Jamie M . Morin Jamie Michael Morin ( born May 23 , 1975 ) is a senior official in the United States Department of Defense . He was a private sector economist and research consultant before earning a Doctorate degree in political science from Yale University . He then served as a professional staff member on the United States Senate Committee on the Budget . Morin is currently Assistant Secretary of the Air Force ( Financial Management & Comptroller ) , and served concurrently as Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force from July 3 , 2012 to April 28 , 2013 . Education . Morin is a native of Detroit , Michigan and a graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy . He attended Georgetown University ' s School of Foreign Service , graduating cum laude in 1996 . In 1998 , Morin earned a master ' s degree with distinction in Public Administration and Public Policy from the London School of Economics . In 2003 he received a doctorate in political science from Yale University . His dissertation addressed the political aspects of United States defense priorities in the post - Cold War environment . Early career . In 1995 Morin joined J . E . Austin Associates as a research assistant . He continued with the firm until 2001 , serving first as research associate , then economist , and finally an economic strategy specialist . During his tenure at J . E . Austin he worked with private firms and international development agencies on economic development projects in Africa , Asia and the Balkans . In 2001 Morin was selected as a visiting fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington , D . C . , where he conducted research for The Pentagon ’ s Office of Net Assessment . In 2002 Morin became a national fellow at the University of Virginia ’ s Miller Center for Public Affairs in Charlottesville , Virginia . At the University of Virginia he studied national defense policy and lectured on government policy in undergraduate and graduate courses . Public service . In 2003 Morin became senior defense analyst for the United States Senate Committee on the Budget . He also served as the national security advisor to the committee chairman , Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota . In this position Morin worked closely with members of the budget committee , and with staff from the armed services committee , foreign relations committee , and appropriations committee to ensure the committees delivered consistent public policy recommendations to the Senate . Following the 2008 Presidential election , Morin served as a defense policy adviser on President Barack Obama ' s transition team . On 11 May 2009 President Obama nominated Morin to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller . On 19 June the United States Senate confirmed him as the 21st Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller . Morin was 34 years old at the time of his appointment . As the Air Force ’ s chief financial officer , Morin is responsible for managing an annual budget of $ 160 billion . He supports professional training and education programs that help financial managers produce better budget projections and financial analysis for decision makers throughout the Air Force . Morin directs cost estimating and economic analysis programs through the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency . He is also responsible for the Air Force Financial Services Center , which provides financial services to 650 , 000 Airmen and civilian employees around the world . In his role as Assistant Secretary , Morin emphasizes the need to take care of America ’ s Airmen . He places high priority on strengthening the Air Force ’ s nuclear enterprise , which was demonstrated by his strong support for the stand - up of Air Force Global Strike Command . Morin promotes thoughtful decision making at all levels within the Air Force and has fostered a culture of continuous improvement . He encourages Air Force comptrollers to become their commander ’ s trusted advisor in order to ensure available funds are used to achieve the greatest impact on Air Force operations and weapon system acquisition programs . As Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force , Morin was responsible for Department of the Air Force affairs on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force , including the organizing , training , equipping and providing for the welfare of its more than 333 , 000 active duty men and women , 178 , 000 Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve members , 182 , 000 civilians , and their families . He also oversaw the Air Force ' s annual budget of more than $ 110 billion and serves as acting Secretary of the Air Force in the Secretary ' s absence . As acting Under Secretary , Dr . Morin also served as the Chief Management Officer of the Air Force , the senior Air Force energy official , and the focal point for space policy issues within Air Force Headquarters . Professional associations . Morin is a member of the Air Force Association and the American Society of Military Comptrollers . In 2013 , he was named as a " Young Global Leader " by the World Economic Forum . In addition , he is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations .