Wright Brothers Institute Announces New President, Steve Fennessey
Dayton, OH – February 27, 2025 – Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Fennessey as its new President. With a distinguished career in innovation, technology development, and strategic leadership, Fennessey is poised to lead WBI into its next chapter of growth and impact.
Fennessey brings extensive experience in fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia, a key aspect of WBI’s mission to drive technology acceleration for the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense. His leadership will continue to enhance WBI’s role as a hub for transformative solutions, agile innovation, and workforce development.
"The board believes Steve is well-positioned to strengthen WBI’s unique mission as a collaborative, community-based R&D organization while adapting it to emerging priorities and evolving business practices at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,” said Dr. John Leland, Chair of the WBI Board of Trustees.
Prior to joining WBI, Fennessey held key leadership positions in the defense and aerospace sectors, driving initiatives in research and development, advanced manufacturing, and strategic partnerships. His commitment to fostering collaboration aligns with WBI’s mission to accelerate capability development and innovation for the Air Force and its partners.
Steve Fennessey addresses attendees at the Hangar 18 open house, located at WBI's Springfield Street location, in November of 2022.
“I am honored to take on this role at Wright Brothers Institute,” said Fennessey. “WBI has a strong legacy of delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges. I look forward to working with our talented team and partners to build on that success and drive impactful advancements for the Air Force and the broader defense community.”
WBI has long been a vital partner in advancing Air Force priorities, leveraging expertise in technology scouting, open innovation, and rapid problem-solving methodologies such as sprints. With Fennessey at the helm, WBI is poised to further its mission and expand its contributions to national security and defense innovation.
Blog written by Jennie Hempstead.