±«Óătv College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) alumnus, and recipient of the , Kyle McIntyre attributes his time as a CAS student to setting the foundation for his career in public service.
McIntyre, who is currently serving as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), joined the U.S. Navy at 18-years-old, dedicating four years of service. Not finished serving his country, McIntyre then joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve before enrolling at the ±«Óătv St. Petersburg campus to earn a bachelorâs degree in political science in 2015.

±«Óătv College of Arts of Sciences political science alumnus, veteran, and 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Awardee Kyle McIntyre. (Photo courtesy of Kyle McIntyre)

Kyle McIntyre as a young Air Force Reservist. (Photo courtesy of Kyle McIntyre)
Upon graduating, his path led further into public service as he earned several associate degrees, a masterâs degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University and worked for some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States.
âIâve worked in government my entire adult life, serving in uniform for nearly a decade âfour years in the U.S. Navy and five years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. While in the Air Force Reserve, I took a job working on military and veteransâ affairs issues for then Congresswoman Gwen Graham. After that, I moved over to the Pentagon where I held numerous positions over a nearly nine-year stretch, including serving as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and finally as Deputy Director, Congressional Affairs Office for the U.S. Space Force. In addition, while serving at the Pentagon in 2019, I was selected for an eight-month detail assignment to the White Houseâs Office of Management and Budget,â he said.
In addition to a career spanning a multitude of public service positions, McIntyre is also a three-time recipient of the Meritorious Civilian Service Medalâthe third highest (non-valor) award granted to civilian personnel by the U.S. Department of the Air Forceâ and recipient of the ±«Óătv Outstanding Young Alumni Awardâan award provided to ±«Óătv alumni who demonstrate emerging and unique innovation, creativity and career success.

McIntyre (right) speaking with then Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Stephen Wilson (left), while serving as Mr. čó±đ»ć°ùŸ±Č”ŽÇâs Chief of Staff in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Kyle McIntyre)
Even after nearly 10 years since walking the graduation stage at ±«Óătv, McIntyre believes that his time at CAS laid the groundwork for his incredible career.
âThe political science program under CAS shaped my understanding of government and public policy. In conjunction with my military experiences, my experiences at ±«Óătv CAS set the foundation for my career in public service,â he explained.
He took those public service skills with him throughout his career, noting the particular importance those skills have served in his current role with the DLAâthe first position heâs held in nearly a decade where heâs not working in the Pentagon.
âThis position was a lateral move from my previous position with the U.S. Space Force.,â he said. âAs a designated Combat Support Agency âa new experience for me âthe DLA certainly broadens what we in the Department of Defense (DOD) refer to as my âenterprise perspective. The DLA Legislative Affairs Office serves as the Agencyâs lead respondent and subject matter expert on congressional and legislative affairs. We provide executive-level advice and assistance to the DLA director, vice-director, executive board members and major subordinate commands on all matters regarding Congress; the White House; and national, state and local political activities.â
Among all his career accomplishments, McIntyre still finds inspiration from his time as a student in CAS, particularly noting mentor Dr. Judithanne McLauchlan.

Kyle McIntyre standing at the podium in the Pentagon briefing room in 2017. (Photo courtesy of Kyle McIntyre)
âShe still mentors and inspires me to this day!â he added. âOn several occasions, Iâve had the opportunity to bounce ideas off her when considering career moves or other academic opportunities. Sheâs always responsive and does her best to provide thoughtful input.â
McIntyre adds that his roots in political science jumpstarted his ability to make a difference.
âWhen I started my college career, I didnât have a clear goal, but I did have interest areas and I knew I wanted to do something of consequence.,â he said.
âIf I could give current CAS students some advice, it would be that unless you have a specific goal in life, having a broader base prepares you for a wide range of opportunities,â McIntyre said. âI believe that luck is when preparedness meets opportunity. So, you can have all of the opportunities in the world, but if youâre not prepared then you wonât be able to take advantage of them. Broaden your base, do whatever it takes to get your head in a book, prepare for whatever opportunities may come to you and donât worry about the future as much.â