Christy Stephens is the Lead Instructional Systems Designer, Nineteenth Air Force, Flying Training Center of Excellence (FTCOE). She supports Instructional System Design and Competency Mapping for pilot and combat system officer training programs. She leads a team of 17 Contractors supporting 12 AETC flying programs and associated syllabi. Her team synchronizes strategic efforts with 6 MAJCOM/NAF Directorates, 5 Undergraduate Pilot Training Wings, 6 installations & multiple partnerships. Ms. Stephens and team draft strategic guidance, build requirements for industry partners, and plans for modernizing flying training programs.

Ms. Stephens graduated from Southwestern University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Post graduation, Ms. Stephens served in the Air Force as a Cryptologic Linguist/Analysis Operator at the 41st Electronic Combat Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB on Compass Call. Ms. Stephens flew in support of NATO’s Operation Allied Force. While serving on active duty, Ms. Stephens completed a Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University.

Ms. Stephens came to the FTCOE after 21 years at the Defense Intelligence Agency as the Lead Instructional Designer responsible for curriculum development across the Academy for Defense Intelligence. Ms. Stephens also served as the Chief of the Enterprise Learning Center, Joint- Base San Antonio from October 2008-January 2025. During her time with DIA, Ms. Stephens completed a Master of Science in Education, Instructional Design from Capella University. While serving at DIA, Ms. Stephens co-authored the Competency Based Career Path Guide for the 1700 Series, led the USD(I) educational development criteria for the Collection Requirements Manager Professionalization Program, taught Measurement & Signatures Intelligence in the Intelligence Community Senior Leadership Program and served as a member of the DIA Strategic Briefer Team.