U.S. Representative Dale Strong, R-Alabama, congratulated Huntsville native Mark McDaniel on his appointment Wednesday to the Department of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, or DAF SAB.
The board provides independent advice and recommendations to Air Force leadership on science, technology and modernization priorities affecting the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
“Mark McDaniel’s appointment to the Scientific Advisory Board is a tremendous honor for both him and North Alabama,” Strong said. “Huntsville has long been at the forefront of our nation’s air, space and missile defense capabilities, and Mark has played an important role in that legacy. His decades of leadership in aerospace, science and national security make him exceptionally qualified to advise Air Force leadership on the challenges of tomorrow, and I am confident his expertise will help strengthen America’s technological edge for years to come.”
“I am honored to join the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and want to thank Congressman Strong and Secretary Hegseth for their faith in me. They are American patriots and work every day to strengthen our national defense,” McDaniel said. “There is a lot of technology developed here in Alabama that can play a critical role for Golden Dome, Space Force and the continued modernization of the Air Force, and I look forward to being a voice for that.”
Appointment to the advisory board is reserved for distinguished leaders from industry, academia and government with expertise in fields critical to the Department of the Air Force mission. The secretary of the Air Force nominates members, and the secretary of defense formally appoints them to provide independent counsel on issues vital to maintaining America’s air and space defense.
McDaniel is a longtime Huntsville resident whose career has spanned law, education and aerospace policy. He has served on the NASA Advisory Council under five NASA administrators and contributed to numerous initiatives advancing science, technology and education at the state and national levels. McDaniel also has dedicated years to higher education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Faulkner University, helping prepare the next generation of leaders, Strong’s office said.
