USF College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) alumnus, and recipient of the 2024 USF Outstanding Young Alumni Award, 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 USF St. Petersburg campus to earn a bachelor’s 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’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University and worked for some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States.
“I’ve worked in government my entire adult life, serving in uniform for nearly a decade —four 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’ 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’s Office of Management and Budget,” 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—the third highest (non-valor) award granted to civilian personnel by the U.S. Department of the Air Force— and recipient of the USF Outstanding Young Alumni Award—an 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. Fedrigo’s 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.
“The 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,” 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—the first position he’s held in nearly a decade where he’s not working in the Pentagon.
“This position was a lateral move from my previous position with the U.S. Space Force.,” he said. “As a designated Combat Support Agency —a new experience for me —the DLA certainly broadens what we in the Department of Defense (DOD) refer to as my ‘enterprise perspective. The DLA Legislative Affairs Office serves as the Agency’s 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.”
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)
“She still mentors and inspires me to this day!” he added. “On several occasions, I’ve had the opportunity to bounce ideas off her when considering career moves or other academic opportunities. She’s always responsive and does her best to provide thoughtful input.”
McIntyre adds that his roots in political science jumpstarted his ability to make a difference.
“When I started my college career, I didn’t have a clear goal, but I did have interest areas and I knew I wanted to do something of consequence.,” he said.
“If 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,” McIntyre said. “I believe that luck is when preparedness meets opportunity. So, you can have all of the opportunities in the world, but if you’re not prepared then you won’t 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’t worry about the future as much.”