Mike Lisa

Mike  “Jockey” Lisa is a retired U.S. Navy officer, combat-proven aviator, and decorated test pilot with more than three decades of leadership in aviation, acquisition, and advanced technology integration. A distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School, he amassed over 2,700 flight hours across 25 aircraft and executed 550 carrier arrested landings, including the first EA-18G trap aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Operationally, he deployed five times in EA-6B and EA-18G squadrons in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Unified Relief, and theater security missions. He commanded VAQ-135, leading the squadron to multiple unit awards and earning the 2018 Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership.

Ashore, he served in senior acquisition and program management roles, culminating as Vice Commander of Naval Air Systems Command, where he oversaw 32,000 personnel and a $63B portfolio.

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and multiple leadership awards, including Pilot of the Year and Tailhooker of the Year.

Following military service, Captain Lisa held senior corporate roles, including Director of Requirements and Capabilities at Raytheon Technologies, managing a $927M advanced sensor portfolio. He is now the Founder and President of Sentinel Horizon.