Michael Rutkowski is the Senior Manager of New Product Development and Advanced Fuels at
Collins Aerospace, a role he assumed in March 2024 after a distinguished 29-year career in the
United States Army. As a UH-60 Aviator, Program Manager, and Contracting Officer, he held
key leadership positions, including Program Manager for Air Traffic Control in Huntsville,
Alabama, and Chief of Staff in the Joint Staff’s Capabilities and Acquisition Division at the
Pentagon. His expertise spans advanced fuels, hypersonics, the Common Engine Program,
Future Vertical Lift (FVL), and DoD supply chain management.
Following his tenure at the Pentagon, COL (R) Rutkowski served as Senior Military Advisor to
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, where he played a critical role in leadership and policy
development. He was appointed Deputy Director for the VA’s Electronic Health Records
Modernization (EHRM) program, overseeing the largest federal IT acquisition project in U.S.
history, valued at $16 billion. A Senior Army Aviator with Paratrooper and Air Assault
qualifications, he has been awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Legion of Merit, and Defense
Meritorious Service Medal. Michael holds advanced degrees from Niagara University, Florida
State University, and the National Defense University, where he earned a Master’s degree with
a minor in Space Studies.