Russ Mathers, right, has been promoted to director of STRIKEWERX and William Weiford, left, has been named deputy director of STRIKEWERX. (Sean Green/Cyber Innovation Center)
By Sean Green | Communications Manager
BOSSIER CITY, La. — 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.”
About the Cyber Innovation Center
Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), located in Bossier City, Louisiana, is the anchor of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park and serves as the catalyst for the development and expansion of a knowledge-based workforce throughout the region. As a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, CIC fosters collaboration among its partners and accelerates technology, research, and development. One of its primary missions is to develop a sustainable knowledge-based workforce that can support the growing needs of government, industry, and academic partners.