Lieutenant General (Ret.) Jay B. Silveria assumes the role of Executive Director at the prestigious Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government & Public Service in Washington, DC, appointed by Dean Mark Welsh III in September 2020. With a distinguished career marked by leadership and excellence, Silveria brings a wealth of experience and a forward-looking vision to enrich the educational journey of graduate students aspiring to serve in government and public service. Before his tenure at the Bush School, General Silveria served as Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Here, he oversaw a comprehensive program encompassing military training, academic pursuits, athletics, and character development, guiding students towards graduation with a bachelor of science degree and a commission as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force.

Silveria’s extensive military career includes notable roles such as Deputy Commander, Combined Air Force Air Component, U.S. Central Command, where he commanded air operations spanning a vast territory covering Central and Southwest Asia. He played pivotal roles in key operations like Resolute Support in Afghanistan and Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. His leadership roles also encompassed commanding the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and serving as Vice Commander of the 14th Air Force of Air Force Space Command at Vandenberg AFB, California. Additionally, he held the position of Director of Security Assistance in the Office of Security Cooperation-Baghdad, Iraq. As a decorated Command pilot with over 3,900 flight hours in the F-15 and F-35, General Silveria has conducted combat sorties over regions including the Balkans and Iraq. Throughout his illustrious career, he commanded a Fighter Wing, an Air Operation Center, and a Fighter Squadron, earning accolades such as the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star, and multiple Air Medals for his outstanding service and leadership.