MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala.-- Hailing from the small town of Eddy, Texas, 2nd Lt. Shelby Pinner, Air University commander’s support staff officer in charge, didn’t join the military to follow a family legacy; she joined to build a foundation for her future. Pinner’s journey has been defined by a steep learning curve and a steadfast commitment to her fellow Airmen, that path leading her to the heart of Air University Headquarters.
As the CSS officer in charge within the Directorate of Manpower and Personnel, Pinner oversees critical programs that ensure mission readiness across the board. Pinner’s responsibilities include managing evaluations, decorations and unit deployments. A role that is inherently administrative and logistics heavy.
“No matter what your background is, you have to do your due diligence in finding resources and making sure you’re showing up for your people,” said Pinner. “When you have to step up for somebody, you truly have to step up for them. You have to take care of them and meet their needs, and nothing prepares you for how hard that is."
Air University’s Directorate of Manpower and Personnel maintain organizational lethality by overseeing personnel readiness, manpower authorizations and comprehensive member support services.
Since arriving at Maxwell, Pinner has set a high standard for excellence, earning Company Grade Officer of the Quarter honors for three consecutive terms.
“It made me feel like my supervisor and leadership team believed in me,” said Pinner. “Although I’m still learning and making mistakes, I’m also accomplishing things that make me and the CSS team better along the way.”
In addition to these strategic duties, Pinner serves as the unit training manager and deployment manager, ensuring the team remains mission-ready and professionally developed. Despite the heavy workload, Pinner’s leadership style fosters a collaborative environment rather than a rigid hierarchy. This approach has earned her the deep respect of her team.
“She truly cares about this team,” said Staff Sgt. Steven Hernandez, AU noncommissioned officer in charge of CSS. “It has never felt like we were just following orders; it has felt like one team the whole time.”
Behind the 33 programs managed by the CSS is a team that relies on Pinner’s proactive approach to leadership. Rather than relying on her rank, she bridges the gap between officer and enlisted through a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
"If she’s unfamiliar with a situation, she asks questions and covers her bases until the task is handled,” said Hernandez.
Holding an undergraduate degree in public relations from Texas State and currently pursuing a master’s in global strategic communication, Pinner hopes to eventually cross-train into Public Affairs. Pinner remains firm in her belief that a leader's greatest tool is the ability to shape the environment for their team.
“Public Affairs would allow me to use my skills in support of national security, transparency and public trust while still serving my country and leading people,” said Pinner.
Outside of her duties at Maxwell, Pinner focuses on fitness, cooking and spending time with her two Schnauzers Lainey and Cooper.
“My time at Air University has taught me so much about the importance of networking,” said Pinner. “I enjoy working alongside and connecting with people of all ranks across the enterprise. My teammates within the CSS and A1 make my day to day enjoyable because we work very well together to solve problems, accomplish tasks and find humor in things.”
As Pinner continues her service at Air University, her goals remain rooted in the reasons she first joined: growth, travel and a tireless dedication to the people she leads.