Mr Bob Wells

Bob Wells brings a wealth of experience to the conference, combining over two decades of military service with a successful civilian career in business development. As the Business Development Director at uAvionix Corporation, he is responsible for driving business growth and sales in embedded UxS C2 systems, Electronic Conspicuity, and Detect and Avoid solutions for Government and Defense partners worldwide.

In his military role, Bob serves in the US Army/South Carolina Army National Guard as an Aviation Officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His leadership experience spans various combat environments, including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has successfully commanded an Aviation Support Battalion and played a pivotal role in coordinating disaster response and recovery operations for multiple crises.

Bob's career also includes positions as a Business Development Director at Dev Technology Group, an Independent Sales Engineer at Aerogear Telemetry, and a Business Development Manager at Ampex Data Systems. His accomplishments include significant sales growth, successful contract negotiations, and strategic market expansion.

With a deep understanding of government contracting, acquisition processes, and a strong network in the defense industry, Bob Wells is a trusted leader known for his commitment to excellence and results-driven approach. He is a valuable speaker for this conference, sharing insights from both his military and business perspectives
 

Brigadier General (Ret.) Andrew Armacost

 Andrew P. Armacost officially began his tenure as the University of North Dakota’s 13th President on June 1, 2020.

He previously served as Dean of the Faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, retiring in the rank of Brigadier General in 2019.

As UND’s President, Armacost has led the campus to national recognition, including the 2021 Larry Abernathy Award from the International Town Gown Association and the 2022 ACE/Fidelity Investments Transformation Award from the American Council on Education. In 2021, UND was the first university in the nation to be designated as a member of the U.S. Space Force’s University Partnership Program.

Armacost currently serves on the boards of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, the Falcon Foundation, the Energy and Environmental Research Center Foundation, the UND Aerospace Foundation, and the UND Center for Innovation Foundation. He also chairs the Board of Directors for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

In his academic career, Armacost has been a champion of shared governance, academic freedom, inclusion, student growth, and applied learning and research. He is an award-winning educator and researcher in the field of Operations Research, with international recognition from the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences and the Military Operations Research Society. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the AF Commendation Medal, and the AF Achievement Medal.

A native of Glendale, Wisconsin, Armacost earned his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and his masters and PhD in Operations Research from MIT.

Colonel John Casey

 Col. John “Venkman” Casey (USAF) joined DARPA in June 2023 as a program manager in the Tactical Technology Office. His areas of interest include next-generation aerospace vehicle concepts, flight test, survivability, lethality, and concepts to affordably deliver capabilities by disrupting traditional cost and schedule paradigms. Prior to joining DARPA, Casey was a student at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Prior to that assignment, he has served as a Flight Test Engineer over several assignments, in multiple roles as project engineer, staff officer, chief engineer, chief of test safety, flight test squadron commander, and director of test engineering supporting research and development efforts, system requirements definition, and test activities.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in flight test engineering from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He is also a distinguished graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy

Colonel Joshua P. Higgins

 COL Josh Higgins is a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania and was commissioned a second lieutenant in Aviation Branch in June 1995.

COL Higgins’ previous assignments include duty as a Platoon Leader for Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment; Executive Officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade; Rear Detachment Commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade; Assistant Operations Officer for 17th Aviation Brigade, Republic of Korea; Assistant Operations Officer for 10th Combat Aviation Brigade; Commander of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment during OEF 4; Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade; Aviation Branch Captains Assignment Officer, US Army Human Resources Command; Executive Officer and Operations Officer for 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment during OIF 09-11; Executive Officer for 25th Combat Aviation Brigade during OEF 12-13; Commander of 2-25th Aviation Regiment; Chief, Commanders Initiative Group, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence; Chief, Operations and Integration Division, HQDA G-3/5/7 Aviation (DAMO-AV), 29th Commandant of the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, and Director, Aviation Capability and Integration Directorate.

COL Higgins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Management from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a Master of Science in Continuing and Adult Education from Kansas State University, and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He is a graduate of the Aviation Officer Basic Course, the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course, the Aviation Officer Advanced Course, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the National War College.

His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary and Service Medals, Korea Defense Service Medal, and NATO Medal. He has been awarded the Master Army Aviator Badge and Combat Action Badge.

COL Higgins is married to the former Allison Cummins. They have two wonderful children, Olivia and Jack.

Colonel Ryan Slaughter

 Lt Col Ryan “Scuds” Slaughter is the division
chief of combat air force capability development
for Air Force Futures, Headquarters Air Force.
His team is responsible for realizing the next
generation of fighter, bomber, and unmanned
aircraft capabilities. Prior to this assignment, Lt
Col Slaughter was the commander of the 432d
Operations Support Squadron, Creech Air Force
Base, Nevada.
A 2002 graduate of the University of Texas at
San Antonio, he earned his wings at Naval Air
Station Pensacola, FL in 2005. Lt Col Slaughter
has a background in operational flying, training
operations, and aircraft maintenance. He is a
veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom with
over 900 combat hours and has participated in
Operation Noble Eagle as both an aviator and a
maintainer. He has served as a commander,
operations officer, executive officer, and flight
evaluator in multiple aircraft.
Lt Col Slaughter is a master combat systems
officer with more than 2100 hours in the RQ-170,
F-15E, AT-38C, T-1, T-6, T-39, and T-43.
EDUCATION
2002 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, The University of Texas, San Antonio
2002 Air and Space Basic Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2009 Top Third Graduate, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2010 Master's in Aeronautical Science, Embry Riddle University, Fla.
2012 Air Command and Staff College, correspondence
2021 Air War College, correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 2002 – June 2004, Avionics Flight Commander, 388th Maintenance Group, Hill AFB, Utah
2. July 2004 – February 2006, Student Weapon Systems Officer, Training Squadron 86, NAS Pensacola,
Florida
3. March 2006 - July 2006, Student Electronic Warfare Officer, 563rd Flying Training Squadron, Randolph
AFB, Texas
4. August 2006 - July 2007, student, 333rd Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina
5. August 2007 – May 2011, Flight Commander, Assistant Director of Operations, Executive Officer, 335th
Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina
6. June 2011 – February 2014, Assistant Director of Operations, Flight Commander, Chief of Safety, 435th
Fighter Training Squadron, JBSA-Randolph, Texas
U N I T E D S T A T E S A I R F O R C E
7. February 2014 – September 2015, Executive Officer, Directorate of Plans, Programs, and Requirements, Air
Education and Training Command, JBSA-Randolph, Texas
8. October 2015 – March 2017, Assistant Director of Operations, Formal Training, 44th Reconnaissance
Squadron, Creech AFB, Nevada
9. April 2017 – September 2018, Director of Operations, 44th Reconnaissance Squadron, Creech AFB,
Nevada
10. October 2013 – March 2019, Team Design Lead, A8 Warfighter Integration Office, USAF Warfare
Center, Nellis AFB, Nevada
11. March 2019 – April 2021, Commander, 432d Operations Support Support Squadron, Creech AFB,
Nevada
12. May 2021 - May 2023, Autonomous Platforms Branch Chief, A5/7 Futures, Pentagon, Virginia
13. June 2023 - Present, Combat Air Force Capability Development Team Division Chief, A5/7 Futures,
Pentagon, Virginia
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Master Combat Systems Officer
Flight hours: more than 2100
Aircraft flown: RQ-170, F-15E, T-38C, T-1, T-6, T-39, T-43
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with ten oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant May 17, 2002
First Lieutenant May 29, 2004
Captain May 29, 2006
Major August 1, 2012
Lieutenant Colonel May 1, 2017

Colonel Tom Meagher

 Lt Col Tom “WCMD” Meagher is the Division Chief for AFWERX Prime, accelerating development and transition dual-use and emerging technologies for the Department of the Air Force. Lt Col Meagher received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2004 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he participated in the Program for Research and Education in Space Technology at the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center and earned a M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from The George Washington University in 2006. He attended pilot training at Moody AFB, Georgia in the T-6 and Laughlin AFB, Texas in the T-38. Following initial pilot training, Lt Col Meagher conducted training in the B-52 “Stratofortress” at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana and an operational assignment with Air Force Global Strike Command in Minot AFB, North Dakota where he served as an aircraft commander, flight lead, and flight commander. In 2010, he deployed to Guam AFB, flying 21 missions in support of the Pacific Command Continuous Bomber Presence. In 2011, he was selected to attend the USAF Test Pilot School (Class 11B) at Edwards AFB, California. Following graduation in 2012, he was assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron where he served as a test pilot, flight commander and chief of training. In 2014, Lt Col Meagher began a tour as a KC-46 Avionics Program Manager in the Tanker Program Directorate at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. In 2016, he began serving as the Director of Operations for the 586th Flight Test Squadron, providing test and test support to over 50 programs utilizing T-38 and C-12 aircraft. In 2018, he began his tour as commander, 419th Flight Test Squadron, and director, Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force, Edwards Air Force Base, California. He led a test force of over 450 personnel in the developmental test and evaluation of the B-1, B-2, and B-52. Additionally, the squadron oversaw the C-12 Formal Training Unit, responsible for the training of C-12 aircrew for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. He is a recent graduate of National Defense University from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy with a concentration in the Strategic Acquisitions Course.

Dr Mike Kweon

Dr. Chol-Bum “Mike” Kweon currently serves as the Program Manager for Versatile Tactical Power and Propulsion Essential Research Program (VICTOR ERP) at the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He has responsibility for leading and managing one of the ARL’s corporate programs in energy, power and propulsion technologies. He founded the Center for UAS Propulsion (CUP) in 2018.
Since Dr. Kweon joined ARL in 2010, he served as Propulsion Division Chief, Engines Team Lead, and Mechanical Engineer of the Vehicle Technology Directorate at ARL. Prior to ARL, he worked for Delphi Advanced Powertrain (Auburn Hills, MI), GM Powertrain (Pontiac, MI), GM R&D (Warren, MI), and Gas Technology Institute (Des Plaines, IL).
Dr. Kweon received both his Doctoral Degree and Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds the DoD leadership roles in Team Propulsion, Propulsion and Power Systems Alliance (PPSA), and Multi-Agency Combustion Research Coordinating Committee (MACCCR). He is also a member of the professional societies including the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and The Combustion Institute (Fellow).
 

Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Ralston

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Hill

Lt Col Christopher M. Hill is the Deputy Commander, 25th
Attack Group, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. He is
responsible for assisting the Commander in leading more than
1,000 personnel within five squadrons, located across three
geographically separated installations. The group provides
24/7/365 global MQ-9A operations for intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance, and provides global attack options to
combatant commands in support of national and theaterspecific objectives.
Lt Col Hill entered active duty in 2006 through ROTC
Detachment 157, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,
Daytona Beach, FL. Lt Col Hill has served as an Aircraft
Commander, Instructor Pilot, Flight Examiner, Executive
Officer, Flight Commander, Joint Staff Officer, Director of
Operations, and Squadron Commander. He is a career special
operations pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours, including
2,500 combat and combat support hours. Lt Col Hill has
participated in worldwide combat and contingency Operations
including ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF), IRAQI FREEDOM
(OIF), INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR), FREEDOM’S SENTINEL
(OFS), RESOLUTE SUPPORT (ORS), and OCTAVE SHIELD
(OOS). He is married to the former Ashley Adams of Citra, FL
and they have a son, Evan.
EDUCATION
2006 Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Fla.
2006 Air and Space Basic Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2012 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2015 Master of Science Degree in Environmental Law, American Military University, Va.
2019 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Jun 2006 – Feb 2007, Current Operations Officer, 19th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
2. Feb 2007 – Mar 2008, Student, Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laughlin AFB, TX
3. Mar 2008 – Feb 2009, PC-12 Initial Qualification and U-28A Mission Qualification Training, 19th Special
Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
4. Feb 2009 – Apr 2010, U-28A Mission Pilot and Executive Officer, 319th Special Operations Squadron,
Hurlburt Field, Fla.
5. Apr 2010 – Mar 2013, U-28A Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, Assistant Chief of Plans, Assistant
Flight Commander and Flight Commander, 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
6. Mar 2013 – Jul 2013, MQ-9A Initial Qualification Training, 9th Attack Squadron, Holloman AFB, NM

7. Jul 2013 – Jun 2017, MQ-9A Instructor, Evaluator Pilot, Flight Commander, Chief of Standardization and
Evaluations, and Assistant Operations Officer, 33d Special Operations Squadron, Cannon AFB, NM
8. Jun 2017 – Aug 2019, Division Chief of Unmanned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Systems, 1st Joint Special Operations Air Component, JSOC, Fort Bragg, NC
9. Aug 2019 – Nov 2021, Assistant Operations Officer and Operations Officer, MQ-9A Instructor Pilot, 12th
Special Operations Squadron, Cannon AFB, NM
10. Nov 2021 – May 2023, Commander, MQ-9A Evaluator Pilot, 12th Special Operations Squadron,
Cannon AFB, NM
11. May 2023 – Present, Deputy Commander, MQ-9A Instructor Pilot, 25th Attack Group, Shaw AFB, SC
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
1. Jun 2017 – Aug 2019, Division Chief Unmanned ISR Systems, 1st Joint Special Operations Air
Component, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC, as a major
2. Jan 2019 – May 2019, Commander, Joint Special Operations Air Detachment- Afghanistan, Bagram Air
Field, Afghanistan, as a major
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight Hours: More than 3,800, including 2,500 combat and combat support hours
Aircraft Flown: T-6A, T-1A, PC-12, U-28A and MQ-9A
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal with nine oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Special Operations Command Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot of the Year (2014)
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant May 5, 2006
First Lieutenant May 31, 2008
Captain May 31, 2010
Major August 1, 2016
Lieutenant Colonel April 1, 2021

Major Aaron Aguilar

 Major Aaron Aguilar is currently assigned to the 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Creech AFB, Nevada. Maj Aguilar is the Director of Operations for the primary MQ-9 Operation Test organization of the Air Force. During his time in the 556th TES, Maj Aguilar has been the MQ-9 Tactics Review Board chairman for ACC four times. Maj Aguilar is currently managing 10 active MQ-9 test
teams seeking to enhance the warfighter’s combat capabilities.

Maj Aguilar was born in El Paso, Texas and entered the Air Force in October 2002. Maj Aguilar served as an enlisted member for 10 years achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. During this time Maj Aguilar served as a MQ-1/MQ-9 Sensor Operator Flight Examiner. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Homeland Security from American Military University, and was commissioned through Officer Training School in 2013. As a 1st Lieutenant in 2016, he was selected to attend the United States Air Force Weapons School (USAFWS)’s MQ-9 Weapons Instructor Course. After graduating from USAFWS, he served with the 26th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nevada, as an Instructor and Flight CC. There, he flew over 250 hours contributing to the graduation of 21 Weapons Officers prior to being assigned to the 556th TES. Maj Aguilar has flown over 4000 hours combined between the MQ-1B and the MQ-9 as a Pilot and Sensor Operator.

Major Jeff Roulston

 Joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2004, and received my Air Navigator (now Air Combat
Systems Officer, or ACSO) wings in 2007. Served my first posting hunting submarines with 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron stationed at 19 Wing, in Comox, British Columbia. From there, in 2011, I was posted to 1 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba. I assisted in training approximately 130 ACSO students.
After that, my staff tours began with three years at the Combined Aerospace Operations Centre (CAOC) as a Duty Watch Officer. We were posted to Ottawa, where I worked for a year at the Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters (CJOC). Project Management became my new occupation in 2019, when I became the ACSO SME with the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program. In 2022, I moved to the Deputy Project Director position with the RCAF RPAS Project.

Major Keenan Chirhart

Major Chirhart was born 18 December 1985 in Anchorage, Alaska. Growing up in Alaska, Maj Chirhart held a number of jobs at an early age, and was actively
engaged in sports and extracurricular activities. He graduated from Dimond
High School in 2004. Following high school graduation, he attended the
United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD where he earned his Bachelor's
degree in Astrospace Engineering and on May 23rd, 2008 he was commissioned a
Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

After graduation, Second Lieutenant Chirhart attended The Basic School in
Quantico, Virginia from June 2008 through January 2009. After completing
basic officer training, he reported to MATSG-21 in Pensacola, FL to begin
aviation pre-indoctrination. His primary flight training consisted of
familiarization, navigation, and formation training in the T-34C as part of
VT-2, and advanced flight training in the TH-57B and TH-57C with HT-28.
First Lieutenant Chirhart was winged on 17 December 2010 and reported to
HMLA(T)-303 in Camp Pendleton CA for flight training in the UH-1Y. He
completed the FRS and reported to HMLA-367 "Scarface" where he worked as the
Ground Safety and NATOPS Officer until the squadron re-located to MAG-29 in
Hawaii in 2011. Capt Chirhart spent 2 months as an augment pilot to HMLA-169
"Vipers" during Operation RIMPAC in 2012, before reporting to HMLA-267
"Stingers" where he became a schedule writer and the Anti-Terrorism Force
Protection Officer.

In February 2013, Capt Chirhart deployed on an IA billet with MAG-50, MWHS-3
to Isa Air Base in Bahrain. During this time he served as the Senior Watch
Officer, monitoring and coordinating the actions of aircraft in support of
CENTCOM operations, and was also trained as the Personnel Recovery
Coordinator, implementing training and communication architecture to support
the CENTCOM Joint Personnel Recovery Center. Capt Chirhart returned to
HMLA-267 in September 2013 where he assumed the duties as the Corrosion
Control, HAZMAT, Flight Equipment, and Airframes Division OIC. Following his
assignment in the maintenance department, Capt Chirhart transitioned into
the operations department where he served as the Current Operations Officer,
overseeing the daily flight schedule and supervising the actions of the
operations duty officer while progressing in the UH-1Y syllabus, achieving
his designations as a basic instructor pilot, terrain flight instructor,
weapons training officer, forward air controller airborne, and night systems
instructor. In 2015, Capt Chirhart graduated from the Weapons and Tactics
Instructor Course 1-16 and upon his return to the squadron assumed the
duties as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor and the squadron's UH-1Y pilot
training officer. During this time Capt Chirhart earned his qualifications
as a defensive aerial combat maneuvering instructor (DACM-I), forward air
controller airborne instructor (FAC(A)-I), Air Mission Commander, and NATOPS
instructor.

In November 2016, Captain Chirhart deployed with HMLA-267 to Okinawa Japan
in support of the Unit Deployment Program. During this deployment, Capt
Chirhart flew over 220 hours and developed and implemented procedures for
UH-1Y Bambi bucket operations, sustaining the HMLA support to firefighting
operations on the island of Okinawa. Capt Chirhart also earned a Navy and
Marine Corps achievement medal for planning, organizing, and leading a week
long squadron detachment for training on the island of Ie Shima.

After returning from deployment in May 2017, Capt Chirhart accepted orders
to the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One in Marine Corps
Air Station Yuma, Arizona. During this time Capt Chirhart served as the
Airframes officer in charge, and participated in multiple test and
evaluation projects including testing the Intrepid Tiger II, TTP development
for full motion video/digital interoperability, Future Vertical Lift
Maneuverability/Agility study, an Army Aviation Development Directorate
(ADD) sponsored Manned/Unmanned teaming (MUM-T) training event, small UAS
and H-1 integration TTP development, Joint Aircrew Survival Mask gas chamber
testing, and augmented multiple WTI courses as a UH-1Y WTI instructor.

In October 2018, he was promoted to Major and during his remaining time at
VMX-1 completed the USMC Command and Staff Distance Education Program, Lean
Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt training, and Defense Acquisition University
level 1.

During his tour at VMX-1, Major Chirhart took an interest in the unmanned
aircraft community, submitted for re-designation, and was accepted for
transition to the Unmanned Aircraft Officer 7315 MOS. He then accepted
orders to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron One in Yuma Arizona, and
after attending the Unmanned Aircraft Commander's RQ-21A Mobile Training
Team Course, Maj Chirhart received his 7315 designation and Unmanned
Aircraft Officer wings.

After joining VMU-1 in July 2019, Major Chirhart was assigned as the
Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and department head of the Operational Support
Department (OSD). As the OSD department head, Maj Chirhart coordinated the
functions of the S-4, S-6, and aviation maintenance division, to support the
squadron's operational and training requirements. Maj Chirhart quickly
learned his new community and platform, and after only 3 months in the
squadron, planned, coordinated, and led a squadron wide detachment for
training called Exercise Chaos Scorpion. This event was meant to enforce the
squadron's bounding launch and recovery capability, utilizing organic ground
support assets to move to, and fly from, multiple locations within the
R-2507 north and south aerial gunnery training ranges. During his time as
Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Maj Chirhart also led the maintenance
department through multiple detachments for training in support of exercises
Summer Fury, Steel Knight, Integrated Training Exercises, and WTI courses,
all while preparing the squadron for the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron
13, Third Marine Air Wing, and Commander Naval Air Forces maintenance
inspections. Later assigned as the MQ-9A department officer in charge, Major
Chirhart led MQ-9A aircrew and augment Unmanned Mission Commanders
supporting Task Force Southwest from MCAS Yuma in support of OPERATION
RESOLUTE SUPPORT and OPERATION FREEDOM SENTINEL.

In May of 2020, Maj Chirhart assumed the duties as the unit's Operations
Officer, coordinating the specific training, scheduling, and operational
support for MQ-9 aircrew. At this time, the unit was simultaneously
operating two distinctly separate type/model/series aircraft, as well as
preparing for the divestment of the RQ-21A, and generating TTPs for Group 5
employment in the CENTCOM AOR. During this time, Maj Chirhart continued
progression through the RQ-21A syllabus, becoming a Basic Instructor Pilot
and Weapons Training Officer before departing to Holloman AFB in New Mexico
to receive his MQ-9A qualification. As a member of A Flight in the 6th
Attack Squadron, Maj Chirhart graduated as the top pilot, and top overall
academic student, earning the 7318 MOS upon graduation. Upon returning to
VMU-1, Maj Chirhart assumed the role as Executive Officer, and continued
progression through the MQ-9A T&R syllabus as the squadron continued to
build the foundation for the MQ-9A enterprise throughout the Marine Corps
through TTP development, transition to 24/7/365 work schedule, and
acquisition of the Marine Corps' first two MQ-9As and associated ground
equipment.

In May 2022, Maj Chirhart executed orders to the Capabilities Development
Directorate of USMC Combat Development and Integration, where he currently
serves as the Senior UAS Capabilities Integration Officer with the Air
Vehicle Integration Branch, Aviation Combat Element.

Major Chirhart's personal awards include two Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medals and two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, as well
as multiple letters of appreciation. He is an FAA Certified Private Pilot
who is rotary and fixed wing instrument and commercial rated, and holds a
Part 107 small UAS license. He has over 1,820 hours in the T-34C, TH-57, and
UH-1Y aircraft.

Major Marcus Anthony

 Major Marcus K. Anthony is the Deputy Chief, MQ-9 Operations Branch at Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. He supervises nine contractors responsible for organizing, training and equipping the MQ-9 weapon system. In this capacity, Major Anthony manages policy, operations, training, exercises, deployments, readiness, requirements, and a $153 million budget for the MQ-9 weapon system. Furthermore, he provides MQ-9 subject matter expertise to Air Combat Command staff and senior leaders, and coordinates with Headquarters Air Force staff, and Joint Staff personnel to synchronize MQ-9 operational employment across four Geographic Combatant Commands.

Major Anthony was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. He earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2009. Major Anthony is married to Xylina Danet from Bossier City, Louisiana. They have three children named Xynthia, Melayna, and Kalyssa.

EDUCATION
2009 Bachelor of Arts, Aviation Management, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA
2010 Air and Space Basic Course, In-Residence, Maxwell AFB, AL
2015 Squadron Officer School, In-Residence, Maxwell AFB, AL
2019 Master of Science, Aeronautics with double minor in Unmanned Systems and Space Operations, Embry-Riddle University, Worldwide Campus
2022 Air Command and Staff College, Correspondence, Maxwell AFB, AL

ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 2009 – June 2010, AFROTC Gold Bar Recruiter, Southwest Region 1, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
2. June 2010 – June 2011, Officer in Charge, Plans and Programs, Deployment and Distribution Flight, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Misawa AB, Japan
3. June 2011 – February 2012, Assistant Installation Deployment Officer, Deployment and Distribution Flight, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Misawa AB, Japan
4. February 2012 – July 2013, Officer in Charge, Quality Assurance Section, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Misawa AB, Japan
5. July 2013 – December 2013, Student, Undergraduate RPA Training, 558th Training Squadron, Randolph AFB, Texas
6. January 2014 – April 2014, Student, MQ-1B Initial Qualification Training, 6th Attack Squadron, Holloman AFB, New Mexico
7. May 2014 – September 2014, Student, MQ-1B Mission Qualification Training, 551st Special Operations Squadron, Cannon AFB, New Mexico
8. October 2014 – March 2017, Assistant Flight Commander, Flight Commander, MQ-1B Aircraft and Mission Commander, MQ-9A Initial Qualification (Hancock ANGB, New York), MQ-9A Mission Qualification (551st Special Operations Squadron), MQ-9A Aircraft and Mission Commander, and RPA Operations Center Mission Director, 3rd Special Operations Squadron, Cannon AFB, New Mexico
9. April 2017 – April 2019, Chief, Group RPA Operations and MQ-9A Aircraft Commander, 27th Special Operations Group, Cannon AFB, New Mexico
10. May 2019 – August 2021, Assistant Director of Operations and MQ-9 Instructor, 29th Attack Squadron, Holloman AFB, New Mexico
11. September 2021 – January 2022, Lead Assistant Director of Operations and MQ-9 Evaluator, 16th Training Squadron, Holloman AFB, New Mexico
12. February 2022 – September 2022, Chief, Wing Innovation/Spark Cell and MQ-9 Evaluator, 49th Wing, Holloman AFB, New Mexico
13. October 2022 – present, Deputy Chief, MQ-9 Operations Branch, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia

FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Senior RPA Pilot
Flight hours: 1,512
Aircraft Flown: MQ-1B, MQ-9A

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Aerial Achievement Medal with seven oak leaf clusters
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal with oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal with two service stars
Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal with two service stars

OTHER AWARDS
27th SOG, RPA Operations Center FGO of the Year, 2018
49th Wing FGO of the Year, 2022

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant May 27, 2009
First Lieutenant May 27, 2011
Captain May 27, 2013
Major April 1, 2019
Lieutenant Colonel (select) May 1, 2024

(Current as of January 2024)

Master Sergeant Donald Gansberger

 Master Sergeant Donald D. Gansberger is a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) / Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) assigned to US Northern Command’s Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), Regional Support Team (RST) South Texas (STX) at in Corpus Christi, Texas as the Operations Chief. In this capacity his job is to oversee all enlisted operations within the STX region, facilitate relationships with the US Coast Guard (USCG) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) within the Department of Justice (DoJ), as well as with other state and local law enforcement (LE) partners. Additionally, Master Sergeant Gansberger operates as part of the J3-Air organization on behalf of headquarters, assisting in planning and execution of all Department of Defense (DoD) air support operations along the entirety of the southern border.
Master Sergeant Gansberger was born in Hollister, California. He enlisted in the Air Force in September 2001 in San Jose, California. During his career he has completed four combat tours in Afghanistan, and has completed a diverse number of assignments, including leading the fires
operations cell at the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), Pope AFB, North Carolina for three years as the Chief Instructor and Chief of Standards and Evaluation. Additionally throughout his career he has executed CAS operations for 3rd Special Forces Group, 74th Long Range Reconnaissance and Surveillance (Ranger) detachment, 173rd Airborne Brigade and 82nd Airborne Division and members of other governmental agencies as a Military Freefall qualified JTAC.
As a JTAC, Master Sergeant Gansberger has worked at all levels of airborne operations from reconnaissance detachment and operational detachment alpha through platoon, company, battalion, brigade and division operations both in training and deployed. Further, he executes operational and tactical level mission planning, and provides final control of CAS aircraft dropping precision and near precision munitions in support of ground combat maneuver forces. As a staff member he wrote requirements for the acquisition and design of material for TACP, Air Support Operations Centers, and conventional JTACs while simultaneously managing a $43m program element.
Additionally, he contributed to the planning of Joint Close Air Support (CAS) doctrine with ACC A3 and the Air, Land and Sea Application center. In 2016, Master Sergeant Gansberger was selected by Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx) to be their first Warfighter-in-Residence, where he combined his operational JTAC knowledge, acquisitions and requirements experience, and his civilian background as a software developer and network engineer in the Silicon Valley to work on advanced process, contractual and engineering innovation for Battlefield Airmen throughout the Air Force.

Mr Antonio Bacarella

 Tony Bacarella leads the research and development of advanced technologies and programs for Elbit Systems of America’s Airborne Systems leading strategic charters for the advancement of Electronic Warfare and Unmanned Aviation Systems.
Mr. Bacarella previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of N2 Imaging Systems, a leader in electro-optical modules and systems for primes and the Department of Defense.
Prior to N2, Mr. Bacarella served in multiple leadership roles at Leonardo DRS including Vice President of Advanced Programs and VP of the Dismounted Line of Business.
Prior to Leonardo DRS, Mr. Bacarella led the Military Systems Business Development for Kopin, the provider of critical displays and imaging assemblies to defense contractors.
Mr. Bacarella started his career at Litton Electro-Optics which was later acquired by Northrop Grumman. This phase of his career was both as an electrical engineer focused on advanced imaging systems and later leadership of these programs. In these roles he was the recipient of 18 patents and two prestigious awards, the Litton Advanced Technology Achievement Award and the Northrop Grumman ESSS Presidents Leadership Award for Technical Excellence.
Mr. Bacarella also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves for 8 years.

Mr Benjamin Tran

Mr. Benjamin Tran is the Chief for the Capabilities Development Office (CDO), Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Special Operations Forces (SOF) Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB), Ohio. He is responsible for leading the planning, development and fielding of new operational capabilities for Air Force ISR and SOF platforms and related sub-systems.

Mr. Tran started his career in 2001 as an engineering co-op student with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). While a civil servant, he gained experience in all phases of the acquisition process including research, development, test and evaluation, prototyping, experimentation, production and sustainment. He has worked on a broad range of programs including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), cruise missiles, autonomy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, multi-domain sensing payloads and flight control systems for both manned and unmanned aircraft.

Mr. Tran served as a Senior Experimentation Lead for the USAF Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation (SDPE) Office where he stood up the Skyborg Vanguard program. He also served as a Program Manager for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) where he was responsible for standing up the Avatar, Motley Crew and Perdix prototyping programs to demonstrate novel autonomy, MUM-T and UAS swarming capabilities across the Joint Services.

In 2010, Mr. Tran volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan as a Liaison Officer for a small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) helping US Army Route Clearance Patrols find and eliminate Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threats. He also volunteered for deployment with similar sUAS systems to both Iraq in 2011 and Afghanistan in 2014. Mr. Tran most recently served as Branch Chief for the Sensing Management Branch in the AFRL Sensors Directorate where he oversaw the research and development of novel artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics capabilities for ISR missions.

EDUCATION
2005 Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
2009 Master of Science, Electrical Engineering, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
2016 AFRL Pre-Supervisory Development Program (PSDP), Dayton, Ohio
2019 University of Dayton Emerging Leader Program, Dayton, Ohio

CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. June 2001–June 2005, Engineering Co-op Student, AFRL Aerospace Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
2. June 2005–January 2008, Associate Electronics Engineer, AFRL Aerospace Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
3. January 2008–October 2013, Electronics Engineer, AFRL Aerospace Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
4. October 2013–January 2016, Electronics Engineer, AFRL Sensors Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
5. January 2016–August 2016, Senior Electronics Engineer, AFRL Sensors Directorate, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
6. August 2016–September 2018, Program Manager, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), Washington, D.C.
7. September 2018–May 2020, Senior Experimentation Lead, Air Force Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation (SDPE), Wright Patterson-AFB, Ohio
8. May 2020–February 2023, Branch Chief, AFRL Sensors Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
9. February 2023–Present, Chief, Capabilities Development Office (CDO), Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal
Non-Article 5 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal
WPAFB Diversity Leadership Award (Asian Achievement)
AFRL Commander’s Cup (Team)
AFRL Commander’s Cup (Junior Force)
Dayton Business Journal Forty under 40 Award
Air Force Civilian Achievement Award
Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Award
Global War on Terrorism – Civilian (GWOT-C) Service Medal

Mr David Fulcher

 David Fulcher is the Director, Air and Marine Operations, National Air
Security Operations Center - Grand Forks for U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Air and Marine Operations. Air and Marine Operations is
the world’s largest aviation and maritime law enforcement organization
with 1,800 Federal agents, operating from 84 air and marine locations
utilizing 240 aircraft and 300 maritime vessels. The mission of Air and
Marine Operations is to protect the American people and Nation’s
critical infrastructure through the coordinated use of integrated air and
marine forces to detect, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism and the
unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs, and other contraband
toward or across the borders of the United States. Air and Marine
Operations is the most experienced operator of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Homeland
Security mission set on the world stage.
Appointed as the Director in July of 2021, Mr. Fulcher joined the Air and Marine Operations as
an Air Interdiction Agent in June 2007. Before joining Air and Marine Operations, Mr. Fulcher
served in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Commander in the Naval Reserve. Throughout his
career, he gained extensive experience in air combat, air training, standardization, and UAS
operations.
Following his commissioning in 1998, he attended flight school and was designated a Naval
Aviator at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christ, Texas, in May 2000. Mr. Fulcher flew the P-3C
aircraft, flying in combat and serving as a flight instructor and weapons instructor at the Fleet
Replacement Squadron. Mr. Fulcher has attained more than 2,500 flight hours in multiple aircraft
types including over 200 combat hours. As an Air Interdiction Agent, Mr. Fulcher flew the
C-550 Citation, the MQ-9 Predator B and served as a crew member and tactical team leader on
the UH-60 and AS-350 helicopters.
Mr. Fulcher has served in numerous leadership positions in both Air and Marine Operations and
the U.S. Navy. These positions include Deputy Director of Air Operations, Chief of Training at
NASOC-GF, Chief Staff Officer of Naval Reserve Carrier Strike Group Five, Government
Flight Representative for the CBP MQ-9 contract, Officer-In-Charge of Special Warfare
Command UAS Detachment Sentinel II in Iraq, and Officer-In-Charge of CBP UAS Operations
in Panama, Colombia, and Mexico.
Mr. Fulcher received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the U.S. Naval
Academy in 1998, his Master of Science in Information Technology from Florida Institute of
Technology in 2013 and holds an Airline Transport Pilot’s license. His honors include the CBP
Commissioner’s Award, CBP Commissioner’s Unit Citation, AMO Executive Assistant
Commissioner’s Award, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal and the Navy
Commendation Medal with Combat V and Gold Star.

Mr Dennis Teefy

 Mr. Teefy joined the US Army as a post graduate intern with the US Army
Environmental Center as a program manager focusing on innovative
environmental technology development and transfer.
In 2000, he joined the US Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) as a test director
specializing in training range sustainment and Unexploded Ordnance detection
technologies. He then served a developmental assignment as the Technical
Assistant to the Commander. Leaving the developmental detail, he became the
Division Chief of the Military Environmental Technology Demonstration Center.
In 2006, ATC faced the need to fundamentally change the manner in which it
conducted testing in order to react to the rapid fielding of systems to meet the
Warfighter’s need. To that end, Mr. Teefy was tasked to stand up and run the Rapid Fielding & Equipping Office.
Completing this mission in 2008, Mr. Teefy became the Division Chief of the Homeland Defense &
Sustainment Division. This assignment was followed by assuming the position of ATC Safety Office Chief in
2009. He was tasked to implement the new Incident and Injury Free Safety Program, streamline the risk
assessment review process, and to develop a new test director training program.
Mr. Teefy was board selected to participate in the Defense Acquisition University Senior Service College
Fellowship. He graduated with the 2010-2011 cohort.
In May 2011, Mr. Teefy was appointed to the position of Product Director (PdD) of Cryptographic Systems
within Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) under Project
Director Communications Security. In February 2014, he assumed the Director Communications Security.
In February 2014, he assumed the position of PdD Key Management within PEO C3T under Project
Director Network Enablers. In March 2015, he was selected to be the Deputy Project Lead, Network
Enablers. While at PEO C3T he completed the modernization of the Army’s Cryptographic Network, began
fielding the new Key Management Infrastructure, and lead the transition of the Product Lead Military
Technology Solutions to PEO Enterprise Information Systems.
Throughout his career, Mr. Teefy has demonstrated a passion for human capital management. He is an
active mentor on Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), organizes the PEO C3T summer intern program,
provides leadership to Morale Committees, and holds monthly professional development workshops for the
APG workforce.
His awards include four Achievement Medals for Civilian Service, six Commander’s Awards for Civilian
Service, and a Superior Civilian Service Award. He was presented the Bronze Order of Mercury by the US
Army Signal Regiment. He was also selected as one of the 25 individuals to represent US Army
Acquisition Corps on its 25th anniversary. Mr. Teefy obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from West Virginia University (WVU) in
1995, Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University in
2003, and Master of Arts degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University in 2011.
He is a US Army Acquisition Corps Member with Level III certifications in both Program Management
and Test & Evaluation.
A native of Philadelphia, PA, Mr. Teefy lives in Havre de Grace, MD with his wife Bonnie Jo and their children
Morgan, Sam, and Eli. His hobbies include traditional Korean martial arts, playing poker, saltwater fishing,
attending Baltimore Ravens games, supporting the Havre de Grace High School Athletic and Band
Boosters, volunteering with the Girl and Boy Scouts, and rooting for his beloved WVU Athletic teams. 

Mr Eric Follstad

CURRENT ASSIGNMENTS:

Mr. Eric A. Follstad serves as the Requirements and Technology Division Chief, Resources and Analysis Directorate J8, US Central Command (USCENTCOM), where he is directly responsible for providing the best military advice to the Commander and staff on planning, programming & budget execution, requirements, and scientific & technology efforts across industry, academic, and the military services. He leads a diverse staff charged with developing rapid prototyping, experimentation, and conceptual approaches against validated and emerging joint warfighting needs. Responsibilities include the formulation & publication of the annual USCENTCOM Integrated Priority List (IPL), development of USCENTCOM-unique Limited Objective Experiments (LOEs), Joint Tests (JT), Quick Reaction Tests (QRT), as well as membership & participation within the Joint Concept Development & Experimentation (JCD&E) enterprise. He also supports numerous OUSD(R&E) activities within their broad portfolios of RDT&E efforts.

Additionally, Mr. Follstad serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the USCENTCOM staff on matters concerning Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Counter-UAS, and Joint Aerospace integration to include deep technology work in Operationalizing the Stratosphere (OTS).

PAST EXPERIENCE:

Assigned to USCENTCOM for over 20 years both in and out of uniform, Mr. Follstad performed duties as the Executive Officer to the Director, Resources and Analysis J8, USCENTCOM and was additionally involved in Transformation and Integration activities led by the former US Joint Forces Command J86. During this period, Mr. Follstad served as the USCENTCOM principal investigator on the USCENTCOM operational assessment of the Solid State Laser Quick Reaction Capability AN/SEQ-3(XN-1) US Navy Laser Weapon System (LaWS) installed and operated on the LPD-15 USS PONCE.

A career Marine Corps Officer, Mr. Follstad served twenty- years as an Air Command and Control Officer achieving qualifications as Senior Air Director, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, and a graduate of Naval Fighter Weapons School “Top Gun” Air Intercept Controller (AIC) course. Mr. Follstad served as the operational test director for the Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity (MCOTEA) Y2K Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) on Okinawa Japan prior to the year 2000 roll-over. During this Y2K OPEVAL, he served as the III MEF operational test director for all air command and control systems undergoing Y2K compliance testing. Prior to his assignment in Japan, Mr. Follstad also served as the Academic Department Head and Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) Division Head at Marine Aviation Weapons & Tactics Squadron-One (MAWTS-1) at MCAS Yuma Az. concurrently serving as the deputy test director for the I MEF Y2K OPEVAL for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rdMAW). Mr. Follstad successfully completed numerous command assignments within or supporting all four Marine Aircraft Wings to include participation within the JFACC staff during OPERATION Restore Hope, Somalia. More recently, Mr. Follstad deployed to HQ Resolute Support (RSM) Kabul Afghanistan for a one-year Civilian Expeditionary Workforce (CEW) assignment supporting NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) implementation.


Mr. Follstad is a native of Lake City Minnesota. He is married to the former Sarah Swanson of Atlantic Iowa.
 

Mr Jeffrey Vincent

 Jeffrey Vincent is the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Executive Director for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office in Aviation Safety (AVS). He is responsible to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Vincent served as Vice President of Air Traffic Services responsible for providing safe and efficient air navigation services to more than 42,000 flights and 2.5 million airline passengers across more than 29 million square miles of airspace. Prior to that, he served as the Vice President for Safety and Technical Training responsible for the development of ATO's Safety Management System and the integration of safety and training standards into the provision of air traffic services.
Mr. Vincent was also the Director of Air Traffic Operations, Eastern Service Area providing strategic leadership and direction for ensuring the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations for Airport Traffic Control Towers, Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities, and Air Route Traffic Control Centers. He also served as Deputy Director as well as Senior Advisor to the Director of Air Traffic Operations. He began his leadership career as a Front-Line Manager (FLM) at Birmingham International Airport.

Mr Patrick O’Brien

 Mr. Patrick C. O’Brien is the Deputy Director of Army Capability Manager Unmanned Aircraft Systems
and the Supervisory Engineer for the Army Aviation Capabilities Development and Integration
Directorate. He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in
Aerospace Engineering in June 1991 and the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master of Science in
Aerospace Engineering in May 2001. At Georgia Tech, he was one of three Army Officers that led a team
of engineers that won the 2000 NASA/American Helicopter Society design competition for proof of
concept for a Martian Helicopter. He is a Master Army Aviator with operational assignments as Pilot in
Command of the AH-1F C-Nite Cobra, AH-64A/C Apache, C-12 Huron, and C-182 Skylane. He was an
Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy teaching the Aerospace Engineering courses.
He served as a Space Operations Officer (FA-40) as the Director of Ground Test Operations (HWIL) for
Missile Defense Agency and Senior Missile Defense/Missile Warning Instructor at the National Security
Space Institute.

Mr Sean Tynan

 Mr. Sean P. Tynan is the Product Manager for the Endurance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Program Executive Office - Aviation, United States Army, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. In this capacity he is responsible for providing project management, integration, and synchronization of the ACAT IC MQ-1C Gray Eagle program and various Non-Programs of record.

Mr. Tynan graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (Space and Missiles) in the United States Air Force through the Reserve Officers Training Corps. He earned a Master of Science degree in Management from Minot State University in 2010 and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University in 2017 (in-residence), and is a graduate of the Program Manager’s course.

Mr. Tynan has served in a variety of operational, command, and staff positions. As a company grade officer, he managed and maintained nuclear operations for national objectives in support of US Strategic Command. Upon his separation from the Air Force in 2010, Mr. Tynan entered Federal Service as an intelligence analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency located at US Central Command. In 2012, he joined the Acquisition Corps serving as the Deputy Program Manager for Precision Strike Package Systems at USSOCOM. In addition, he served as the System Acquisition Manager for SOF MQ-1C/MQ-9 programs, Program Manager for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems, and Assistant Program Manager for Special Communications. Furthermore, in 2018 he joined the Missile Defense Agency where Mr. Tynan served as a Product Manager for a Medium Range Ballistic Missile Target, and an Assistant Program Manager for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Tynan is married to the former Rachel Massey of Conway, South Carolina. They have two children (Sloane and Brock) and reside in Owens Cross Roads, AL.

Mr Wes Shover

 
Wes is a distinguished professional with an extensive background in the defense and aviation sector, particularly in roles related to airspace integration, deconfliction and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). As a United States Air Force TACP JTAC Veteran, Wes has honed his leadership skills through hands-on experience in civil and defense air operations outside of the military. Wes amassed invaluable expertise in the UAS Industry, contributing significantly to the success of operations involving MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, MC-12W Project Liberty, MQ-27 ScanEagle, and various commercial UAS Programs operating under Part 135 and Part 107 Air Carrier Operations. At Sagetech, in the role of Director of Sales & Channel, Wes oversees sales and business development activities across government, commercial, and defense programs. Wes's strategic vision at Sagetech is underscored by his commitment to educating Military Programs and Primes about the crucial role of Mode 5 IFF in future warfare scenarios. He emphasizes its significance in enabling various concepts of operations, including counter UAS, swarming, Manned and Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), and encrypted, autonomous airspace deconfliction between crewed and uncrewed aircraft.