Don Bohney – Tucson (Remote), Director, Advanced Technology and Strategy
At CAES, our people are our most important asset. We sat down with one of CAES’ newest team members to learn more about his career path, interests and why he enjoys working at CAES. Read on to learn more about Don Bohney, Director, Advanced Technology and Strategy.
Fascinated with airplanes from a young age, Don Bohney always knew he wanted to be a pilot. However, when it came time for Don to attend college, he decided to take a different path to pursue an engineering degree at Purdue University. After one year at Perdue, he transferred to the Air Force Academy to pursue his passion for both engineering and aviation. It was at the Air Force Academy where he earned his aeronautical engineering degree. According to Don, everything he learned during his experience at the Academy would help him later on in his career.
A life-long learner, Don went on to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he got his master's degree in aeronautical science. After graduation, Don continued to challenge himself and went on to do a tour as a security assistant officer overseas, helping NATO partners get the equipment and training they needed. “The path of continuous learning is very important," said Bohney.
Over the years, there have been many mentors in Don's life. According to Don, mentors can be found in all roles. The mentors that Don looked up to were not always people put into official mentorship roles, but rather those who he generally admired. One of the most important takeaways Bohney learned from his mentors was that “the only constant is change, and you have to continually adapt." This advice resonated with Bohney, as he moved 17 times in 22 years while in the Air Force.
When it comes to career advice for young professionals just starting out, Don stressed the importance of networking. He also shared the importance of being ready for change, as in five to ten years, you might not be doing what you think you would and you need to prepare for that uncertainty with a strong network in place.
“Tie on to people you respect and admire, you can't do it alone," said Bohney.
Don looks forward to the future at CAES and has goals of breaking into new businesses while here. Having come from a larger company (Raytheon Missile Systems) Don expressed how it is clear that people at CAES are collaborative and happy to be working together. “The idea is to grow the business and solve problems for our customers. I want to be a part of that solution for our customers and be at the leading edge of the products CAES will build for the next 30 years," said Bohney.
On the weekends, you can find Don on the lake. Working remotely with the CAES customer in Tucson, Arizona, Don spends his weekends boating or wake boarding during the hot summers.