Leslie Babich joined the DEFENSEWERX team to lead SOFWERX in Tampa, FL, in October 2020. As the Director of SOFWERX, Leslie provides operational and personnel oversight while developing and implementing business plans that optimize results for its government partner, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Leslie brings 20+ years of special operations experience where she served as an MC-130 Pilot in Air Force Special Operations Command. She’s held various leadership positions, including squadron command, Director of the Commander’s Action Group at Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command, and Commander, Joint Special Operations Air Component - Central. She also served as the Fixed-Wing Assessment Director and Chief of Program Analysis and Evaluation at the United States Special Operations Command in the Force Structure, Requirements, Resources, and Strategic Assessment Directorate.

During her service, she deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Enduring Freedom-Philippines, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Before joining SOFWERX, Leslie was employed as a Business Unit Manager with Jabil Defense and Aerospace in Saint Petersburg, FL.

Leslie received her Bachelor of Science in Management from the Air Force Academy, her Master of Arts in Counseling and Leadership from the University of Colorado, and her Master of Science in International Strategic Studies from the Air War College at Maxwell AFB.