Looks like you have JavaScript disabled. For the full Twine experience, you will need to re-enable it.

I’m Barry C. Nichols, a security executive leader with a 25+ year career across the U.S. Air Force and interagency environments. My focus is crisis management, risk assessment, counter-drone operations, base defense, and enterprise-level transformation. I’ve built and led large, high-performing teams, shaped cross-functional strategies, and partnered with DoD and international allies to deliver mission-critical capabilities. I thrive in fast-paced, complex operations where strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined execution drive outcomes. I’m passionate about coaching teams, institutionalizing governance and battle rhythms, and delivering measurable improvements in readiness, and collaboration across organizations.…I’m Barry C. Nichols, a security executive leader with a 25+ year career across the U.S. Air Force and interagency environments. My focus is crisis management, risk assessment, counter-drone operations, base defense, and enterprise-level transformation. I’ve built and led large, high-performing teams, shaped cross-functional strategies, and partnered with DoD and international allies to deliver mission-critical capabilities. I thrive in fast-paced, complex operations where strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined execution drive outcomes. I’m passionate about coaching teams, institutionalizing governance and battle rhythms, and delivering measurable improvements in readiness, and collaboration across organizations.

Barry C. Nichols

Project Manager, Executive Producer, Filmmaker, +2





I’m Barry C. Nichols, a security executive leader with a 25+ year career across the U.S. Air Force and interagency environments. My focus is crisis management, risk assessment, counter-drone operations, base defense, and enterprise-level transformation. I’ve built and led large, high-performing teams, shaped cross-functional strategies, and partnered with DoD and international allies to deliver mission-critical capabilities. I thrive in fast-paced, complex operations where strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined execution drive outcomes. I’m passionate about coaching teams, institutionalizing governance and battle rhythms, and delivering measurable improvements in readiness, and collaboration across organizations.…I’m Barry C. Nichols, a security executive leader with a 25+ year career across the U.S. Air Force and interagency environments. My focus is crisis management, risk assessment, counter-drone operations, base defense, and enterprise-level transformation. I’ve built and led large, high-performing teams, shaped cross-functional strategies, and partnered with DoD and international allies to deliver mission-critical capabilities. I thrive in fast-paced, complex operations where strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined execution drive outcomes. I’m passionate about coaching teams, institutionalizing governance and battle rhythms, and delivering measurable improvements in readiness, and collaboration across organizations.

Available to hire

I’m Barry C. Nichols, a security executive leader with a 25+ year career across the U.S. Air Force and interagency environments. My focus is crisis management, risk assessment, counter-drone operations, base defense, and enterprise-level transformation. I’ve built and led large, high-performing teams, shaped cross-functional strategies, and partnered with DoD and international allies to deliver mission-critical capabilities. I thrive in fast-paced, complex operations where strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined execution drive outcomes. I’m passionate about coaching teams, institutionalizing governance and battle rhythms, and delivering measurable improvements in readiness, and collaboration across organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Experience Level

Leadership

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Division Chief, Current Operations | Chief Operating Officer at Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center

July 1, 2023 - July 1, 2025

Planned, coordinated and oversaw current ops for installation & mission support functional areas, informing the Commander on near-term planning. Led a 126-member team to develop Air Force’s first Capability Playbook to quantify risk with reduced manpower; built the organization’s first Operations Center to integrate nine support areas and improve cross-functional efficiency.

Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) Program Manager at Headquarters, United States Air Force

June 1, 2021 - July 1, 2023

Formulated and executed strategic fielding for Air Force and DoD C-sUAS programs; supported JCO efforts to develop area defenses; shaped employment of C-sUAS tech with acquisition professionals. Led interagency collaboration to create a C-sUAS common operating picture in the National Capital Region and resolved funding/fielding challenges. Briefed the Secretary and Under Secretary on the program and identified resource needs for executive approval.

Director of Logistics at Air Force Security Forces Center

July 1, 2019 - June 1, 2021

Directed equipment standardization, cost savings and performance enhancements for 38,000-person career field; advised senior leaders on personnel/equipment to support war planning. Led teams to develop programming plans and fielded solutions for capability gaps; delivered $90M in overseas equipment and modernized enterprise logistics programs.

Squadron Commander | Director at 386th Security Forces Squadron

June 1, 2018 - June 1, 2019

Shaped security for CENTCOM’s primary mobility gateway, supervising 500+ Airmen across a 187 sq km base. Coordinated with Coalition and partner forces on access, sensors and training; led multi-national security planning and executive-level risk management to optimize resources.

Squadron Commander | Director at 11th Security Forces Squadron

June 1, 2016 - June 1, 2018

Commanded a 435-member unit responsible for law enforcement and security for $6B in DoD resources; advised senior leaders on force protection for Wings and tenant organizations; managed high-visibility security for presidential/foreign visits and state-to-state transits.

Security Forces Officer, Strategic Planner, Air Force Fellow at Various locations within the US and Overseas

January 1, 2000 - June 1, 2016

Assumed progressively responsible leadership roles including flight commander, antiterrorism officer, squadron commander and fellow roles; contributed to strategic planning, security operations, and interagency collaboration across multiple assignments.