Chillicothe native supporting presidential aircraft as director of engineering
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE – A former B-1 Lancer pilot, lawyer and current Director of Engineering for the Presidential and Executive Airlift Directorate, Paul Phillips has had a long career of service. Born and raised in Chillicothe, located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, he credits his upbringing there with playing a key role in his success. Recently Phillips set down for an interview to discuss his career and what he’s working on as director.
Q: What’s your educational background?
A: I have a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical engineering from Ohio State, a master’s degree in Organizational & Human Resource Management from Abilene Christian University, a master’s degree in National Security & Resource Strategy from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, and a law degree from Regent University Law School.
Q: What motivated you to transition from being a pilot to working as a civilian engineer?
A: While I enjoyed my twenty years as an Air Force pilot flying the B-1 and KC-135, we wanted to return to Ohio to be closer to our family, including my parents in Chillicothe. My interest in aviation remained strong, including the engineering side, so it was just a good match to work here at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, in the engineering career field.
Q: How has your experience as a pilot served you in your role as an engineer?
A: It’s helpful. I’m able to recognize times when the capabilities requested by our warfighters, may not be fully understood by our engineers who work hard to deliver them. It isn’t necessarily the fault of either side but having shared experiences with both seems to improve communication which can save time and resources.
Q: Is this your first assignment at Wright-Patt?
A: No, I started in the Simulators Division, which procures and sustains Air Force’s training systems. Having spent most of my active-duty career as an instructor pilot using those very same training devices, the Division was a good fit for me.
Q: What do you do in your current role as director of engineering?
A: I’m the senior technical advisor to the Program Executive Officer for Presidential and Executive Airlift. I also oversee the engineering efforts of three Divisions located at different sites. These Divisions are responsible for developing and sustaining the aircraft needed to transport and enable our President and senior government officials. Some of these aircraft include the C-12, C-21, C-32, C-37, C-40, E-4B and the VC-25A which is more commonly known as Air Force One, and its successor, the VC-25B.
Q: What was it like growing up in Chillicothe?
A: It was a great place to grow up, and it's still a great place to live. I think people from that area develop traits that are valued in the kind of work that I’ve been involved in, when it comes to interpersonal relationships, being down to earth, and getting along with others. There are a lot of opportunities for people with these traits at Wright-Patterson. Outlining communities like Chillicothe may not be fully aware of the many rewarding employment opportunities. WPAFB generates over 30,000 jobs and, as Ohio’s largest single site employer, is always needing motivated talent to fill positions in about every career field you can think of… and it’s just down the road from many smaller communities with people who could excel.
Q: Why did you decide to get a law degree?
A: I’ve always been interested in law. My father, grandfather and great grandfather were lawyers, so I guess it kind of runs in the family. Upon retirement I moved back home to Chillicothe to practice with my father, but his poor health had rapidly declined, and we never had the opportunity to practice together. I’m grateful I was able to help him wrap up his business.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: It’s highly variable. There are frequent meetings, discussions with personnel to solve challenges, and travel to facilities or company locations to work on-going efforts.
Q: What career advice do you have for someone who may want to follow a similar path and work for the Air Force?
A: Working for the Air Force can be a highly rewarding adventure. You are offered incredible educational opportunities through many career developmental programs, along with a variety of jobs and promotion opportunities, some of which can include travel and foreign assignments. Finally, you have the satisfaction of knowing you're contributing to a key element of our national security, not only militarily through our air, space and cyber power, but also through our economic strength which greatly benefits from our vibrant, world-leading, aerospace industry.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe native supporting presidential aircraft as director of engineering
