Lisa Nyalko

United States of America

 

1964-2025

Lisa Nyalko, Naval Aviation Leader

Lisa Jane Nyalko (née Pfanneschlag) was born on April 7, 1964, in Baltimore, Maryland, Nyalko graduated from Franklin High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1986. She continued her education, earning a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America in 1990 and completing the Naval War College Non-Resident Seminar Program at the College of Naval Command and Staff in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1994. Additionally, she graduated from the Defense Systems Management College and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Senior Executive Management Development Program.

Nyalko began her distinguished civil service career in 1987 at NAVAIR as an advanced design engineer, focusing on strike warfare and advanced short takeoff/vertical landing (ASTOVL) aircraft design. Former Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program Manager (and later Deputy Commandant for Aviation) Lt. Gen. Mike Hough, US Marine Corps, recalled, “Her instinctive and complete understanding of foundational STOVL design concepts, improved by a fact-finding trip to Russia just after the Cold War ended, equipped Lisa in realizing and influencing both Russian and future US STOVL design efforts.” Over the years, she took on increasingly significant roles, including Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leader for the ASTOVL program and then the joint Air Force/Navy JSF Air Vehicle IPT Leader. Later, she served as the Staff Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air Programs.

While at NAVAIR, Nyalko met her soulmate, Col. Michael A. Nyalko, USMC. They were married in 2000, and she supported him during his 23-year battle with lymphoma (see “VFS Update,” Vertiflite, Jan/Feb 2025).

In June 2001, Nyalko was selected as the Principal Deputy Program Manager for Air-to-Air Missiles (PMA-259) at Patuxent River, Maryland. She later joined the PMA-265 (F/A-18 and EA-18G) Program Office and then became the Principal Deputy Program Manager for PMA-265, overseeing various aircraft programs, including foreign military sales. In April 2007, Nyalko was inducted into the Senior Executive Service as Deputy Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, PEO(T), where she managed acquisition, engineering and technical services for numerous Navy programs. Her achievements earned her multiple awards, including the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Superior Civilian Service Award and recognition as a finalist for the Naval War College Outstanding Graduate award.

A firm believer in giving back, Nyalko was a dedicated volunteer in her community. She served with the Leonardtown Auxiliary Rescue Squad, organizing its annual cake auction, and gave her time to the Good Samaritan Lutheran Pantry, where she worked weekly to serve those in need. She will be remembered affectionately for her intellect, warmth and unyielding dedication to her family, country and community.

Lisa passed away on Jan. 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of professional excellence, community service and cherished memories with family and friends. She was 60 years old.

VFS Updates: In Memoriam - Vertiflite, March/April 2025