Clay Hutmacher is a former United States Army Officer, serving most recently as Director of Operations in the U.S. Special Operation Command, Tampa, FL. Mr. Hutmacher retired after more than 40 years of service and is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
As a former Army Special Operations Aviator, he commanded at every level during his three tours with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he served as the MH-60 Direct Action Penetrator platoon leader, company operations officer, executive officer and commander of 1st Battalion, Regimental Commander, and the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. His impressive list of assignments included Deputy Commanding General U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Deputy Commanding General for Support of the 2nd Infantry Division, Assistant Commanding General for Special Operations Forces Mobility, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Training Mission, and Afghanistan/Combined Security Transition Command. He was also assigned to the U.S. Air Force 55th Special Operations Squadron, as the Squadron Tactics Officer, Instructor Pilot, and Flight Commander; Troop Commander and S3 of the Flight Concepts Division; and Commander of 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment.
He has received a number of military awards and decorations including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with Number 6, Combat Action Badge, Master Army Aviator Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
Mr. Hutmacher holds a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval Command and Staff College, a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.