“Christina will bring a valuable perspective on the Space Force, AI and emerging technologies to our board as we continue to support the Academy’s ability to prepare cadets for unseen challenges,” says Alex Gilbert ’87, board chair. “Her experiences on active duty, in the Reserve and in the defense industry all provide a unique background that can strengthen the role of philanthropy at the U.S. Air Force Academy.”

Quillen Agnew is vice president for space growth at Leidos, where she advances space-sector strategy, partnerships and mission outcomes across the national security space enterprise. Previously, she was vice president of space at Palantir Technologies, a leading AI and software company. She serves in the Air Force Reserve.

“The Air Force Academy was foundational in shaping who I am as a leader. It instilled in me a commitment to service before self, intellectual rigor and moral courage — values that have guided me across combat operations and senior leadership roles in government and industry,” Quillen Agnew says. “I hope to help ensure the Academy continues to produce leaders of character who are technically exceptional, strategically minded and prepared to lead across air, space and emerging domains. I am particularly committed to strengthening connections between the Academy, operational leaders and the innovation ecosystem so cadets are equipped to meet future challenges with confidence, integrity and purpose.”

Quillen Agnew served as an acquisitions officer in the U.S. Air Force, where she developed and delivered first-of-its-kind space control technologies and led multiple space launch campaigns. She deployed to Afghanistan, leading an all-female team on more than 22 ground combat missions with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force–Afghanistan. She has held leadership assignments with the National Reconnaissance Office, the Space Systems Center and the Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force during the stand up of the U.S. Space Force. 

She is currently detailed to the direct report program manager for Golden Dome for America. She serves on the Air & Space Forces Association’s Schriever Chapter board, mentors aspiring Air Force and Space Force candidates, and is in regular demand as a speaker and panelist across the national security space enterprise. She was named the 2020 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisitions Reserve Field Grade Officer of the Year, received the National Medal of Merit from the Air & Space Forces Association on two occasions, and was selected for the U.S. Air Force Reserve 2021 Profile in Leadership.

A distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Quillen Agnew earned a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering and was a member of the Wings of Blue parachute team. She earned a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology on a graduate school scholarship awarded by the USAFA Dean of Faculty and holds a master’s degree in military operational art and science.