Ambassadors
Colonel (Ret) Chris Black
Chris serves as the Director, Business Development for Combatant Commands (COCOMs). His communication strategy ensures COCOMs maintain awareness of AV capabilities that fill critical gaps for the Warfighter across ground and air domains. Chris’ focus areas include engagements to bring awareness of current capabilities and support services provided by AV now and what capabilities the COCOMs would like to see in the future. Chris also works AV support to Special Operations around the world.
Chris served in the Army for 32 years. His career began as an enlisted Soldier in the 75th Ranger Regiment and was commissioned in 1994 as an Aviation officer. Most of his career, including Battalion Command, was in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He also commanded the Combat Aviation Brigade in the 1st Infantry Division with a deployment to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Chris has multiple worldwide deployments to include 14 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Between command assignments, he served in senior staff positions including Aide-de-Camp and Executive Officer to the Commanding General of USASOC, Director of the Commander’s Initiative Group at FORSCOM, and Deputy Chief of Staff of AFRICOM.
Chris is a James Madison University graduate, holds a master’s degree from National Defense University and was a War College Fellow at Duke University. He resides in Huntsville, AL and enjoys time with family, golf, cooking, and a fine bourbon.