Linell Letendre

Letendre received a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1996 as a distinguished graduate.[1] While at the Academy, she served as the Cadet Wing Commander, the highest ranking cadet at the institution.[2] In 2001, she received her Juris Doctor with high honors from the University of Washington School of Law.[1]

Letendre briefly served as an acquisitions officer before being selected to attend law school and become a Judge Advocate.[2] She served as the primary legal counsel for the Comprehensive Working Group, the committee which ultimately recommended the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."[2]

In 2015, Letendre was selected to lead the Law Department at the U.S. Air Force Academy, a Senate-confirmed position that includes a promotion to Colonel.[3]

In 2019, Letendre was selected from more than 40 applicants to replace Andrew Armacost as the Air Force Academy Dean of the Faculty.[2] As Dean, she commands 750 faculty and staff and directs more than $350 million in resources.[1] Letendre's command is responsible for designing and instructing more than 500 courses in 32 disciplines to over 4,000 cadets each year.[1]