Katharine Kelley

Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital at United States Space Force

Ms. Katharine Kelley, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital, U.S. Space Force. She provides executive leadership and managerial direction for the Space Force in all functional areas of personnel management to include force structure analysis; personnel programs; civilian personnel; readiness; senior officer matters; quality force issues; equal opportunity; and family support for military and civilian personnel located at 175 locations worldwide in support of the service’s space launch, space surveillance, missile warning, and satellite command and control operations.

Ms. Kelley earned a commission through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Villanova University as a Logistics Officer for the 1st Infantry Division. She transitioned to a civilian role within the Department of the Army working the most comprehensive base realignment and closure process in the department’s history, as well as managing logistics, enterprise infrastructure, and space management. In 2016 Ms. Kelley assumed responsibilities as Superintendent at Arlington National Cemetery where she was responsible for rebuilding trust and confidence in the Army’s operation of the cemetery and setting the strategic direction for recapitalization, expansion and technology innovations. Prior to her current position, Ms. Kelley served as the Chief Human Capital Officer for Army Futures Command. There, she stood up the command’s headquarters in Austin, TX and served as the senior advisor on all aspects of human resources including the establishment of the Army’s first software focused training for soldiers and civilians.