Profile
Dak Hardwick currently serves as the Vice President, International Affairs at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). He oversees AIA’s international policy and advocacy program on behalf of the U.S. aerospace and defense industry on issues including defense and commercial trade, industrial cooperation, technology security, and global supply chain to stakeholders around the world.
Before joining AIA, Hardwick worked at Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company. At Harris, he was the primary interface with the U.S. Government for government communication programs, including airspace modernization, intelligence, and meteorological ground system programs. He was also responsible for interfacing with U.S. Government and international officials to ensure export of Harris radio communications products for U.S.-allied and partner nations.
A former Presidential Management Fellow, Hardwick began his career at Headquarters, Marine Corps as an appropriations budget analyst. He later transitioned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense where he helped establish the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense after September 11, 2001. He later held a variety of national security positions, including as the country director for Georgia and the Republic of Moldova and director for peacekeeping operations.
Hardwick holds a B.S. in public affairs from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and a Master of Public Administration from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Sessions