Dennis Dabney is a defense executive, independent consultant, and leadership coach with more than 30 years of experience across the aerospace and defense enterprise. As co-founder of Strive 4ward Coaching and Consulting, he advises government and industry clients on sustainment strategy, program execution, and defense industrial base challenges. He brings a unique combination of warfighter perspective, OSD policy authority, and industry P&L leadership.

Dennis retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel after 26 years of distinguished service. As an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, he led global logistics and maintenance operations supporting U.S. military and humanitarian missions, and served as a legislative liaison advising congressional defense committees.

He played a key role in the KC-X Program Office as Chief of Staff and first Director of Logistics, supporting the $35 billion KC-46A Pegasus program. As Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Maintenance Policy and Programs, he oversaw the Department of Defense’s $90 billion sustainment enterprise, shaping policy across 33 major programs with lifecycle costs exceeding $1.3 trillion.

Following his military service, Dennis held leadership roles at Northrop Grumman, including directing an F-35 MRO&U program and leading an $884 million P&L for the Ground-Based Interceptor program supporting the Missile Defense Agency.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and Troy University, along with advanced credentials from Wharton, UNC Chapel Hill, and the Defense Acquisition University.

Dennis lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with his family. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, hiking, kayak fishing, and coaching emerging leaders and transitioning veterans.