Patrick WalshSenior Director, Procurement Policy
Patrick Walsh, Esq. is the Senior Director of Procurement Policy at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). In this role, he serves as AIA’s primary resource on defense contracting policy, including contract management and pricing, and advocates for legislation, regulations, and policies related to defense procurement.
Patrick brings extensive experience in government contracting, having most recently served in the Department of Justice (DOJ), where he oversaw contracts supporting national security and law enforcement. In addition to leading operational contracting, Patrick was responsible for procurement policy, efficiency initiatives, and implementation of executive branch priorities.
Prior to DOJ, Patrick served as a Chief of Contracting Office within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As Chief, he spearheaded a streamlined contracting vehicle that earned him the DHS Innovation in Contracting Award, and enhanced industry engagement efforts that earned him the DHS Excellence in Competition Advocacy Award.
Patrick previously supported the Department of Defense (DOD), working at the F-35 Joint Program Office, where he led the largest U.S. government aircraft engine purchase in history, valued at $8 billion. He also spent eight years as a Contracting Officer and Contracts Specialist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, where he was recognized for creating a streamlined $300 million contract vehicle for hypersonics research at the Air Force Research Laboratory and for his support of the C-17 sustainment program.
Patrick has completed Air Command and Staff College, Leadership in Homeland Security through Harvard University, the Key Executive Leadership Program through American University, and the American Council for Technology–Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC) Partners Program. He holds a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Professional and is a Certified Professional Contract Manager through the National Contract Management Association.
Patrick is a published author on procurement and a frequent speaker on contracting topics. He has held unlimited contracting officer warrants from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice.
Patrick earned both his B.A., cum laude, and J.D. from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
