Dr. Kees Rietsema
Dr. Rietsema is an Air Force veteran with an extensive background in aviation as well as management and education. He is a 1973 honors graduate of the USAF Academy, where he majored in Political Science and International Affairs. Dr. Rietsema received his MBA from Golden Gate University, a Masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle University and his doctorate in Organization and Management from Capella University. Also, Dr. Rietsema is a graduate of the Indian National Defense College, New Delhi, India.
Dr. Rietsema’s Air Force career spanned twenty one years of active duty and included assignments as a Fighter Group Commander, leading the largest operational F-16 Fighter Wing in the USAF.
He is a founding member and Director of Research for ERAU - Worldwide’s Center for Aviation and Aerospace Leadership. Dr. Rietsema is also the Department Chair for the College of Business Administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide.