Mr. Walden was Director and Program Executive Officer for the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, in Washington, D.C. In this role, he was responsible for directing selected study, development, and fielding activities as tasked by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; the Secretary of the Air Force; the Chief of Staff of the Air Force; the Chief of Space Operations; and the Assistant Secretary for the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. The Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office has been responsible for the development and deployment of significant upgrades to the Integrated Air Defense System now operational around the National Capital Region, as well as the launch and experimental operations of the X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle and development and fielding of the B-21 Raider. Other responsibilities include technical integration of Department of Defense classified activities, and the representation of these activities to the U.S. Air Force Headquarters, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Congress, and the White House.

Prior to this position, Walden was appointed to the Senior Executive Service, serving on the Air Staff as the Technical Director for the Directorate of Special Programs (SAF/AQL); Deputy and Technical Director of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition); Director for Information Dominance Programs (SAF/AQI), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition); and Director, Air Force Test and Evaluation (AF/TE), Headquarters Air Force.

Walden retired from active duty in 2002 with 27 years of military experience and from the Senior Executive Service in 2022 with 20 years of civilian service in the United States Air Force as an acquisition and technical professional in positions ranging from flight test engineer (where he participated in the development, ground, and flight-testing of numerous aerospace weapon systems) to squadron commander and culminating in chief, Special Studies Division, Air Force Red Team, Directorate of Special Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition.

Walden received bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and aerospace engineering, respectively, from Christopher Newport College and Parks College of St. Louis University, as well as a master’s degree in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology. He graduated from the USAF Test Pilot School and holds a master non-rated aircrew badge as a Flight Test Engineer.

In recognition of his contributions, Walden has received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal, as well as the Meritorious Senior Professional Presidential Rank Award and the Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award. He is a member of the Society of Flight Test Engineers.