Michael Donley, Secretary of the Air Force since October 2008, has announced that he plans to leave office on June 21.

 “The Air Force has been a way of life for so much of my career.  I know it will be bittersweet to say farewell,” Donley said.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel praised Donley as an outstanding leader of the Air Force during his tenure.  “Mike has been an unwavering champion of our Airmen, their families, and for American airpower.  The Air Force he leaves behind is more resilient and more respected because of his leadership and personal dedication,” Hagel said.

Donley is the longest serving Air Force Secretary.  Prior to his confirmation, he served as Acting Secretary for four months in 2008 and for seven months in 1993.  He also served the Air Force as Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1993. 

Prior to becoming Secretary of the Air Force, Donley served as Director of Administration and Management in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 2005-2008.  He has also served as staff member on the United States Senate (1979-1984) and in the White House as Director of Defense Programs and Deputy Executive Secretary for the National Security Council (1984-1989). 

In the private sector, Donley held the positions of Senior Fellow for the Institute for Defense analyses (1993-1996) and Senior Vice President at Hicks and Associates (a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corporation) from 1996-2005.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1975.