Brian Stahl

Brian “Brutus” Stahl is a senior national security executive, defense strategist, and technology advisor with more than three decades of experience leading organizations, shaping defense policy, and accelerating the transition of advanced technologies from concept to operational capability. His career spans executive leadership across the U.S. Department of Defense, operational command, strategic planning, and defense innovation, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of emerging technology, aviation, national security, and organizational transformation. 

Brian currently serves as a senior advisor supporting the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he helps align breakthrough research with Department of the Air Force priorities and advises on technology transition, strategic partnerships, and capability development. Working at the nexus of government, industry, academia, and the research community, he helps organizations accelerate innovation while navigating the complexities of defense acquisition, operational integration, and large-scale technology adoption. 

A distinguished Air Force officer and command pilot, Brian’s operational foundation was built in some of the Air Force’s most demanding aviation missions. He accumulated thousands of flight hours in the F-16, F-22, and F-15E, leading combat operations and training the next generation of aviators while developing a deep appreciation for the human dimension of advanced technology. Flying high-performance aircraft in operational environments instilled an enduring understanding that technology delivers strategic advantage only when it is effectively integrated with people, organizations, and mission objectives—a perspective that continues to shape his approach to innovation and executive advising. 

Prior to his current role, Brian served as a Colonel in the United States Air Force, holding executive leadership positions spanning combat operations, strategy, policy, acquisition, and command. As Chief Strategy Officer within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, he contributed to implementation of the 2022 National Defense Strategy and advised senior Department leaders on long-term force design, emerging technologies, and strategic priorities. He also commanded the 332d Expeditionary Operations Group, leading more than 800 personnel supporting combat operations across the Middle East while integrating airpower across coalition and joint force operations. 

Throughout his career, Brian has developed a reputation for connecting strategic vision with operational execution. His experience spans advanced aviation, artificial intelligence, autonomy, defense modernization, technology transition, operational planning, and organizational transformation. Having served as an operator, strategist, commander, and innovation leader, he understands how emerging technologies move from research laboratories to operational capabilities that create measurable strategic advantage. This combination of operational credibility, technical fluency, and executive leadership enables him to help organizations bridge the gap between innovation and execution. 

At Elara Nova, Brian advises government agencies, defense companies, investors, and technology firms on national security strategy, defense innovation, technology commercialization, and growth opportunities within the evolving defense ecosystem. He helps clients anticipate geopolitical and technological shifts, navigate complex stakeholder environments, build enduring strategic partnerships, and position transformative technologies for successful adoption in both government and commercial markets. 

Brian earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the College of International Security Affairs at National Defense University, a Master of Science in Military Operational Art and Science from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies at Air University, and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy.