Jim Sears

Jim Sears serves as senior vice president for ORAU Government Services (OGS), where he leads efforts to integrate academia, government, and industry in advancing the Nation’s learning, health, and scientific priorities. He oversees a diverse portfolio of programs focused on public health, environmental science, and emergency preparedness, guiding a team of over 200 professionals to deliver innovative solutions that benefit the public. Jim's leadership ensures that OGS remains at the forefront of addressing critical national challenges with excellence, collaboration, and integrity, driving the group's success in meeting complex challenges with effective, evidence-based strategies.

Jim brings a distinguished 33-career from the United States Air Force, where he served as a five-time commander and combat pilot. Among his notable commands, he led the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan and the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. Nearly half of his career was dedicated to developing Airmen as an instructor pilot, commander, and senior executive. Jim retired as the principal architect of a modernized approach to personnel education and training, incorporating learning engineering, modern technology, and enhanced instructor development to better equip Airmen throughout their careers. His dedication to service and innovative leadership have earned him numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to national defense and security.

Jim is a United States Air Force Academy graduate. He holds master’s degrees in Human Resource Development from Webster University and in Strategy and Campaign Planning from the National Defense University.