David "Buck" Sarrette

Mr. Buck Sarrette is the Director of Environmental Health and Safety for Mississippi State University (MSU). He brings more than 25 years of leadership, management, aviation, and operational experience, with expertise in safety and risk management, program management, aviation operations, training, leader development, and organizational planning.

Throughout his military career, Mr. Sarrette served as the designated safety officer for multiple organizations, gaining extensive experience in hazard identification, operational risk management, safety program implementation, and integrating safety into complex planning and operations. Having spent much of his career in military and aviation environments, he brings a practical and mission-focused approach to protecting personnel, managing risk, and promoting a proactive safety culture.

Mr. Sarrette was instrumental in Army Futures Command efforts, where he helped establish the Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team responsible for developing near- and long-term manned and unmanned aviation capabilities for U.S. Army aviation programs. He also served at Joint Task Force North, overseeing the integration of manned and unmanned aviation assets into operational missions, including coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration for National Airspace System operations. Throughout his career, he has coordinated complex efforts with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, components of the U.S. Armed Forces, and numerous federal and state entities.

Prior to his current position, Mr. Sarrette served as Deputy Director of MSU's Raspet Flight Research Laboratory. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a bachelor's degree in Leadership and Management and holds a master's degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is also an FAA-licensed commercial rotary-wing pilot.