Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), the catalyst for building a
knowledge-based workforce in northwest Louisiana, is pleased to announce the
promotion of Russ Mathers and the hiring of William Weiford.
In his new role as STRIKEWERX director, Mathers will oversee the CIC’s partnership
with Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and continue to guide its technology
transfer and transition efforts as the innovation partner for the AFGSC Office of the
Chief Scientist.
“Russ has been an integral part of CIC since 2020, consistently demonstrating
outstanding leadership, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. In his previous role,
Russ was key to helping stand up the STRIKEWERX Innovation Hub and leading the
team through multiple projects and design sprints that delivered nearly $300 million in
savings to the U.S. Air Force,” said CIC President Kevin Nolten.
Mathers is taking over for retiring director Jeff Beene, who helped establish
STRIKEWERX and was instrumental in the CIC’s innovation efforts. Mathers completed
27 years of active duty with the U.S. Air Force, with roles as a B-52 pilot, B-2 pilot, U.S.
Strategic Command nuclear operations planner, and Chief of Combat Plans in US Air
Forces, Korea. He retired as the Chief of Staff for Eighth Air Force. He then served five
years in federal civil service as Executive Director of AFGSC/A6 and the Air Force
Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Center.
“Even though I have big shoes to fill, I am honored to level up at the CIC,” said Mathers.
“I am especially excited to continue delivering results and savings for the U.S. Air Force,
ensuring we provide innovative and cost-effective solutions that enhance mission
success.”
Weiford fills the vacant role created by Mathers’ promotion. As deputy director, he will
focus on spearheading new projects, leading the STRIKEWERX team’s commitment to
rapidly create solutions that directly benefit the warfighter and aid in revitalizing the Air
Force nuclear enterprise.
Weiford comes to the CIC after 24 years in the U.S. Air Force. He entered active duty as
a financial analyst, before moving to the space and missile career field. Serving in a
variety of positions to include Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
combat crew instructor and Upgraded Early Warning Radar missile warning crew
commander, Weiford served at the Headquarters Air Force and major command levels,
performing various staff duties related to the nuclear enterprise. During his final
assignment to AFGSC, his service culminated as the Executive Director of ICBM
Modernization Directorate.
“I am honored and excited to take on this new role,” Weiford said. “I look forward to
leading our talented team as we further AFGSC’s mission and deliver exceptional
results by fostering innovation and collaboration between academia, business, industry,
and government.”
Nolten added, “William expands our knowledge of the Air Force mission to bolster the
partnership with the AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist. We welcome William and look
forward to seeing him continue our history of delivering unique solutions to the
command.”