Dr. Cross will discuss how to adjust in ones career as ones environment changes.
Abstract: In early 2024, the Department of the Air Force unveiled sweeping plans for
reshaping, refocusing, and reoptimizing the Air Force and Space Force to ensure continued
supremacy in their respective domains while better posturing the services to deter and, if
necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition.
In defense and aerospace, change is inevitable. Global factors drive mission goals,
organizational constructs, and immediate priorities. From the inside, this is often frustrating
and confusing. No matter where you work, the organization you currently work for probably
does not resemble the one you hired into, and the vision you have for a successful career has
probably morphed many times over. When change occurs, and it will, being able to critically
evaluate what it means to both you and the organization is key to finding a path through the
chaos, and developing the unexpected career that you now desire.
Biography: Dr. Charles J. Cross is the Chief of the Turbine Engine Division, Aerospace
Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. He has been with AFRL and its
predecessor organizations since 1989. He holds PhD and MS from Purdue University, a
Bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton, and Fellowships with
the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).