Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and transformation. Having spent over two decades in the United States Air Force, Kristin’s expertise in space operations, leadership, and governance has now been seamlessly translated into her role as Chief Operations Officer at TechWise, where she is using her vast experience to shape the future of space and defense technologies. Her transition from military to civilian leadership is a story of perseverance, vision, and a deep commitment to innovation, now applied in the private sector.
A Strong Foundation in Military Leadership
Kristin Goodwin’s career in the Air Force was marked by an array of groundbreaking roles that shaped her into the leader she is today. One of her most significant achievements was her role in establishing the Space Operations Command (SpOC) within the U.S. Space Force. “When General Raymond called me to help bring the 11th combatant command to life, I knew we were making history,” she recalls with evident pride. Kristin was instrumental in getting SpOC operational in just eight months, a process that would typically have taken at least 18 months in a traditional military timeline.
Her responsibilities as Chief of Staff at SpOC were immense. She led 4,100 personnel and supported 38,000 space and cyber professionals across 134 global locations. It was a monumental task, but Kristin’s leadership approach ensured the mission was clear—protecting the U.S.’s interests in space. Reflecting on this experience, she shares, “The scale was enormous, but we were all united by a single mission. We had to be agile, innovative, and swift.”
Building a Strong Organizational Framework
As Chief of Staff, Kristin’s leadership extended to reimagining the organizational structure of SpOC. The traditional military command structure, with its 15 layers of hierarchy, was streamlined into a much more agile, five-layer approach. This shift was critical for improving decision-making speed and communication across such a vast operation. Kristin’s focus was always on making sure that the mission could be executed with precision and efficiency. "We completely reimagined how space command and control infrastructure should work," she notes. “When you're dealing with space assets, seconds matter.”
This reorganization at SpOC is a prime example of Kristin’s ability to think strategically while executing with speed. Her experience in managing complex, high-stakes operations has provided a unique perspective that she now applies at TechWise.
Applying Military Experience to TechWise
Transitioning from a military to a private-sector environment could be seen as a significant shift, but for Kristin, the foundation of her leadership remains the same. “Flying the B-2 Stealth Bomber taught me about precision and strategic thinking,” she says, laughing. “Managing an $816 million P&L as a Wing Commander taught me resource allocation.” However, the skills that Kristin values the most are those related to team-building. In both her military and current roles, Kristin has prioritized cultivating teams that can thrive under pressure. At TechWise, she brings these same skills to the table.
At TechWise, where she serves as the Chief Operations Officer, Kristin leads the company’s efforts to provide strategic solutions for the defense and space sectors. Her vast experience advising high-level stakeholders like the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs, and the White House helps her understand her client’s needs on a deeper level. “My background in advising top leaders has given me a unique insight into what our clients need,” she says. “At TechWise, we provide solutions that are critical to the defense and space sectors—solutions that help shape the future of space operations.”
Adapting to the Private Sector’s Pace
Kristin is quick to note the differences between military operations and the private sector. “The pace is different,” she admits thoughtfully. “In the military, there’s a clear chain of command. In the private sector, there’s more flexibility, but also a different set of constraints.” Nevertheless, she remains committed to bringing the same strategic vision and leadership that served her well in the military to her work at TechWise. “What excites me most about TechWise is that we’re helping build the future of space operations. We’re providing capabilities-based assessments and solutions that support the defense sector. We’re helping to move space operations forward.”
Kristin’s current role at TechWise involves advising and guiding her clients through complex technological and strategic challenges. Her work focuses on training, systems integration, and consulting, all of which help her clients develop the systems and infrastructure they need to succeed in the space and defense sectors.
The Space Force and Private Sector Collaboration
Kristin Goodwin has always recognized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. “The Space Force recognized from day one that partnership with industry is essential,” she says. “Space is an incredibly complex domain, and the specialized expertise of companies like TechWise is invaluable. What we do in the private sector complements the work that the military is doing.”
At TechWise, Kristin’s role also involves helping her clients navigate the very systems and processes she helped create at SpOC. “When I was leading SpOC, we were building something from scratch,” she explains. “Now, at TechWise, I’m helping our clients implement and manage the systems that I helped develop. It’s a beautiful symmetry, and it’s exciting to see it all come together.”
The Human Element: People First
While technology and strategy are central to Kristin’s work, she is quick to emphasize the importance of people. “The people—without question—are what make the mission possible,” she says softly. Kristin’s focus on people comes through in everything she does, from leading large teams at SpOC to advising her clients at TechWise. She has always believed that success in any mission—whether military or corporate—comes down to the strength and unity of the team.
In addition to her dedication to people, Kristin is passionate about the technological innovations happening in space. “We are entering an era where space will transform everything from communications to transportation to climate monitoring,” she says. Being a part of that transformation, first in uniform and now in industry, is something she finds incredibly fulfilling.
Advice for Military Leaders Transitioning to the Private Sector
For military leaders looking to transition to the private sector, Kristin has some valuable advice. “Bring your leadership skills and strategic thinking, but also be open to new approaches,” she says. The private sector operates at a different pace, but the skills honed in the military—strategic thinking, governance, and risk management—are incredibly valuable. Kristin believes that the ability to adapt and evolve is key to success in both the military and the private sector.
“Whether you’re in uniform or in business, success is about vision, execution, and taking care of your people,” she concludes. “Some things are universal, whether you’re operating in the atmosphere or beyond it.”
As Kristin Goodwin reflects on her remarkable career—from her leadership role in the U.S. Air Force to her current position at TechWise—it’s clear that her journey is one of continued growth, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Her ability to transition seamlessly from military operations to private-sector leadership speaks volumes about her adaptability and vision. At TechWise, Kristin is helping to shape the future of space operations and providing invaluable guidance to those navigating the complex intersection of technology, defense, and space.
