Richard Kretzschmar is a seasoned executive with a distinguished career in aerospace and defense, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3). With a proven track record of driving corporate growth, fostering strategic partnerships, and shaping defense innovation, Kretzschmar has been instrumental in the continued success of i3 since assuming the CEO role in 2021. Under his leadership, the company has experienced consistent year-over-year revenue growth, reinforcing its position as a leader in cutting-edge defense solutions.
Before becoming CEO, Kretzschmar served as President of Integration Innovation, Inc. from 2017 to 2020. During this time, he played a pivotal role in aligning i3’s core competencies with emerging needs across the Department of Defense (DoD), other government agencies, and defense contractors. His strategic foresight and business development expertise contributed to the company’s impressive 30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), demonstrating his ability to identify and capitalize on industry trends.
Prior to his tenure at i3, Kretzschmar was a senior civilian leader within the U.S. Army, where he held several high-impact roles. As Deputy Program Executive Officer for Aviation (PEO Aviation) from 2016 to 2017, he was responsible for overseeing nearly 100 aviation programs with an annual budget of approximately $7.3 billion. His strategic leadership helped shape the future of Army Aviation, establishing guidance, policies, and budgetary priorities for one of the Army’s largest weapons system portfolios.
In his previous role as Project Manager for the Improved Turbine Engine Program and Future Vertical Lift initiatives (2015–2016), Kretzschmar spearheaded the development of next-generation propulsion systems and rotary-wing aircraft. He built and led a highly effective 70-person organization in under six months, guiding two of the Army’s most significant aviation development programs through critical milestones and securing funding for long-term success. His oversight of a $255 million annual budget and a $10 billion overall program budget demonstrated his exceptional ability to manage large-scale defense initiatives.
From 2012 to 2015, Kretzschmar served as Deputy Project Manager for the Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), overseeing a portfolio that included two ACAT 1D and two ACAT 2 programs. His contributions to strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development were instrumental in advancing unmanned aviation capabilities. He played a key role in initiatives such as the Army Aviation Restructure Initiative and was a principal member of the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s UAS Task Force. Under his leadership, the UAS office managed an annual budget exceeding $2.4 billion and a workforce of over 550 personnel. His exemplary service earned him recognition as the Department of the Army Civilian of the Year from both the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) in 2014.
Kretzschmar’s earlier career includes leadership positions at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), where he served as Deputy Director of the System Simulation and Development Directorate (2007–2011) and Chief of the Aerodynamics Technology Branch (2002–2006). In these roles, he was responsible for managing large teams of engineers and technical experts, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, and developing advanced simulation and analysis capabilities for Army aviation and missile defense programs. His expertise in aerodynamics, simulation, and engineering contract management helped advance critical defense technologies.
Kretzschmar holds a Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He also earned a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University, achieving another 4.0 GPA, and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, graduating with distinction. His commitment to professional excellence is further demonstrated by his DAU Level III certifications in Program Management and Acquisition System Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering. He has also completed the DAU Executive Program Manager’s Course, reinforcing his expertise in defense acquisition and strategic program execution.
A trusted leader with Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance, Richard Kretzschmar continues to shape the future of aerospace and defense innovation. His strategic vision, technical expertise, and ability to drive organizational success make him an invaluable asset to both i3 and the broader defense industry.
Character: Richard Kretzschmar is a principled and results-driven leader, recognized for his integrity, dedication, and ability to inspire high-performing teams in both corporate and military environments.
Knowledge: With extensive expertise in aerospace engineering, defense acquisition, and strategic program management, he has successfully led multi-billion-dollar aviation and unmanned systems programs.
Strategic: A forward-thinking executive, Kretzschmar has consistently driven corporate growth, aligned emerging technologies with defense needs, and established key partnerships to advance innovation.
Communication: An adept communicator, he effectively conveys complex technical and strategic concepts to diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration across government, industry, and defense sectors.
