Colonel Brian Viola is the Senior Materiel Leader for Kessel Run, Department of the Air Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. In this role, he leads a division responsible for the development and delivery of advanced software, digital infrastructure, and mission systems that enable operational agility across the DAF.
Prior to his current position, Col. Viola served as the J9 Director for the National Security Office, Central Security Service, guiding strategic technology initiatives that strengthened national defense and advanced U.S. cybersecurity posture.
He entered the Air Force in December 2004 through ROTC from Louisiana State University and has held pivotal roles in cyberwarfare, acquisitions, and operational testing across the Air Force and the National Security Agency. A graduated Squadron Commander and Materiel Leader, Col. Viola has led organizations at the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Space and Missile Systems Center, the Pentagon, Air Combat Command, and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. His career also includes competitive fellowships and advanced training in cybersecurity, network operations and emerging technology.
Col. Viola holds bachelor's degrees in computer engineering and electrical engineering from Louisiana State University, La. He also holds a master of science degree in computer engineering from Syracuse University, N.Y., and a master of strategic studies degree from the Air Command & Staff College, Air University, Ala.
EDUCATION
2004 Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Louisiana State University, La.
2004 Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Louisiana State University, La.
2008 Master of Science in Computer Engineering, Syracuse University, N.Y.
2011 Computer Network Operations Program, National Security Agency, Md.
2016 Master of Strategic Studies, Air Command & Staff College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2025 Air Force Fellowship Program, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho
ASSIGNMENTS
1. January 2005 – May 2009, AFRL, Information Directorate, Rome, N.Y.
2. May 2009 – June 2013, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Md.
3. June 2013 – July 2015, AFOTEC, Detachment 4, Peterson Air Force Base (AFB), Colorado Springs, Colo.
4. July 2015 – June 2016, Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
5. June 2016 – July 2018, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition), Pentagon, Va.
6. August 2018 – July 2019, Deputy, Space Enterprise Cyber Services, Los Angeles AFB, Calif.
7. August 2019 – February 2021, Commander, 346th Test Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
8. February 2021 – May 2024, Materiel Leader, Platform One, Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
9. June 2024 – June 2025, Air Force Fellow, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho
10. June 2025 – June 2026, Director J9, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Md.
11. June 2026 – Present, Senior Material Leader, Kessel Run, Hanscom AFB, Mass.
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 2025 – Present, Director J9, National Security Agency, Central Security Service, Fort Meade, Md.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster