James Swartout is the Vice President of Strategy at Ursa Major Technologies. Prior to joining Ursa Major, James served as Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, leading the executive staff and advising on a broad range of issues. Previously, at the MITRE Corporation, he was the Director of National Security Policy, spearheading MITRE’s national security policy efforts and establishing a top tier advisory board. Earlier in his career, James served as Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of the Air Force during a presidential transition and held senior advisory roles within the headquarters of the Air Force. At the Pentagon, he also acted as a spokesperson and senior advisor to two Deputy Secretaries of Defense and served as communications counselor for Ashton Carter during his confirmation and appointment as Secretary of Defense.