James (Jim/Lefty) Leftwich is a senior management scientist at RAND. His research at RAND focuses on logistics command and control, combat support, operations and logistics planning, force development and design, and strategic development planning. His research in command and control and combat support has focused on methods for integrating combat support into force employment planning and execution. Prior to joining RAND, Leftwich served on the staff of Ohio Governor John Kasich, first as a member of Governor Kasich's Cabinet as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development, and later as an aerospace policy consultant. Leftwich has a diverse career background that includes stints in the USAF, the defense industry, and in economic development, in addition to his time at RAND. Leftwich served in the Air Force from 1987 to 1995 as a logistics plans officer in various assignments at the wing, major command, and Air Staff levels. He earned a BS in International Affairs from the United States Air Force Academy and an MPA from University of Dayton. Leftwich is a recipient of the Secretary of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award.
M.P.A. in public administration, University of Dayton; B.S. in political science, USAF Academy
