Riley Repko joins Virginia Tech National Capital Region as senior research Fellow in cyber security
Riley Repko has joined the Virginia Tech National Capital Region Research Development Team as senior research Fellow in cyber security, effective Aug. 25.
Donald J. Leo, associate vice president for research in the National Capital Region, made the announcement and said that Repko will be responsible for developing new strategic collaboration with commercial and federal partners in cyber security research. Repko, located at the Virginia Tech Research Center — Arlington, will also be affiliated with the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology which is responsible for intelligence and defense research and education at Virginia Tech.
Repko has 27 years of service in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves which includes assignments in space operations, modeling and simulation, war game and exercise support, budgeting and programming; as mobilization assistant both at Air Force Space Command as well as on the U.S. Strategic Command staff; and at headquarters Air Force, the Pentagon. In 2004, Repko deployed to Iraq with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing as chief of staff and vice commander.
Since 2009 he served as senior advisor for cyber operations and transformation for the U.S. Air Force where he was responsible for leveraging existing cyber programs and policies and developing new transformational strategies paramount to supporting priorities in air, space, and cyber operations. Repko served as a functional expert collaborating with the Department of Defense, federal government organizations, and private industry on how to effectively integrate cyber capabilities with current operational forces within the Air Force.
Repko’s commissioned service is complemented by private sector experience as a technology industry executive specializing in software and product sales and strategic business development. One of his primary areas of interest is building the cyberspace engagement roadmap between the public and private sector communities mapping requirements with situational awareness and skill sets.
”We are looking forward to Riley leveraging his extensive experience in government and industry into new cyber security research opportunities for Virginia Tech,” said Leo.
Among his numerous awards and honors, Repko includes the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Repko’s advisory board positions include: Benchmark Executive Search, Accuvant Inc., and National Capital Companies LLC.
Repko earned a master of business administration from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas; a bachelor of science degree in physics and math from St. Bonaventure University, Olean, N.Y.; and a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio. He has also studied at the Air War College, the National Defense University, and the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.
