JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- The Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) welcomed its new commander and command chief during a joint assumption of command and change of responsibility ceremony here, June 30, 2026.
Lt. Gen. Jefferson J. O'Donnell, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, presided over the morning ceremony where Brig. Gen. Ryan E. Richardson assumed command of AFPC. In conjunction, Chief Master Sgt. Keith M. Scott assumed responsibility of senior enlisted leadership as AFPC Command Chief from Chief Master Sgt. Edwin V. Ludwigsen.
“The Air Force Personnel Center is the engine of Department of the Air Force talent management, ensuring our Total Force Airmen are positioned to Fly, Fix, and Fight, our Guardians contest and control the space domain, and our families are strong,” O'Donnell said. “Brigadier General Richardson and Chief Master Sergeant Scott bring exactly the right strategic vision and operational experience to lead this enterprise. I have absolute confidence they will continue to elevate how we care for and develop our greatest strength—our people.”
Richardson comes to AFPC after serving as the Director of Human Capital for Headquarters United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. As AFPC commander, he will lead the center by delivering Ready Airmen and Guardians to commanders around the world.
“It is an absolute honor to take command of the Air Force Personnel Center and rejoin a team deeply committed to the success of our Total Force,” Richardson said. “As the strategic environment evolves at pace, the nation’s competitive advantage remains our people. Chief Scott and I look forward to leading the incredible professionals here and ensuring the Department of War, Joint Force, and our operational wings maintain their readiness, resilience, and lethality.”
The ceremony also highlighted the critical role of the senior enlisted leader, bidding farewell to Ludwigsen and welcoming Scott. Ludwigsen retires after 32 years of service.
“Serving as your Command Chief has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Ludwigsen said. “Every day, the professionals at AFPC work tirelessly behind the scenes supporting our force and their families across the globe. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I know Chief Scott is the perfect leader to elevate this organization to even greater heights.”
Scott steps into his new position at AFPC following a previous assignment as the Nineteenth Air Force Command Chief, also located at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. There, he advised the commander and staff on the health, welfare, morale, and effective use of more than 32,000 Total Force personnel. Scott will continue his advisor role on a larger scale guiding senior Department of the Air Force leaders on policy and programs impacting the enlisted total force.
“I am truly humbled to step into this role and team up with General Richardson,” Scott said. “Coming from Nineteenth Air Force, I know firsthand the critical role AFPC plays in ensuring we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place to accomplish the mission and win. I am excited to get to work, advocate for our Airmen, Guardians, civilians, and family members. I look forward to serving alongside the incredible men and women of AFPC whose efforts directly enable the readiness and success of every mission across the Department of the Air Force.”
The Air Force Personnel Center delivers talent management and care solutions through cohesive teams and innovative systems to connect Airmen, Guardians, and their families with our Nation’s call to service.