Chad Melone is an experienced aerospace and defense professional currently serving as the Chief of Launch Procurement & Integration at the United States Space Force, focusing on national security space launch and satellite vehicle integration since July 2021. Prior experience includes various roles within the United States Air Force, where Chad executed theater engagement strategies, managed launch site support services, and led space and suborbital launch programs. Previous positions also included serving as a Space & Missile Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of State and working in satellite operations, remote sensing analysis, and systems engineering roles within the Air Force. Chad holds an MBA in Small Business Entrepreneurship and a Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering & Space Systems Engineering, complemented by multiple degrees and certifications in relevant fields.