WILLIAM BARKSDALE

USAF Tanker Program Communications

William Barksdale leads communications for the USAF Tanker Program, a division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security's Military Aircraft business unit.

Based in St. Louis, his primary role is to lead internal, executive, external, outreach and marketing communications for Boeing's effort to win the U.S. Air Force's KC-X tanker recapitalization competition.

Since joining the company in 2003, Barksdale has led communications for Global Mobility Systems (C-17; International Tankers), International Support Systems, Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems X-45, Weapons, and F-15 programs.

Prior to Boeing, Barksdale was an officer in the U.S. Air Force. During his 13-year career, he served primarily in the public affairs career field where his team won the ‘Major Hap Arnold Award for Special Achievement’ in 1998 (Operation Keiko Lift/Free Willy killer whale transport to Iceland) and in 1999 (global coverage of a lifesaving Antarctica medical humanitarian mission). He separated from the U.S. Air Force in 2001 with the rank of major.

Barksdale holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a master’s degree in international relations from Webster University. He is a graduate of the Defense Information School, Squadron Officer School, and the Air Command and Staff College.