Tommy Sowers — Multi-disciplinary leader

I've led teams on battlefields and in boardrooms, founded startups, run for Congress, and served in the Obama Administration. I've been lucky enough to do work that matters — from deploying as a Green Beret in Iraq to leading a company through its IPO to teaching leadership, the Constitution, technology and ethics at West Point and Duke.

I've made my share of face plants, both physically and professionally. But I try to learn, get up, and try again. I want to get 1% better every day and make the world a bit better for my girls.

As incoming Vice Chancellor at UNC Chapel Hill, here's what I care about most: Faculty doing research that could change lives — my job is to help it reach the world. Students who came here with big ideas — my job is to help them launch. Industry and organizations eager to engage with world-class talent, research, and early-stage prototyping — my job is to make Carolina the easiest research university in the country to work with.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Vice Chancellor of Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development · Chief Innovation Officer

Starting April 2026. Leading UNC's innovation mission — helping faculty bring world-changing research to market, giving students the launchpad to turn big ideas into ventures, and making Carolina the easiest research university in the country for industry and organizations to work with.

2024–26

Deputy Director — Duke Initiative for Science & Society

Director of Graduate Studies and Faculty Lead for Applied Technology Ethics. Led interdisciplinary teams of students partnering with the NC Governor's Office, OpenAI, Google and NIH on ethical challenges in technology and policy.

2021–24

President — flyExclusive

Led the nation's 4th largest private jet charter operation through its IPO. 100 jets, 700 employees, $250M+ ARR.

2018–21

Southeast Regional Director — National Security Innovation Network (DoD)

Pentagon's lead for innovation in the Southeast, connecting academic and venture communities to solve national security problems.

2015–18

Co-Founder & CEO — GoldenKey

Venture-backed real estate technology startup. Named a top Raleigh-Durham startup by Fortune. Acquired by Landis in 2018.

2012–14

Assistant Secretary — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Youngest Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary in the Administration at the time of confirmation. Directed public affairs, intergovernmental affairs, tribal relations, and homeless veteran programs.

2012

Management Consultant — McKinsey & Company

Strategy, valuation, and due diligence for private equity clients.

2011–12

Senior Advisor — Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Represented post-9/11 veterans at TED Global, Aspen Security Forum, and the Clinton Global Initiative.

2009–10

Congressional Candidate — Missouri's 8th District

Democratic nominee. Received national attention for call to end the conventional war in Afghanistan.

2006–09

Assistant Professor — United States Military Academy at West Point

Taught American Government, Advanced American Government, and Media & Politics. Department nominee for the APGAR Award for Excellence in Teaching.

2004–06

Special Forces Team Leader — 10th Special Forces Group, U.S. Army

Two combat deployments to Iraq. Led Green Beret A-team on counterinsurgency operations. 2 x Bronze Stars and Combat Infantryman Badge. Graduated first in class at Special Forces Qualification Course.

1998–04

Combat Engineer & Officer — 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army

Led platoon in NATO peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. Competed in Best Ranger Competition and Eco Challenge. Earned Ranger Tab, Belgian Commando Brevet.

TommySowers

About Tommy Sowers

Career and Work History