The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation today announced that Col. (Ret.) Chris Bennett ’93 has been named interim executive vice president for alumni relations, effective May 30.

As interim EVP, Col. Bennett will provide leadership of the alumni relations division, which encompasses alumni services, career transitions support, chapter relations and support, events, heritage, membership, the Next of Kin program, retail operations (Doolittle Outfitters) and reunions. As an interim officer, he will support the Association of Graduates board of directors and report to the president and CEO of the Association & Foundation.

Col. Bennett, a parent of a 2024 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2022 after a 29-year active-duty career, with 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. 

Following his military career, he 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.

Col. Bennett takes over for Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius ’00, who served in the role for 16 months following three decades of dedicated service to the nation and the Academy.