About the Institute

Ken Kuebler

Ken Kuebler serves as the Director for Business Development at the Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) at the University of South Florida, where he helps foster collaboration among government, business, and academic stakeholders. In this capacity, he aligns the IAE's engineering, programmatic, and information technology capabilities with the needs of the Department of Defense and other U.S. Government Agencies. Ken has a key role in the development and implementation of research and business strategies, shaping IAE’s research landscape within the academic community and beyond.

Prior to his current role, Ken enjoyed a 25-year career as a United States Air Force Officer, accumulating diverse experiences in acquisition, operational, and staff assignments culminating as the Program Executive for Fixed Wing at United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in Tampa, Florida. In this position, he managed a $2 billion annual budget, overseeing the development, testing, fielding, and sustainment of various USSOCOM fixed-wing aircraft, along with their associated equipment, payloads, and weapon systems.

Ken holds a BS in Mathematics from the University of Florida, an MBA from Georgia College and State University, and an MS in National Resource Strategy and Policy from the National Defense University. He also served as a Legislative Fellow for the United States' 111th Congress.

He grew up in Orlando, Florida, and now resides in Tampa with his wife Leslie, the love of his life. Together, they have two adult sons, Timothy and Chris.