Michael C. Kostelnik

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Michael C. Kostelnik, Major General, USAF (Ret.) is the Assistant Commissioner, Office of CBP Air, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The mission of CBP Air and Marine is to protect the American people and critical infrastructure by using an integrated and coordinated air and marine force to detect, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism arising from unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and other contraband moving toward or crossing the borders of the United States. To accomplish that mission, CBP Air and Marine utilizes over 500 pilots and 250 aircraft, the largest federal law enforcement air force in the world, as well as more than 200 vessels.

General Kostelnik, a member of the Senior Executive Service, has worked for 35 years in the government. From 2002 to 2005, he served as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Station and Space Shuttle at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Previously, he spent 32 years on active military duty with the U.S. Air Force as a test pilot, instructor pilot, program manager and commander. He has had a prominent career in both management and aviation, accumulating over 3,300 hours of flight time in over 40 types of aircraft. General Kostelnik has extensive management experience in requirements, development and acquisition, and testing of leading edge aerospace systems.

He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1969. The following year, he completed a Master of Science degree in industrial and management engineering from the University of Iowa.

General Kostelnik has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the NASA Medal for Outstanding Leadership.

And he likes to dance to rock and roll music from the 50's.