Chris Athearn is a highly accomplished acquisition advisor and strategic leader with a distinguished career spanning over three decades in defense applications, government-industry relations, and national security strategy. With a proven ability to drive impactful business solutions, foster collaboration, and optimize acquisition strategies, he has established himself as an influential figure in the defense sector, consistently guiding organizations toward operational excellence and strategic growth.

As the Founder and President of Alfen Consulting LLC, Athearn plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between government and industry perspectives, enabling clients to navigate complex acquisition landscapes and enhance business performance. His expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management has facilitated the development of key initiatives that drive organizational success. Through his leadership, Alfen Consulting has become a trusted advisory firm, helping defense-focused enterprises secure growth opportunities and build strong, enduring partnerships.

Before transitioning into the private sector, Athearn served as the Senior Military Acquisition Advisor to the Air Force Service Acquisition Executive (SAE), the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. In this congressionally appointed role, he provided high-level guidance on the full spectrum of acquisition life cycle management of Air Force programs, particularly with respect to an $11 billion weapons portfolio. He spearheaded the Weapons Capacity Task Force, devising innovative strategies to expand supply chain capabilities and accelerate weapons production through global distributed manufacturing nodes. His leadership directly informed Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) investment decisions, resulting in groundbreaking advancements that significantly enhanced national defense capabilities.

Athearn’s tenure as Senior Materiel Leader at Eglin Air Force Base further cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking strategist in the defense sector. Managing a $5 billion portfolio encompassing long-range and hypersonic weapon systems, he played a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge technologies, including the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER), the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), and the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). His expertise in acquisition strategy, program execution, and cross-service collaboration positioned him as a key architect of modern weapons development.

Over the course of his 35-year military career, Athearn held a variety of leadership roles, ranging from program management to engineering and operational assignments. His experience in the Pentagon, combined with cross-service exposure through the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), has given him a comprehensive understanding of defense acquisition frameworks and national security resourcing. His ability to navigate complex bureaucratic and technical landscapes has made him a sought-after advisor for high-stakes decision-making in military acquisitions and industry partnerships.

Athearn holds multiple advanced degrees in strategic and organizational management, including a Master of Arts in National Resourcing Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, a Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science from Air Command Staff College, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from The George Washington University. His academic background, combined with extensive real-world experience, has shaped his ability to lead large-scale acquisition initiatives and transform organizational capabilities.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Athearn remains actively engaged in his community, contributing to disaster response efforts in Florida and participating in various recreational activities, including team sports, watersports, and triathlons. A skilled percussionist and dedicated DIY enthusiast, he brings the same level of precision and discipline to his personal interests as he does to his professional career.

With an exceptional record of leadership in military acquisitions, strategic planning, and industry collaboration, Chris Athearn continues to shape the future of defense capabilities, ensuring that organizations remain agile, innovative, and prepared to meet the evolving demands of national security.

Character
Chris Athearn is a dedicated and results-driven leader with a relentless commitment to excellence, consistently demonstrating integrity, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit in both military and private-sector roles.

Knowledge
With extensive expertise in defense acquisitions, strategic resourcing, and national security frameworks, Chris Athearn possesses a deep understanding of government-industry relations and the complexities of military procurement.

Strategic
Chris Athearn excels in designing and implementing forward-thinking acquisition strategies that enhance operational effectiveness, drive technological advancements, and foster innovative supply chain solutions to meet evolving defense needs.

Communication
A skilled communicator and influential advisor, Chris Athearn effectively engages with stakeholders at all levels, delivering clear insights, impactful recommendations, and strategic guidance that shape critical defense and business decisions.