Bale is a seasoned aerospace and defense leader with a notable record in executive leadership, emerging technology adoption, and global strategic operations. His career spans across roles in the federal government at NASA, the U.S. Senate and the State Department, military service in the U.S. Navy, and the aviation private sector. He brings experience in advancing critical national security initiatives, fostering innovation, and driving impactful collaborations between government, industry, and international partners.

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A distinguished Naval Aviator, Bale served on multiple deployments supporting expeditionary strike groups and special operations assault and close air support for joint special operations forces through Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and the Indo-Pacific theater of operations. His command tours include Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT FIVE - the Navy’s dedicated special operations support squadron – and Training Wing FIVE Reserve Component Commander. He continues service as the Navy Reserve Lead at the Defense Innovation Unit in

the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

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In his federal civil service, Bale was Military Legislative Assistant to Senator Bill Nelson of Florida in the U.S. Senate, and a term appointee in the Secretary’s Office of Global Partnership at the U.S Department of State. Most recently he served as Chief of Staff of NASA, where he was responsible for coordinating the management and execution of initiatives, programs, and policies in critical areas of concern and ensuring that the strategic goals established by the administrator and deputy administrator were achieved.

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Currently Bale is Principal at Stella Maris Strategies, a strategic advisory firm at the intersection of national security, emerging technology, and global operations, specializing in helping innovative companies navigate the complex landscape of defense, aerospace, and dual-use markets.

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He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School.