Nina Armagno
Executive Director, International Partnerships
Lieutenant General Nina M. Armagno established her reputation as an empowering and influential leader throughout an illustrious, 35-year military career. A distinguished leader in national security space operations, Armagno served as the Director of Staff at Headquarters, United States Space Force, from August 2020 to August 2023. In this strategic role, Armagno orchestrated the establishment of the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces by directing the formulation of service plans, positions, policies, and procedures. This achievement cemented Armagno’s legacy of adept and innovative leadership, as she synchronized a new Headquarters staff to resolve multifaceted cross-functional issues that ensured efficient and cohesive operations for the United States Space Force.
Armagno’s career is underscored by key positions shaping space program operations and development. As the Director of Space Programs for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisitions, Logistics, and Technology, Armagno crafted comprehensive strategies to coalesce support for space programs across various governmental entities, including the Department of Defense, Congress, and the White House. Armagno’s capacity for analytical and decisive stewardship is further reinforced by her robust experience steering national strategic nuclear war plans, space policies, and international engagements as the Director of Plans and Policy at Headquarters, United States Strategic Command.
Commissioned from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988, Armagno has demonstrated exceptional leadership at various command levels, notably as the only person to have commanded both launch wings in the Air Force. As the first Lieutenant General commissioned in the Space Force, Armagno’s trailblazing military career has progressed into the private sector, where she serves on the Board of Directors and Strategic Advisory Groups for several industry-leading companies, such as Rocket Lab, Intelsat, United Launch Alliance, Lockheed Martin, and VirnetX.
Armagno holds a Master’s degree in National Security Studies from the National War College and in Education Administration and Management from Chapman University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the United States Air Force Academy. In recognition of her contributions to national security, Armagno has received a series of prestigious awards such as the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the General Jerome F. O’Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award, Woman of Influence Award, and the Daughters of the American Revolution Patriot Award. Armagno’s commitment to excellence continues today as a selected member of The Council on Foreign Relations, further enhancing her impact on national security policy.