The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation today announced that Col. (Ret.) Chris Bennett, a 1993 Air Force Academy graduate and the parent of a 2024 graduate, has been named executive vice president for alumni relations. He assumed the role on August 3 after serving as interim executive vice president since June 1.

As executive vice president, Col. Bennett will lead the Association & Foundation’s alumni relations division, which builds and strengthens lifelong connections between graduates and their alma mater, with an emphasis on cadet engagement. He will oversee alumni services, career transition programs, customer service, events, membership and reunions, while working closely with chapter leaders to strengthen graduate engagement and community. He will also lead parent engagement, Doolittle Outfitters, heritage programs and the Next of Kin office.

 Col. Bennett will support the Association of Graduates board of directors and Class Advisory Senate, report to the president and CEO of the Association & Foundation and serve on the organization’s senior leadership team.

“Chris’s positive and enthusiastic spirit, strong ‘get it done’ leadership style and sharp intellect make him an ideal fit for this important leadership position at our Association & Foundation,” said Mark Hille ’97, president and CEO. “I thank him for serving in an interim capacity, where he provided excellent leadership of the alumni relations division, and I congratulate him on his new permanent role and responsibilities.”

Col. Bennett retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2022 after a 29-year active-duty career. He logged more than 3,200 flying hours, including in the C-130 and KC-135. During his career, he served on the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council, as the vice commander of the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, and as both an Air Force ROTC detachment commander (Texas A&M University) and the commander of the Air Force ROTC Enterprise at Maxwell Air Force Base.

“The Air Force Academy changed the course of my life, and it's an honor and a privilege to help graduates stay connected to each other and our alma mater,” said Col. Bennett. “I'm excited to work alongside our volunteers, chapters and staff to strengthen those lifelong bonds while inspiring today's cadets to become tomorrow's engaged graduates.”

Following his military career, Col. Bennett taught applied senior leadership and applied security studies for Air War College. He joined the Association & Foundation in November 2025 as senior director of alumni services, supervising career services, constituent relations and membership before being named interim executive vice president in June 2026.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation represents the joint mission of the Association of Graduates and the Air Force Academy Foundation. The mission is to support the Academy, serve graduates and preserve the heritage of the institution.