Dr. Troy E. Meink

Meink arrives as a Secretary with a wealth of experience. A native of South Dakota, Meink entered the Air Force through ROTC in 1988 at South Dakota State University. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and later earned a doctorate in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Ohio State University.

He has logged time as a KC-135 navigator and instructor and as a lead test engineer for the design and evaluation of ballistic missile test vehicles for the Missile Defense Agency.

Across his time with the Department of Defense, Meink has managed multiple next generation joint research and development programs transitioning global space capabilities, optical sensors, and advanced structures. He has also led multiple communications organizations within the Air Force and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Networks and Information Integration.