Patrick Walsh has been appointed as the Senior Director of Procurement Policy at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), according to an announcement from the organization. Walsh brings significant experience in procurement and government acquisition policy to his new role.
Eric Fanning, President and Chief Executive Officer of AIA, stated, “The way in which our industry conducts business with the U.S. government—particularly with the Pentagon—is rapidly evolving and demand is growing, so it’s imperative that AIA has experts to assist our members in understanding the changing environment. AIA is proud to welcome Patrick Walsh to our team to leverage his expertise in procurement and defense systems to meet this moment. With over a decade working in and around the defense and national security sector, I have no doubt that Patrick will be an asset to our member companies and the entire AIA organization.”
Walsh previously worked at the United States Marshals Service within the Department of Justice. Prior to that, he served as a Chief of Contracting Office at the Department of Homeland Security, where he led efforts on a streamlined contracting vehicle that earned him the DHS Innovation in Contracting Award.
His experience also includes supporting the Department of Defense at the F-35 Joint Program Office, where he managed what was described as the largest U.S. government aircraft engine purchase on record. At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Walsh developed a $300 million contract vehicle aimed at hypersonics research for the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Walsh is recognized as a published author on procurement topics and frequently speaks about contracting issues. He has held unlimited contracting officer warrants from several federal agencies including the U.S. Navy, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice. His credentials include a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting and certification as a Professional Contract Manager through the National Contract Management Association. Walsh holds both a Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University.
