The Air Force has nominated Col. Kristin Goodwin to be the commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy, officials confirmed to Air Force Times on Tuesday.
Goodwin, who is also nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general, has been serving as the senior military assistant to the secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C.
She previously led the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, becoming the wing's first female commander. Before that, she served as the vice commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
Goodwin will take over as the academy's commandant after she is confirmed by the Senate. The commandant oversees the 4,000-member cadet wing, along with more than 300 Air Force and civilian support personnel at the Colorado Springs-based academy.
Goodwin is a command pilot with almost 3,000 hours in the B-2, B-52, EC-130, C-130, T-38, T-1 and T-37. She graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1993.
Lt. Col. Allen Herritage, the academy's director of public affairs, said Goodwin was selected for the position based on her "outstanding service and leadership credentials."
He said she will bring a "wealth of experience" from her previous assignments and will "strengthen the academy's continued drive toward excellence."
Goodwin will succeed Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams at the academy. According to OutSmart magazine, Goodwin has a wife and two children.
Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
