Jon Hill

Jon Hill is the former director for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral. He is a senior adviser (non-resident) with the CSIS Missile Defense Project. As the MDA director, he instituted significant organizational and process reforms to set the course for innovation in missile defense systems development, cyber protection, production, manufacturing, testing, and product delivery supporting U.S. Combatant Commands, military services, and allied countries to address the ever-increasing global missile threat. His primary focus has been recapitalization of the nation’s ground-based ballistic missile defense system and development of space, ground, and sea-based capabilities to counter proliferating hypersonic threats. Known for his systems engineering, technical competence, and people skills, he is a well-respected leader and compelling public speaker. During his military career, he established strong partnerships within industry, Congress, and the Department of Defense to accelerate numerous U.S. and international programs to protect the nation and its allies. Jon’s career history includes complex engineering and acquisition positions touching every phase of cutting-edge sensor, command and control, and weapon system life cycles. Having served in three major program manager positions, he held two executive positions while on active duty: U.S. Navy program executive officer for integrated warfare systems and director of the Missile Defense Agency.