USF College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) alumnus, and recipient of the , Kyle McIntyre attributes his time as a CAS student to setting the foundation for his career in public service.
McIntyre, who is currently serving as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), joined the U.S. Navy at 18-years-old, dedicating four years of service. Not finished serving his country, McIntyre then joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve before enrolling at the 哔咔漫画 St. Petersburg campus to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science in 2015.
USF College of Arts of Sciences political science alumnus, veteran, and 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Awardee Kyle McIntyre. (Photo courtesy of Kyle McIntyre)
Kyle McIntyre as a young Air Force Reservist. (Photo courtesy of Kyle McIntyre)
Upon graduating, his path led further into public service as he earned several associate degrees, a master鈥檚 degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University and worked for some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States.
鈥淚鈥檝e worked in government my entire adult life, serving in uniform for nearly a decade 鈥攆our years in the U.S. Navy and five years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. While in the Air Force Reserve, I took a job working on military and veterans鈥� affairs issues for then Congresswoman Gwen Graham. After that, I moved over to the Pentagon where I held numerous positions over a nearly nine-year stretch, including serving as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and finally as Deputy Director, Congressional Affairs Office for the U.S. Space Force. In addition, while serving at the Pentagon in 2019, I was selected for an eight-month detail assignment to the White House鈥檚 Office of Management and Budget,鈥� he said.
In addition to a career spanning a multitude of public service positions, McIntyre is also a three-time recipient of the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal鈥攖he third highest (non-valor) award granted to civilian personnel by the U.S. Department of the Air Force鈥� and recipient of the USF Outstanding Young Alumni Award鈥攁n award provided to USF alumni who demonstrate emerging and unique innovation, creativity and career success.
McIntyre (right) speaking with then Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Stephen Wilson (left), while serving as Mr. 贵别诲谤颈驳辞鈥檚 Chief of Staff in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Kyle McIntyre)
Even after nearly 10 years since walking the graduation stage at USF, McIntyre believes that his time at CAS laid the groundwork for his incredible career.
鈥淭he political science program under CAS shaped my understanding of government and public policy. In conjunction with my military experiences, my experiences at USF CAS set the foundation for my career in public service,鈥� he explained.
He took those public service skills with him throughout his career, noting the particular importance those skills have served in his current role with the DLA鈥攖he first position he鈥檚 held in nearly a decade where he鈥檚 not working in the Pentagon.
鈥淭his position was a lateral move from my previous position with the U.S. Space Force.,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s a designated Combat Support Agency 鈥攁 new experience for me 鈥攖he DLA certainly broadens what we in the Department of Defense (DOD) refer to as my 鈥榚nterprise perspective. The DLA Legislative Affairs Office serves as the Agency鈥檚 lead respondent and subject matter expert on congressional and legislative affairs. We provide executive-level advice and assistance to the DLA director, vice-director, executive board members and major subordinate commands on all matters regarding Congress; the White House; and national, state and local political activities.鈥�
Among all his career accomplishments, McIntyre still finds inspiration from his time as a student in CAS, particularly noting mentor Dr. Judithanne McLauchlan.
Kyle McIntyre standing at the podium in the Pentagon briefing room in 2017. (Photo courtesy of Kyle McIntyre)
鈥淪he still mentors and inspires me to this day!鈥� he added. 鈥淥n several occasions, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to bounce ideas off her when considering career moves or other academic opportunities. She鈥檚 always responsive and does her best to provide thoughtful input.鈥�
McIntyre adds that his roots in political science jumpstarted his ability to make a difference.
鈥淲hen I started my college career, I didn鈥檛 have a clear goal, but I did have interest areas and I knew I wanted to do something of consequence.,鈥� he said.
鈥淚f I could give current CAS students some advice, it would be that unless you have a specific goal in life, having a broader base prepares you for a wide range of opportunities,鈥� McIntyre said. 鈥淚 believe that luck is when preparedness meets opportunity. So, you can have all of the opportunities in the world, but if you鈥檙e not prepared then you won鈥檛 be able to take advantage of them. Broaden your base, do whatever it takes to get your head in a book, prepare for whatever opportunities may come to you and don鈥檛 worry about the future as much.鈥�