Deputy Director, AFWERX

James Bieryla is the Deputy Director of AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force. AFWERX accelerates agile and affordable capability transitions by teaming innovative technology developers with Airmen and Guardian talent.

 

Mr. Bieryla is a former United States Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot, having flown almost 3000 hours in the F-15, F-117, F-22, F-16, and 35 other airplanes. Following his retirement from active duty, he transitioned to the Air Force Research Laboratory where he led classified technology development efforts.

 

He received a BS in Electrical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy as well as Masters Degrees from both Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Global Leadership from Indiana Tech.

 

James and his family reside near Dayton, Ohio, where he also serves as the Chair of the Great Lakes Section of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. His son Ryan is a student at The Ohio State University.