Bade named executive director of Sever Institute in McKelvey School of Engineering
Former Boeing executive to lead professional education division
John F. Bade, former executive of The Boeing Co. and longtime professor of practice, has been named executive director of the Henry Edwin Sever Institute in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis effective July 1, 2025.
Bade has been program director of graduate studies in Sever’s Engineering Management program since 2022. He will continue in that role and as a professor of practice.
"I am delighted that John Bade will be leading the Sever Institute,” said Aaron F. Bobick, dean and the James M. McKelvey Professor. “John’s extensive experience as an engineer and professor of practice, combined with his doctoral training and expertise in engineering management, uniquely qualify him to oversee these graduate programs. These programs cater to a diverse group of students aiming to advance their professional education in McKelvey Engineering."
Bade held numerous executive positions at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft and Boeing Defense, Space & Security, most recently as vice president of Boeing Defense Saudi Arabia from 2016-2019. Previously, he was vice president of special projects from 2015-2016; Defense Logistics Agency program manager from 2013-2015; director of strategic management and business capture from 2008-2013; director of business development, integrated logistics from 2006-2008; and program manager for the Japan 767 Tanker and the United Arab Emirates 767 Tanker from 2002-2005. He began his career as a senior specialist at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft.
Bade has taught numerous graduate classes at WashU since 1998, including Capstone courses, Understanding Emerging and Disruptive Technologies, and various strategic planning and project management courses. He has also been an adjunct instructor at the Missouri Institute of Science & Technology, from which he earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. He also earned an MBA from Saint Louis University. In addition, he taught at Alfaisal University, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and at the Boeing Leadership Center and Notre Dame.
Bade also is involved in industry and the community, serving as a board member for the Engineering Management Academy and Engineering Advisory Board and the Missouri University of Science and Technology; on the Chancellor's Council of the University of Missouri St. Louis; and on the board of directors of Boeing Industrial Technology Group, Alsalam Aerospace Industries and the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Co.