2023 Distinguished Alumni Award

Wendy Masiello retired from the United States Air Force as a 3-star general, culminating her 36-year career as Director of the Defense Contract Management Agency. Upon retirement, Wendy continued her passion for contract management professionals. She co-led a National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine study on upskilling the Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition workforce with data science skills and chaired the National Contract Management Association's Board of Directors as its newly ANSI-accredited Contract Management Standard began its industry-wide adoption. As chair of the Rawls Advisory Council, she opened doors for Rawls College and Texas Tech students and faculty in national research and workforce opportunities.

Wendy is also an independent director for several public, private, and non-profit boards, while advising the Air Force and DoD on contracting and acquisition issues.

She has received many awards and recognitions for her work, such as the Washington 100 by Executive Mosaic twice, the Public Sector Partner of the Year by Greater Washington Government Contractor, the NCMA Fellow and was named a Texas Tech University Distinguished Alumna in 2017. She also has several military honors, such as the Defense Superior Service and Distinguished Service medals, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.

Wendy is married to Thomas J. Masiello, also a retired Air Force general. They have two boys who are both Air Force pilots and three granddaughters who are highly anticipated Red Raiders!