Brigadier General Cain Baker

 Brig. Gen. Cain Baker is from Fayetteville, GA and a graduate from Auburn University. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Aviation Branch in 1996.
Baker’s assignments have included Platoon Leader positions in both 2nd Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne Division. While assigned to the 101st Airborne, Baker served as the Division G3 Air in support of Task Force Falcon IIIA, Kosovo. Baker was assigned to 1-227th Aviation Regiment “First Attack,” Fort Cavazos (Formerly Fort Hood), Texas as the Assistant Operations Officer during the initial invasion of Iraq and assumed multiple commands, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following command, Baker served as an observer Controller at the National Training Center Fort Irwin, CA.
Baker served in the 3-101st Aviation Regiment as the Battalion Executive Officer and then the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade Operations Officer (S3), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As the Battalion Commander of the 1-227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Baker served as the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Commander, 1st Cavalry Division while also deploying to Europe. Baker served as the Principal Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense from 2018 to 2021. Baker recently served as the Deputy Commanding General for Support, 25th Infantry from 2021 to 2023.
Baker is married and has three daughters.

Brigadier General David Phillips

 BG David Phillips currently serves as the Program Executive Officer at Program Executive Office Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Prior to his most recent assignment, he was the Project Manager for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.
BG Phillips’ previous assignments include the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment at both Fort Bragg and Fort Polk as an armed reconnaissance platoon leader and staff officer, and the 82d Airborne Division as a staff officer, headquarters company commander, and attack helicopter company commander in the 82d Combat Aviation Brigade.
After completing the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School, BG Phillips served as an experimental test pilot at the Army’s Flight Test Directorate and the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, and in multiple test and acquisition assignments with USSOCOM. Prior to his assignment at PEO Aviation, BG Phillips served as the Program Executive Officer for Rotary Wing, USSOCOM, Special Operations Forces Acquisition Technology and Logistics at MacDill Air Force Base.
BG Phillips is a graduate of the United States Military Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics. He holds Masters Degrees in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University, and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
His military education includes the Army Aviation Officer Basic and Captain’s Career Courses, the Cavalry Leader’s Course, the Jumpmaster Course, the Command and General Staff College, the Defense Systems Management College Executive Program Managers Course, and the U.S. Army War College. BG Phillips is qualified in several military, experimental, and FAA certified aircraft.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Lima

 Chief Warrant Officer Four Michael Lima is a native of Huntington, New York. He enlisted in the United States Army in January 1999 and was appointed as an Army warrant officer in 2011. Michael Lima has served in a variety of operational and institutional positions.

CW4 Lima’s most recent assignment was as a training developer with Ordnance Training Development Division. Assigned to HHC 59th Ordnance Brigade, the Ordnance Corps and School under Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. In addition, he was selected as a Training With Industry Fellow with Raytheon Missile & Defense, Tucson. Arizona. His previous assignments include Group Munitions Officer for 10th Support Group, Okinawa, Japan; Senior Warrant Officer Advisor for 6th Ordnance Battalion, Camp Carroll, South Korea, Brigade Ammunition Officer, 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, and Brigade Ammunition Officer, 88th Brigade Support Battalion, Fort Johnson, Lousiana.

He served in various technical roles such as: Accountable Officer (Stock Record Officer) for 10th Support Group, Okinawa, Japan; and Accountable Officer (Stock Record Officer) for 52nd Ordnance Company, Camp Humphreys, South Korea.

Mike Lima is a graduate of the Ammunition Warrant Officer Basic/Advanced courses, Warrant Officer Intermediate Level Education (WOILE), and both phases of the Warrant Officer Senior Service Education (WOSSE). His civilian education includes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot certification with an instrument rating. He holds a doctorate in business administration and a master’s degree from Baker College Center for Graduate Studies.

CW4 Lima’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and a Basic Aviation Badge as well as several other service medals and ribbons. He is the recipient of the Honorable Order of Samuel Sharpe

Colonel Anthony Gibbs

 COL Anthony Gibbs, a native of Davisville, Missouri, received his commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in May, 1997. In his first assignment, he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Battalion Adjutant in 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), at Fort Carson, Colorado. He then commanded both Alpha Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force 1-501 Airborne (Geronimo), in Fort Richardson, Alaska, deploying while the Alpha Company Commander in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. Following company command, COL Gibbs served as an Infantry Branch Career Manager at the Army Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Virginia, responsible for professional development and assignments for all Senior (post-company command) Infantry Captains.
In 2009, COL Gibbs transitioned into the Army Acquisition Corps and was initially assigned as a Contingency Contracting Officer with the 632nd Contingency Contracting Team at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After another deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he served as the Operations Officer for the 904th Contingency Contracting Battalion and Mission Contracting Office – Fort Knox.
In 2012, COL Gibbs was assigned as Assistant Product Manager, Self-Propelled Howitzer Systems, and subsequently served as Executive Officer for Program Executive Office, Ground Combat Systems in Warren, Michigan. In 2014, he moved to Program Executive Office, Combat Support and Combat Service Support, where he served as a Product Director in the Joint Project Office, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. From July, 2015 through July, 2017, COL Gibbs served as Product Manager, Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Following Senior Service College, he served on the Joint Staff from June, 2018 through June, 2020 as the Program Support Division Chief, J-39 Deputy Director for Global Operations. In July, 2020, COL Gibbs returned to Picatinny Arsenal as Project Manager, Combat Ammunition Systems, responsible for the life cycle management of all mortar and cannon artillery ammunition, as well as mortar weapons and fire control systems. From August 2022 until April 2023 COL Gibbs served as Assistant Deputy for Acquisition and System Management, under the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. In May 2023 COL Gibbs transitioned to Program Executive Office Soldier where he currently serves as Project Manager Soldier Warrior, responsible for the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), night vision devices, Nett Warrior, Soldier Borne Sensor, precision targeting devices, loitering munitions, and small unit power.
COL Gibbs is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Captain’s Career Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Airborne School, Ranger School, Jumpmaster School, the Bradley Leader’s Course, Army Intermediate Level Education, and Senior Service College. His awards include the Legion of Merit with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge.
COL Gibbs is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, Fort McNair, Washington, DC.

Colonel Matt Johnson

 Colonel Matt Johnson currently serves as the Commander, White Sands Test Center, a premier testing facility for the Department of Defense. As the Commander, COL Johnson oversees the DoD’s largest land-based open-air range responsible for air and missile defense, rocket, and directed energy testing. White Sands Test Center is also recognized as the center of expertise for nuclear effects testing, evaluation, and assessment.
COL Johnson received his commission as an Infantry Officer from Colorado State University's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program in 2001. He served in operational assignments, including as a platoon leader and company executive officer. As an Acquisition officer, COL Johnson supported the development and procurement of various military systems, including weapons, ammunition, communications, and combat vehicles. COL Johnson deployed multiple times in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
COL Johnson has previously commanded A Company, 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor, later reflagged to 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor, and served as Product Manager Bradley.
COL Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Colorado State University, a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.
COL Johnson’s awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), and the Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC).

Colonel Shane Riley

 Colonel Shane Riley directs the Oklahoma National Guard’s unmanned systems and launched effects program focused on domestic and operational support capabilities integration related to the National Guard dual missions as a response force to the Homeland and combat-power asset to the Nation. Colonel Riley has over 36 years of service in the National Guard with 24 of those served on active duty. Colonel Riley is an infantry officer, having served in support of domestic response and combat deployments abroad. Before assuming the role as UAS/Launched Effects director, Colonel Riley directed the civil support, intelligence oversight, and force protection functions for the Oklahoma National Guard.
Colonel Riley holds a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Human Resources Administration from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, and a M.S. in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

Colonel Timothy Bronder

 Col Bronder is currently serving as the Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Fixed Wing Programs, HQ Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He is responsible for developing, producing, testing, modifying, fielding and supporting Special Operations Forces (SOF)-unique fixed wing aircraft and sub-systems. This diverse, $2 billion annual portfolio includes over 100 programs and projects, furnishing SOF-unique aviation capabilities such as the AC-130 and MC-130 variants, OA-1K, MQ-1C, MQ-9, CV-22, U-28, MC-12, C-145, C-146 and an array of remotely piloted vehicles and precision guided munitions.
A 2003 Air Force Academy distinguished graduate, Justin earned the Holaday Scholarship and completed a Doctorate in Astrophysics at Oxford University before serving at the Air Force Research Laboratory. He then qualified as a flight test engineer, graduating the USAF Test Pilot School with distinction in 2011, and served at the 413th Flight Test Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL, leading test programs on the CV-22 and several C-130 variants. After selection as an Olmsted Scholar in 2013, Lt Col Bronder spent two years in Poland, where he earned a Doctorate in Military History at Adam Mickiewicz University. Returning to the U.S., he worked as a deputy program manager for the UH-1N replacement program before being selected as a Materiel Leader for the Nuclear Treaty Monitoring Systems Division at the Air Force Technical Applications Center, FL. He is also a distinguished graduate and Traeger Award winner from National War College and deployed in 2008 in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. He most recently served as a Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S) and as a Deputy Division Chief for Strategic Deterrence and Capabilities in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Strategic, Space and Intelligence Portfolio Management.

Dr Casey Perley

 Army Applications Laboratory Executive Director Dr. Casey Perley leads Army Futures Command's mission to put the best technology in the world in the hands of Soldiers and help the Army learn to ingest commercial innovation. Dr. Perley’s unique blend of scientific and military expertise includes a background in molecular genetics and microbiology, a PhD from Duke University and BS from Yale University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at USAMRIID, where she researched some of the most dangerous viruses and designed DNA vaccines. Dr. Perley is a talented harpist, featured on over 120 recordings, including one Grammy-nominated album.

Dr Charles Pippin

 Dr. Charles Pippin serves as a subject matter expert in applied autonomy for the Naval Air Warfare & Weapons Department at the Office of Naval Research. His focus is on emerging applied autonomy technology research as well as developing plans for programs to develop, test and integrate capabilities for relevant environments to meet future Naval needs. His work spans a broad range of disciplines including collaborative autonomy, bio-inspired collaboration, multi-robot task allocation, patrolling, path planning, navigation, perception and autonomous aerial combat. He has led demonstrations of robotic capabilities on air, ground, surface, and indoor mobile robots. His ongoing research interests include approaches to collaboration on heterogeneous multi-robot teams.
Prior to coming to ONR, he was a Principal Research Scientist and the Division Chief of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Division at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). At Georgia Tech, he was a research faculty member and contributed to sponsored research programs in robotics and autonomous systems. Dr. Pippin received his Ph.D. and master's degrees in computer science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He has authored and coauthored over 25 peer-reviewed conference papers and journal articles in the areas of robotics, computer science, machine learning and autonomous systems.

Dr Sebastian Clauss

 Sebastian is a defence innovator providing warfighters with state-of-the art weaponry by integrating high performing platforms with innovative digital solutions. He is Vice President Software at STARK - Defence for the age of technology.

He looks back on a 15-year career as an officer within the German Air Force. In 2018 he joined the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub leading a task force on innovative solutions for unmanned Systems and Counter-UAS applications. He then headed the Bundeswehr startup engagement and intrapreneurship activities before joining BWI, the IT-supplier of the Bundeswehr as Head of Innovation Engagement.

Sebastian got his PhD (Dr.-Ing.) in Aerospace Engineering from the University of the Bundeswehr (Munich) for his research on task-based guidance of UAS and the feedback requirements to ensure human-in-the-loop decision making in critical situations.

Lieutenant Colonel William Taylor

Lieutenant Colonel Alan Wood

 LTC Alan Wood is the PM for SOF Lethality within USSOCOM having formerly served as the Product Director for Special Ops Mission Planning and Execution.
Previously, LTC Wood spent 4 years within USASOAC. As the Product Director for SOCOM Future Vertical Lift (TAPO, Ft Eustis), where he managed SOCOM’s efforts with the US Army on multiple Future Vertical Lift Programs. He also served in the USASOAC G8 (Ft Bragg) as the Rotary Wing Portfolio Manager where he managed the command’s input to the H47 Extended Range Foreign Military Sales program as well as “right sizing” the unit during budget downturns.
From 2017-2019, LTC Wood served as an APM in the Army’s PEO Aviation. He was the APM for the Degraded Visual Environment Pilotage System (DVEPS), leading the organization through developmental and operation test phases. Prior to DVEPS, he served as the APM for CH-47F Block 1 and led the organization through a 6-month negotiation with Boeing, resulting in over $500M in savings on a $4.6B 5-year IDIQ contract. His first APM position was in PM UAS where he oversaw the final fielding and bulk purchases of the One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT).
LTC Wood’s first acquisition assignment took him to the Defense Contract Management Agency at Bell Helicopter where he served as the Program Integrator for Army Programs from 2013-2016. In this capacity he executed the ramp down and divestiture of the Kiowa Warrior.
During his operational time as an OH-58D pilot, LTC Wood served at Ft Campbell as two-time Scout Platoon leader, Maintenance Troop XO, AS3, S4 and Troop Commander. He deployed twice to Afghanistan while in these units.
LTC Wood graduated from the United States Military Academy (2005). He earned a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University’s EMBA (2015), graduating at the top of his class.
LTC Wood’s Awards decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Badge. He is a graduate of Airborne, Air Assault, OH-58D Flight School XXI, Aviation Maintenance Officer Course, the Aviation Captain’s Career Course, a distinguished graduate of the Command and General’s Staff Officer’s Course and various acquisition courses. He is a DAWIA Certified Advanced Program Manager and Acquisition Corp Member.
Alan is a native of Tyler, Texas and enjoys family time. He married the former Anne Dill of Lebanon, TN in 2005 and they have four children, Caleb (11), Daniel (9), Caroline (7), and Julianne (5).

Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Watkins

 LTC Watkins received her commission from Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical (Alabama A&M) University as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, May 2005. Following Chemical Officer Basic Course (COBC) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, LTC Watkins was assigned as a reconnaissance platoon leader in the 44th Chemical Company, 2nd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade, Fort Cavazos, TX. Further assignment history for LTC Watkins includes: Company Executive Officer (XO), 44th Chemical Company, 2nd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade, Fort Cavazos, TX, (2007-2008); Company Commander, A Company, 1-48 Infantry Regiment, 3D Chemical Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, MO (2008-2010); Brigade Chemical Officer, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32D Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Fort Liberty, NC (2010-2013); Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Capability Developer, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, MO (2013-2014), Assistant Product Manager (APM) Aviation Rockets and Small Guided Munitions, Joint Attack Munition Systems, PEO Missiles and Space (2015-2016); APM Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 Intercept Block 1, PEO Missiles and Space (2016-2017); XO to the Program Executive Officer, PEO Missiles and Space, Redstone Arsenal, AL (2017-2018); Acquisition Management Branch Career Manager, Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, KY (2018-2020); Army Acquisition Corps Policy Integrator, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, Directorate of Military Personnel Management, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. (2020-2022).

LTC Watkins’ education includes a Bachelor of Art degree (Alabama A&M), Master of Science Degree in Environmental Management (Webster University), and a Master of Science Degree in Management (Liberty University). She is a graduate of COBC, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Chemical Officer Advanced Course, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Army Acquisition Basic Course, Huntsville, AL, and the Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS. LTC Watkins’ awards and decorations include the Army Meritorious Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal the Army Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
LTC Watkins is a native of Atmore, AL and is married to MAJ Quinton Watkins of Huntsville, Alabama and they have one daughter.

Lieutenant Colonel Shawna Matthys

 Lt Col Shawna A. Matthys is the Materiel Leader, Integrated Strike Programs, Program Executive Office for Fixed Wing, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. In this role, she leads a $3.1B portfolio of programs to develop, produce, modify, test, field, and support Special Operations Forces-unique strike capabilities including the AC-130J Gunships, Stand-Off Precision Guided Munitions, and OA-1K Armed Overwatch platforms.Lt Col Matthys is from Tampa, FL and entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program a Florida State University in May 2009. Over the course of her 14 years of service, she has served as a Research Chemist, Executive Officer, Program Manager, Deputy, Scientist and Engineer Career Field Manager and Program Element Monitor. She deployed to Afghanistan with the United States Special Operations Command in Feb 2014 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM for the Ghost Program. Prior to her current assignment, Lt Col Matthys was the Armed Overwatch Program Manager, Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, MacDill Air Force Base. She led a 75-member team responsible for a $3B program providing Special Operations Forces deployable, sustainable, and affordable manned aircraft systems fulfilling Close Air Support, Precision Strike, and Reconnaissance requirements in austere and permissive environments.

Major Kev Carter

Major Sean Harper

 
Major Sean Harper is a United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer currently serving as an Operations Research Analyst at the Marine Corps Operations Analysis Directorate in Quantico, Virginia. He advises senior Marine decision-makers on operations, contingency planning, and force design. During his time as an operations research analyst, he has worked on critical projects in USINDOPACOM related to the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 and the Defense Posture Review Initiative. Previously, Captain Harper served as a Company Executive Officer and Platoon Commander at 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, where he led combat operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Captain Harper earned his Bachelor of Science in Operations Research with a minor in Spanish from the United States Naval Academy. He holds a Masters in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School. He has published on topics such as loitering munitions in the United States Naval Institute’s Proceedings magazine.

Mr Ahmet Salih Erdem

 Ahmet Salih ERDEM graduated from Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Türkiye with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 1990 and later completed an Executive MBA at Bilkent University.
With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Erdem has extensive experience in telecommunications, defense, and high-tech industries. He began his professional journey in 1991, holding engineering and sales roles at leading global companies such as Turkish Telekom, Thomson CSF, and Agilent Technologies, where he honed his technical expertise.
Erdem has distinguished himself as a leader in sales and business development, holding senior management positions at companies including Meteksan Defense, Rohde & Schwarz, and STM. He has successfully led strategic business development, sales management, and corporate communications efforts in both domestic and international markets.
Since joining TUALCOM in 2019, Ahmet Salih Erdem has been serving as the Deputy General Manager for Sales & Business Development where he plays a key role in positioning the company’s high-tech defense products in national and international markets while shaping growth strategies to drive business expansion.

Mr Andrew Evans

 Mr. Andrew Evans entered the Senior Executive Service in August 2023 as the Director of the Army ISR Task Force. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing an organization that is chartered by the Secretary of the Army and missioned to manage modernization efforts across the Army's Intelligence and Security Enterprise. Mr. Evans directs the synchronization of all Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution staff functions for the integration of modernization initiatives in tactical space, the stratosphere, medium- altitude, terrestrial sensing and the Intelligence Foundation. He is responsible for coordinating broadly across the Army Staff, Secretariat, Joint Force and OSD to deliver signature modernization efforts such as TITAN, TLS, HADES and TSIGS to support the Army of 2030. Mr. Evans also leads Global Force Management activities for the Army’s Aerial ISR portfolio, including oversight of a $1.4 Billion MDEP supporting manned and unmanned assets across the Total Force.
Prior to entering the Civilian workforce, Mr. Evans served in a variety of tactical, operational and strategic assignments as a Special Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA) Aviator. Over the course of a 20-year military career, Mr. Evans deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, East Africa and South America where he managed the operational execution of multi-intelligence ISR missions and associated Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) efforts. In his final assignment in uniform, Mr. Evans led the Army’s Aerial ISR transformation efforts including all PPBE efforts to support the integration of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) - the single largest A-ISR modernization effort in the history of the Army. Under his leadership, the Army Intelligence and Security Enterprise’s top-line budget increased by over $1 Billion to allow for the full divestment of legacy systems and enterprise-wide optimization in force design to support the fielding of HADES.
Mr. Evans is a 4000 hour Master Army Aviator, holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Rating, and is rated in five different standard and non-standard Army aircraft.
Mr. Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Furman University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Phoenix University, and a certificate in Advanced Management from Harvard Business School.

Mr Craig Riedel

Mr Dan Curry

 Dan has over 40 years of military and defense aerospace industry experience with over 30 years of military, Department of the Army Civilian (DAC), and contractor service as a Senior Aviation Analyst and Operations Officer within HQDA G-8, DAPR-FDV Aviation Division. He also has over 10 years of with Lockheed Martin as the Director of Army Aviation Programs, and more than two years of experience as a consultant with Cypress international as the Director of DoD Future Vertical Lift Technologies.

EXPERIENCE
Dan retired from the United States Army in 2008 with 26 years of military service. He served in numerous positions including Strategic Management Analyst and Branch Chief within the HQDA G-3/5/7, Director of General Studies Division, Proponency Branch Chief and Company Commander within the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Support Operations Officer within the 2nd Infantry Division, Kiowa Warrior Program Officer and Government Flight Representative within the Defense Logistics Agency at Bell Helicopter, Assistant Operations Officer and Instructor within the Combat Aviation Training Brigade, Detachment Commander, Aviation Platoon Leader, and Maintenance Test Pilot and Instructor Pilot within the XVIII Airborne Corps.
In his DAC capacity he served as a Strategic Management Analyst within the HQDA G-3/5/7 Training Directorate and within TRADOC as the Chief of Staff of the Army Civilian University, Fort Belvoir, VA.

EDUCATION & TRAINING
Dan’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Aviation from The University of the State of New York, a Master of Business Administration from Walden University, and executive leadership training and the Warton School of Business. AS a DAC, Dan also attended the capstone Continuing Education for Senior Leaders (CESL). His aircraft qualifications include the TH-55, UH-1H, and OH-58A/C/D helicopters and the C-12 fixed wing aircraft. Additional qualifications include Master Army Aviator and K4 Special Operations Aviation qualification.

ORGANIZATIONS
Dan previously served as the President of the Vertical Flight Society Federal City Chapter, and currently serves as the Vice President for Awards for the Washington Potomac Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), member of the AAAA National Executive Board and member of the Army Aviation Museum Foundation Board of Directors.

AWARDS
His military and civilian awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5), Air Medal (2) one with V-device, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, and two Commander’s Awards for Civilian Service.

Mr Itzik Huber

 Reserve Col. in the Israeli Air Force, 27 years as a pilot and commander.

Former head of sales and BD for Elbit system Aerospace division.

Former CEO of Skylock, a C-UAS company.

Currently EVP of strategy and business development and manager of Uvision activities in North America

Mr Jakob Breiner

 Jakob (GE) joined MSIAC on 1st of September 2023 as the Warheads Technology TSO.

Before joining MSIAC he has been responsible for technology studies of warheads and SAF systems as R&D project manager and engineer at TDW Warhead systems. This work included international projects in the fields of Loitering Munitions, future area denial / counter mobility solutions, supersonic and hypersonic penetrator systems, reactive fragment anti-air and insensitive multi-purpose warheads. In this role he contributed to over 16 patents in the weapons/munitions domain and won several Best-Patent and Technology Awards within the MBDA Group.

Mr Justin Croutch

 Mr. Justin Croutch began his career with the U.S. Army in 2008 at the Yuma Proving Ground's Aviation Systems and Electronic Test Division. He currently serves as a Cross Functional Team (CFT) Integrator and subject matter expert advisor to YPG Staff, providing critical insights on DT/OT testing and assessments relating to the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) CFT portfolio, including Loitering Munition and Launched Effects programs. His experience includes supporting the Army Futures Command's Project Convergence 2020 and 2021, the FVL CFT's EDGE23 and EDGE24 events, in addition to other Loitering Munition and Launched Effects programs at YPG.

Mr Pascal Secretin

 Pascal Secretin, Director of advanced solutions & weapon system activities

Pascal Secretin, born the 19 December 1971, he has 20 years airborne and intelligence operations background in Africa, Afghanistan, Bosnia within the French Armed Forces from platoon leader, company commander, G3 and J3 officer up to armament programme officer for all optronics and robotics for special forces and MI agency equipment. Pascal Sécretin joined Thales in 2012 and has held several positions:

a) Bid manager 2012-2013;

b) Complex bid manager (French Scorpion program) 2013-2014;

c) Capture leader for must wins Thales 2014-2016;

d) Product line director UAS/Loitering munitions, soldier system & soldiers optronics

e) now he is director of the advanced solutions & weapon system activities dedicated to frontline units and based on mortar, rocket and loitering munitions.

He is a graduate of Saint Cyr military academy, French Joint Staff College, Engineering school CENTRALE SUPELEC.

Mr Paul Blackham

 As Director of Sales, Unmanned Systems at Silvus Technologies, Inc., Paul leads business partnerships & program initiatives to integrate advanced MANET communication solutions into unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions. With over 15 years of experience in the unmanned systems market, Paul has played a pivotal role in advancing RF, multi-mode radar and imaging sensor technologies, enhancing their multi-mission capabilities and effectiveness across defense applications. A recently retired veteran of the Utah National Guard, Paul served for over 20 years in the 1-19th SFG(A) and the 1-211th Attack Battalion, most recently as an Attack Pilot serving as the Aviation Mission Survivability Officer.

Mr Tony Garcia

 Tony Garcia is the Director of Munitions Technologies for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology (OASD(S&T)). His office oversees the Joint DoD/DOE Munitions Program and the Joint Enhanced Munitions Technology Program, and also serving as the primary advisor to the staff of OASD(S&T) and others for munitions topics, including developing and implementing munitions science and technology strategy for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Tony has served 20 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve as a helicopter pilot and operations planner, and previously supported various offices in DoD as a contractor.

Mr Trent Emeneker

 Trent served on active duty in the Marine Corps where he was a Weapon Systems Officer in the F/A-18D, qualified as a division lead and Forward Air Controller (Airborne). He deployed twice to the Western Pacific, to Iraq, and to Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller. Post active duty, he joined the Reserves where he has served as a Battalion and Regimental Air Officer. He is currently on staff with Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group in 29 Palms, CA as an instructor during Marine Corps service level exercises.

After leaving active duty, he earned his MBA from Columbia Business School and a MA of International Affairs from Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs. He worked for GE Aviation in a variety of roles on a rotational program and then was a project manager on the GE9X engine program. He joined the Autonomy Portfolio as DIU four years ago and has been the Blue UAS lead for the past year.

In his spare time, he coaches whatever teams his sons, ages 7 and 9, are on.

Ms Jaehee Sweeney

 Jaehee Sweeney is a Chief Business Development Officer at BEI, she leads the commercial efforts to revolutionize the energy storage industry with next-generation battery technologies. Her expertise in chemistry and electrolyte science, honed through years of experience in various battery companies, drives her business strategy. At BEI, she focuses on forging partnerships and expanding market opportunities for BEI’s innovative battery solutions across defense, electric mobility, aerospace, and robotics sectors. Her role combines technical knowledge with strategic business development, as she works to position BEI's cutting-edge battery technology in the global market.  She is passionate about translating the scientific advancements into commercial success, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of drone technology and electric vehicles. Her goal is to accelerate the adoption of the safer, more efficient energy storage solutions to meet the world's growing power demands.