Shawn Barnes

Senior Advisor

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison

Shawn Barnes is the owner and founder of Polaris Strategic Solutions, LLC, where he guides industry through the national security ecosystem. As a board member of the Space Force Association, he contributes to strategic decisions shaping the future of space defense. In his recent role as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison, Shawn successfully advocated for the Air Force and Space Force budgets for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025, securing critical funding for future operations.

During his tenure in the Senior Executive Service since 2014, he spearheaded the development of the Air Force’s thirty-year resource allocation plan, enhanced legislative relations, and established the Air Staff’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Space Operations. His pivotal role in the inception and formation of the United States Space Force ensured a robust framework for future space operations. Additionally, he executed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, driving significant advancements in space acquisition processes.

From 1985 to 2013, Shawn’s career in the United States Air Force was marked by significant achievements. He was instrumental in standing up the nation’s first Space Numbered Air Force, designing the future Space Domain Awareness architecture, and commanding both the 12th Space Warning Squadron and the 595th Space Group. He led the DoD’s effort to craft President George W. Bush’s National Space Policy and brokered international agreements with the United Kingdom and Australia, enhancing strategic missile warning capabilities.

Beginning his service in 1981 with the Department of Agriculture at Plum Island Animal Disease Laboratory, NY, Shawn played a important role in protecting the nation’s livestock from exotic viruses like swine flu and hoof and mouth disease.