Riley J. Hestermann – Innovate AI 2026
Session 3: AI in National Security
Lieutenant Colonel Riley J. Hestermann
Hestermann is the executive officer to the adjutant general, Joint Force Headquarters, South Dakota National Guard. He serves a team of over 4,200 world-class airmen and soldiers to respond in times of state or national emergency.
Hestermann entered the Air Force in 2008 as a graduate of Colorado State University and as a Distinguished Graduate of the USAF Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 090. He served on active duty for six years before joining the South Dakota Air National Guard. During his career, Hestermann has led maintenance and munitions operations across the globe. He is a combat-proven leader who has deployed numerous times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, NATO's International Security Assistance Force Missions and across the INDOPACOM Theater. He has experience on HH-60G, F-15C, B-1B and F-16C aircraft.
Prior to his current assignment, Hestermann served as the the 175th fighter generation squadron commander, the 114th maintenance squadron commander and the 114th munitions flight commander at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota.
Hestermann and his wife, Alison, have four children, Jackson, Avaley, Colton and Maverick. They love spending time on their acreage with their animals and enjoying the outdoors in the great state of South Dakota.
In his civilian capacity Hestermann and his wife have embraced their entrepreneurial spirit, starting and successfully running several small businesses. Hestermann is an active volunteer in his community and serves on the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations.