Distinguished Engineer
Hometown: Brookings
Computer Science,
Mike Headley was the highest-ranking cadet in the nation when in the Air Force ROTC program at SDSU. He earned Distinguished Graduate honors when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and entered active duty in 1993.
While Headley was stationed in Washington, D.C., he led the development, launch and operation of satellite-based intelligence collection systems for the National Reconnaissance Office. He was awarded two Joint Service Achievement Medals, including one for leading the rescue of a $2B satellite constellation from early mission termination. Headley received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1998 and was awarded a Defense Meritorious Service Medal upon completion of his service, which is the third-highest U.S. military award that can be attained for non-combat service.
Headley joined the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Resources Observation and Science Center (EROS) in Sioux Falls and led a portfolio of projects for a technical and scientific support services contract with a staff of 500. In partnership with NASA, Headley led the development of the Landsat 8 satellite mission—the largest project within the Department of the Interior.
In 2008, Headley joined the South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Science and Technology Authority. He serves as the executive director and the lab director of the Sanford Underground Research Facility—the deepest underground science research facility in the United States at nearly a mile underground. He leads a 200-member team responsible for the development and operation of SURF in support of a multidisciplinary global science mission.