including SH-60B Seahawk Pilot, Detachment Officer-in-Charge, and Department Head at HSL-46 from 2003 to 2006. William J. also served as an Aircraft Handling Officer aboard the USS Saipan (LHA-2) from July 2001 to March 2002.

Overall, Palermo's work experience demonstrates their expertise in program management, aerospace engineering, and defense acquisition.

William J. Palermo's education history includes a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Aerospace Engineering obtained from the United States Naval Academy in 1988-1992. William J. further pursued their education at the Naval Postgraduate School, where they earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Astronautical Engineering in 1999-2001. Additionally, they obtained an Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineers Degree, specializing in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, during the same period at the Naval Postgraduate School. In 2010-2011, Palermo pursued a second Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

In terms of certifications, Palermo has obtained various qualifications and certifications throughout their career. These certifications include Program Management (PM) - Level III from the Defense Acquisition University in 2008, Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering - Systems Engineering (SE) - Level III from the Defense Acquisition University in 2008, Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) from the Acquisition Center of Excellence, National Reconnaissance Office in 2007, and Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering - Science and Technology (STM) - Level III from the Defense Acquisition University in 2007.

Palermo has also achieved several professional certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute in June 2020 and a Licensed Private Pilot certification from the FAA. Additionally, they have obtained various military and aviation-related certifications, such as Aircraft Commander, SH-60B Seahawk, Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) Facilitator, SH-60B Seahawk, and NATOPS Instructor, SH-60B Seahawk.

It is important to note that Palermo has additional certifications that do not specify the exact year or month of obtaining them, such as Acquisition Corp Member, Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (1510 Designator), Airborne (from Army Jump School), Designated Information Dominance Warfare Officer, Designated Naval Aviator, Flight Clearance Approver, MQ-8B Fire Scout Unmanned Air System, Helicopter Control Officer, USS Saipan (LHA-2), Instrument Flight Instructor, SH-60B Seahawk, and Level 400 Tactics Instructor, SH-60B Seahawk.