Wright Brothers Institute chooses former AFRL executive as Director

16.07.20 09:08 PM By Jennie Hempstead

Dayton, July 16, 2020: Wright Brothers Institute’s Board of Trustees announced today that Wendell Banks has been selected as the new Executive Director. Mr. Banks had been serving as Interim Director since early February after the unexpected passing of then-Director Dr. David Walker.


Mr. Banks, a former Senior Executive with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), served nearly 40 years in Air Force and Air Force-related positions, culminating in his appointment as Director of AFRL’s Sensors Directorate. As Sensors Director, he oversaw an annual budget of $850 million and managed approximately 1,300 scientists, engineers and support personnel.


WBI Board Chair Dr. Vince Russo said the selection process was broad and rigorous. “Wendell has all of the qualities we were looking for to lead WBI, and he clearly has a passion for the organization and its people,” he said. “The Board looks forward to working with Wendell to continue supporting our customers, taking care of our people, and leading WBI into the future.”


Mr. Banks’ experience will be extremely valuable in promoting and furthering WBI’s mission to support the Air Force with innovation, collaboration and commercialization services. As a former engineer and senior leader, he is familiar with the Air Force need to quickly move innovative and cutting-edge technology to the men and women in uniform; at WBI, Mr. Banks will be on the front lines, helping the Air Force accomplish these goals. 


“We have some exciting opportunities for growth that will allow us to serve the Air Force in new, innovative ways,” said Banks. “Whether we’re facilitating relationships between AFRL-developed technology and the special ops community or collaborating with organizations like the FDA to rapidly approve cost-effective ventilator prototypes, this is an exciting time to bridge the gaps between Air Force communities.”



Jennie Hempstead