Aerospace & Defense Leader, Attorney & Diplomat; 25th Secretary of the Air Force; Former U.S. Ambassador to Finland; President at Thunderbird School of Global Management
Barbara Barrett Biography
Barbara M. Barrett is an American businesswoman, attorney, and diplomat whose career spans government, academia, and the private sector. As the 25th Secretary of the Air Force, Barrett led the Department of the Air Force, which includes the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, overseeing the organization, training, and equipping of 685,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian Airmen, and managing an annual budget exceeding $205 billion. During her tenure, she played a key role in establishing the United States Space Force, the first new military service in several decades. Her nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Barrett’s government service began prior to her role as Air Force Secretary. She served as vice chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board and later held the second-highest position at the Federal Aviation Administration, marking a milestone for women in aviation leadership. As U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Finland, Barrett worked to strengthen United States-Finland technology and commercial relationships, engaging with Finnish industries, universities, and military installations. She promoted public diplomacy through outreach across Finland and represented the United States at the United Nations, addressing the General Assembly.
In the private sector and academia, Barrett held executive roles with two global Fortune 500 companies before age 30. She taught leadership as a fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and served as president of Thunderbird School of Global Management. Barrett chaired the board of The Aerospace Corporation for four terms and served on the boards of RAND and California Institute of Technology, which operates Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her board service also includes Valley Bank of Arizona, Exponent Corporation, Raytheon, Mayo Clinic, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Space Foundation, and Smithsonian.
Barrett’s aviation experience is extensive. She became the first civilian woman to land an F/A-18 Hornet on an aircraft carrier, is an instrument-rated pilot, and is trained and certified for space flight. She has served as a civilian advisor to multiple Secretaries of Defense and chaired groups such as the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, the U.S. Commerce Secretary’s Export Conference, and the Department of State’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Working Group.
Barrett continues to be active in public service. She chairs the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation, supporting the Virginia-class submarine named in honor of the battleship lost at Pearl Harbor. She serves as vice chair of the Smithsonian Board of Regents and the California Institute of Technology, where she leads the governance body for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her awards include the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, induction into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, the Leadership in the Nation’s Interest Award, the Sandra Day O’Connor Board Excellence Award, the Horatio Alger Distinguished Americans Award, and the Diplomatic Leadership Award from Sister Cities International. Barrett’s career reflects a combination of diplomatic experience, military leadership, and business expertise in aerospace, defense, and public policy.
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Barbara Barrett for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Barbara Barrett, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Barbara Barrett or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Barbara Barrett
Speaking fees for Barbara Barrett, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Barbara Barrett are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Barbara Barrett, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Barbara Barrett speak about?
Barbara Barrett is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business Leadership, Executive Leadership, Female Leadership, Government, Influential Women, Security & Defense, Strategic Leadership, Veterans, Women, Women in Business -
Where does Barbara Barrett travel from?
Barbara Barrett generally travels from Paradise Valley, AZ, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Barbara Barrett’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Barbara Barrett for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Barbara Barrett for your next private or corporate function. -
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Barbara Barrett is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Barbara Barrett for your event is available upon request. Barbara Barrett generally travels from Paradise Valley, AZ, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Caryn Seidman Becker, Christie Hefner, Tanima Ghosh, Nzinga Shaw and Linda Alvarado. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Barbara Barrett for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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