With over 20 years of senior executive experience in all aspects of civil and military aerospace operations, management administration and planning, Russ Handy brings expansive expertise to clients as a senior advisor. An innovative manager, leader, problem solver and team builder with hands-on expertise at every level of organizational management, he built effective teams and transformed challenged organizations into exceptional performers.
General Handy currently serves as a US Air Force Senior Mentor and independent consultant, providing operational and strategic advisor services, assisting military and civilian organizations facing today’s challenging global security environment.
A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General with 34 years of service, he directed complex military organizations and headquarters staffs ranging in size from 300 to over 46,000 employees, culminating as Commander of 11th Air Force and interim Commander of Pacific Air Forces.
During his military career, Russ commanded at the Numbered Air Force, Expeditionary Task Force, Wing, Group and Squadron levels for a total of 12 years. In those command positions and while serving on multiple higher headquarters staffs he routinely collaborated with senior leaders across the DoD enterprise, on Capitol Hill, and with NATO and allied military organizations.
Immediately following his military retirement Russ became the Aviation Director for the City of San Antonio and managed an airport system that accounted for over $5 billion annually and supports approximately 100,000 jobs in the region.
A rated civilian and military pilot with over 4100 hours of flight time in 14 aircraft types, he maintains affiliations with the National Defense Industrial Association, the Air Force Association, and the National Aeronautic Association.
With specific skillsets that encompass strategic planning, productivity improvement, team building, and operations, financial and change management, Russ brings tremendous depth and experience to help clients solve their critical needs.
Founder and Principal, 3-9 Line LLC, Hartfield, VA
Senior Fellow, National Defense University, Washington, D.C.
Highly Qualified Expert – Senior Mentor, Headquarters, Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, VA
USAF Adjunct Contract Professor, Flatter, Inc, Washington, D.C.
Stellar Advisor, Stellar Solutions, Inc., Palo Alto, CA
Aviation Director, City of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX