Senior Master Sgt. James "Jim" DeVaughn currently serves as non-commissioned officer in charge of audio engineers. Originally from Dover, New Jersey, he joined The United States Air Force Band in 2001.
Sgt. DeVaughn is the co-recipient of three Emmy Awards (alongside former Air Force Band engineer Master Sgt. (retired) Loren Zimmer) from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The accolades were awarded for outstanding audio on three patriotic television specials produced in partnership with Maryland Public Television.
Before joining the Air Force, Sgt. DeVaughn served as technical director in the Virginia Tech Department of Music from 1999 until 2001, providing audio and logistics support for faculty, staff, and students. His professional music career began as an acappella vocalist at a mid-Atlantic theme park as part of a male vocal quintet.
Sgt. DeVaughn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, and a Bachelor of Music degree with concentrations in audio engineering and voice, both from Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, Virginia. He has studied voice with Dr. Lisanne Lyons, audio with Spencer Allen and Michael Dunston, and mentored with classical recording engineer Charles Harbutt.