HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Newly appointed Cyber and Networks Program Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Joshua P. Williams is focused on rapidly delivering capability to the warfighter.
With more than 2,700 personnel under his command, Williams is responsible for a $21 billion portfolio that includes developing, producing, deploying, and sustaining Department of the Air Force Enterprise IT and Cyber Infrastructure, Cybersecurity and Cryptologic Systems, Software Development Factories and Platforms, combat communications, and special programs.
“At Cyber and Networks, threat detection and defense is the very core of our mission,” Williams said. “We ensure we are protecting our networks, data and installations. We integrate modern-day technology to sense and understand what the threat is doing to us and act upon it in a proactive manner.”
Williams highlights the tangible work being done by C&N across the services, with systems enabling reliable connectivity for more than 600,000 users at the point of mission need.
“We have to think and act as if we are in a wartime footing,” said Williams. “We’re showing up for one purpose and that’s to win wars.”
The C&N directorate is headquartered at Hanscom Air Force Base with units located at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, Gunter Annex in Alabama, and across the globe.
As PEO, Williams is focused on delivering capabilities as one team.
“My goal is to create a culture where Cyber and Networks personnel are proud of the work they do and desire to be a part of our impact.”
Since assuming his role in August, Williams has concentrated on making the warfighter the center of everything the directorate develops, using existing software pathways and integrating the end user as part of the team.
Williams, a 24-year Air Force acquisition officer, reports to Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and Air Force Acquisition Executive, William Bailey. Leading a workforce across multiple installations, he understands the value of holistic leadership and clear communication.
“Cyber & Networks has a highly skilled and motivated workforce,” said Williams. “Leadership establishes an environment of accountability by which people can thrive and feel like they're included in part of the overall solution.”
Williams also believes the future of the directorate demands a renewed commitment to mentorship.
“Part of our job as leaders is to train our replacements,” he said. “This ensures we develop the workforce to that next level, so we are, as a whole, better together.”
Reflecting on a career that began upon graduation from the University of Utah’s Air Force ROTC program, Williams pointed to lessons learned from previous leadership positions.
“When I went to my first command, I was not great at balance,” he said. “Now, with my fourth command, I’m better as a leader by balancing my own life and my professional life. I try to teach that and show through actions how important maintaining balance is.”
Williams was previously stationed at Hanscom AFB in various roles in the Electronic Systems portfolio and as a fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Asked about the primary motivating factor behind his leadership, Williams pointed to taking care of people.
“I'm doing everything I can to take care of my team and establishing an environment for their success. The high-performance teams inherently come together because they have a common goal as warfighters.”