Sara Lynn Loughran
Sara Lynn Loughran is an accomplished intelligence professional with more than two decades of experience in national security, intelligence analysis, and operational leadership. A retired U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Sara served for 21 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout her military career, she provided critical intelligence support to operations at both the division and squadron levels, serving as a Weapons School graduate and instructor. Her leadership and expertise in intelligence operations earned her recognition for her ability to synthesize complex information and guide mission-critical decision-making.
Following her distinguished military service, Sara continued her commitment to public safety and information security as a Critical Infrastructure Intelligence Analyst with the Alabama Fusion Center. In this role, she connected public and private sector partners to improve intelligence sharing, identify potential threats, and strengthen homeland security across the state. She also contributed her analytical skills to major national response efforts, including working at the Deepwater Horizon Incident Command Center, where she supported data consolidation and daily operational briefings for leadership during the Gulf oil spill response.
Today, Sara brings the same discipline and work ethic to her current role at The TJX Companies, where she enjoys staying active, supporting her team, and engaging with the community in a role that blends structure and service. A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Spanish and International Trade, and later earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix, Sara continues to embody lifelong learning, teamwork, and dedication to excellence—both in her professional endeavors and in her retirement pursuits.
• Joint Military Intelligence College- M.S.
• University of Phoenix- B.S.
• Auburn University- B.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dedication to service—whether volunteering in the community or supporting fighter pilots and their aircraft artillery—and to the leadership experience I gained as a proven Operations Officer at both the division and squadron levels.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the Air Force is simple—don’t doubt yourself and always be adaptable; confidence and flexibility will carry you far in this career.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, dedication, and connection—spending time with my mom and attending family reunions keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters.