ARDI Board of Directors
ARDI was co-founded in 1984 by Brig Gen Philip J. Erdle, USAF (Ret) – a former Vice Dean of the Faculty and Permanent Professor Emeritus – and Maj Gen William Lyon, USAF (Ret), in consultation with the Honorable Verne Orr, Secretary of the Air Force. The late Senator Barry Goldwater was its first honorary chairman and the late Secretary of the Treasury, William E. Simon, was its first investment committee chairman.
The ARDI Board of Directors currently has seven members and meets annually. The executive committee meets frequently on an ad-hoc basis.
Col. Michael P. Erdle USAF Ret.
Chairman, President & CEO
Colonel (Ret) Mick Erdle is Chairman, President, and CEO of The Academy Research & Development Institute. Mick is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy (’76) and served 26 years in the Air Force, flying the F-15, F-5, and T-38, and holding several command positions and staff assignments at the squadron, group, and major command levels, including Air Officer Commanding for Cadet Squadron 20. He has more than 10 years experience directing the operations of small disadvantaged businesses in the federal arena, and also serves as a director of Academy Bank and the USAFA Endowment Board.
Dr. Philip Erdle, Brig Gen USAF, Retired