Dr. John D. Plating brings to the Bridge Innovate team a rare blend of leadership expertise and nationally-recognized academic credentials. He has broad leadership experience, formerly serving as the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer for Air Force Academy’s academic mission, leading 750+ faculty & staff, managing a $75M annual budget, and overseeing $250M worth of facilities while running the Academy’s day-to-day academic efforts.

It was there that he also served as an Associate Professor of History, with publications dealing with global operational strategy and receiving accolades as a speaker and educator. Earning his Ph.D. is History at The Ohio State University, John’s book The Hump: America's Strategy for Keeping China in World War II has received wide acclaim as a seminal work.

John also served as a senior pilot in the Air Force, amassing over 2,000 flight hours and being recognized for his international logistical expertise, which also included the movement of nuclear weapons and other highly sensitive materials. He and his wife Paula have 5 children and reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee.