Jim Sears joins ORAU as senior vice president

After an extensive military career, James (Jim) Sears joins ORAU as senior vice president. He will lead ORAU Government Services to integrate academia, government and industry in advancing the nation’s learning, health and scientific priorities. Sears will oversee a diverse portfolio of programs focused on public health, environmental science and emergency preparedness, guiding a large team to deliver innovative solutions that benefit the public.

Sears brings a distinguished 33-year 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 he served as an instructor pilot, commander and senior executive. Sears retired from the U.S. Air Force 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's impressive leadership and strategic experience will ensure ORAU Government Services remains at the forefront of addressing critical national challenges with excellence, innovation, collaboration and integrity, driving the group's success in meeting complex challenges with effective, evidence-based strategies,” said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page.

Sears is a U.S. 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.