Heather Thomas

Heather Thomas is a US Navy Federal Executive Fellow at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology. A native of Pismo Beach, California, she earned a BS in History from the United States Naval Academy in 2006. With over 3,100 flight hours, she has served in numerous operational and instructional roles across the US Navy, including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and counter-piracy missions. Her career highlights include instructor pilot roles, leadership in aircraft squadrons (e.g., HSL-49, HSM-40), and service at US Central Command (USCENTCOM). She holds multiple military decorations, including the Joint Defense Meritorious Service Medal and four Navy Commendation Medals.

Her operational experience spans roles as First Lieutenant, Safety Officer, and Department Head in units like USS CHANCELLORSVILLE and USS FORREST SHERMAN. At USCENTCOM, she contributed to exercise planning and strategic training. Her expertise combines naval aviation, tactical operations, and strategic national security policy.