Executive Director
Col. Drew Allen, USAF (Retired) is the Executive Director of the FSU Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) located in Panama City, FL. InSPIRE is working with dedicated partners to establish a national center of innovation in Northwest Florida that accelerates breakthroughs in aerospace and advanced manufacturing to drive regional economic growth and strengthen national security.
Prior to his arrival at FSU, Drew was the Deputy Executive Director of the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute and the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships at the University of Oklahoma. During his time at OU, Drew was instrumental in achieving an over 300% increase in defense research funding and received the 2025 Annual Award for Excellence in Research Grants.
Drew attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and Math. He then embarked on a 25-year Air Force career as a fighter pilot and developmental test pilot. He was Commander of the 461st Flight Test Squadron and the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards AFB, CA, during the height of F-35 development; the Commander of the 704th Test Group at Holloman AFB, NM; and the Commander of a Data Masked Wing at an undisclosed location.
During his distinguished Air Force career, Drew accumulated over 3300 flight hours in over 55 different aircraft types and is the only pilot in history to be qualified in every modern Air Force fighter aircraft: the F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35, and F-117. He was the top graduate of Undergraduate Pilot Training, the Fighter Fundamentals Course, Pilot Instructor Training, Squadron Officer School, and the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. He also holds master’s degrees in Diplomacy and Flight Test Engineering.
Drew has commanded over 3,500 personnel operating from two installations, executing over 1,500 missions and a $1 billion annual budget. His development program to modernize range systems and install a new paradigm for testing, tactics development, and training was adopted for all future US Air Force systems. He effortlessly combines tactical and strategic perspectives, spearheading innovative advancements in aerospace, applied research and national defense.