Amanda R. Simpson, FRAeS, MBA, MS
Board Director | Aerospace | Defense | Energy | Sustainability | Innovation
Board Director | Aerospace | Defense | Energy | Sustainability | Innovation
Amanda R. Simpson is a distinguished aerospace, defense, energy, and technology executive with more than 40 years of leadership experience spanning Fortune 500 corporations, federal government agencies, emerging technology ventures, and nonprofit organizations. Her career combines strategic and fiduciary oversight of large-scale budgets and investment portfolios with deep expertise in aerospace, defense, energy, advanced technology, sustainability, and public policy. Recognized for her ability to lead transformational initiatives at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, advanced technology, and public policy, she brings a record of strategic vision, operational excellence, risk management, and governance leadership.
Most recently, Amanda served as Vice President, Research & Technology and Head of Sustainability for Airbus Americas, where she led innovation strategy, research investment roadmaps, technology partnerships, and sustainability initiatives across the Western Hemisphere. As Airbus' public representative on clean aviation and sustainability, she became a respected industry voice advocating for the future of sustainable aerospace and next-generation flight technologies.
Prior to Airbus, Amanda served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy, acting as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on matters related to the Department of Defense's $19 billion energy portfolio. In this capacity, she directed policy, strategy, budgeting, and program execution designed to enhance military readiness and operational capability through energy deployment and innovation. She also oversaw a $45 million annual research and development budget and provided executive oversight for more than $2.5 billion in operational energy initiatives.
Throughout her career, Amanda has managed complex organizations, large-scale technology portfolios, capital-intensive programs, and multi-billion-dollar initiatives across aerospace, defense, energy, manufacturing, government, and advanced technology sectors. Her leadership has consistently driven innovation, operational efficiency, risk management, organizational transformation, stakeholder alignment, and long-term value creation.
Amanda brings extensive governance experience through service on private company, nonprofit, advisory, research, and industry boards. Her board leadership includes director roles with Advanced Thermal Batteries, Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing, the Royal Aeronautical Society Washington DC Chapter, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Finance Committee, and Chair of the Airbus Institute for Engineering Research. She has also served on multiple university and industry steering boards focused on aerospace innovation, advanced manufacturing, and energy systems.
A recognized thought leader in sustainability, clean aviation, future mobility, advanced energy systems, and emerging technologies, Amanda is a sought-after keynote speaker, advisor, and strategic consultant. Her expertise in governance, innovation strategy, ESG and sustainability oversight, technology commercialization, operational risk, government relations, and stakeholder engagement positions her as a valuable contributor to public company, private company, and advisory boards seeking forward-looking leadership.
Amanda offers boards a unique combination of executive operating experience, government policy expertise, fiduciary oversight, innovation leadership, sustainability insight, and governance acumen. Her proven ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, oversee large-scale investments, guide organizational transformation, and anticipate future industry trends enables her to help boards strengthen oversight, manage risk, accelerate growth, and create sustainable long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders alike.
Leadership Experience: 40+ Years
Industries: Aerospace, Defense, Energy, Advanced Technology, Manufacturing, Government, Sustainability
Budget Oversight: $19B energy portfolio; $2.5B+ operational energy initiatives; $45M+ annual R&D budget
Capital & Infrastructure: $2B+ renewable energy development pipeline; 500+ MW planned renewable energy capacity
Governance Experience: Corporate Boards, Advisory Boards, Research Institutes, Industry Associations, Nonprofit Boards
Board Focus Areas: Fiduciary Oversight, Strategy, Risk Management, Capital Allocation, Technology Governance, Sustainability/ESG, Government Relations, Energy Transition, Aerospace & Defense
Thought Leadership: Clean Aviation, Sustainability, Future Flight, Advanced Technology, Energy Deployment & Innovation, National Security Strategy