Professional Summary Experienced UAS Operations Director and Chief Pilot with extensive experience leading unmanned aerial systems (UAS) teams in high-stakes environments, including military operations and critical infrastructure inspections. Skilled in flight operations management, pilot training, logistics coordination, and aerial intelligence gathering. Demonstrates proficiency with multiple UAS platforms and holds FAA certifications and military honors. Professional Experience Director of UAS Operations Bridger Aerospace Led UAS team in wildland firefighting support for the Department of Interior
•Directed UAS team operations for wildfire missions, collaborating with Air Attack and IncidentCommand.
•Provided aerial intelligence to Incident Commanders and firefighting crews on the ground.
•Conducted mapping and near-real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) formission-critical insights.
•Enhanced team efficiency and cost-effectiveness, acting as a force multiplier and saving resources.
•Accumulated over 700 flight hours with the FVR 90 UAS on wildfire operations.
Chief Pilot Fenix ISR Deployed UAS for infrastructure inspection across gas and oil facilities
•Coordinated and managed contracts with Exxon Mobil and Conoco-Phillips, overseeing UASdeployment domestically and internationally.
•Directed UAS inspection of critical infrastructure, supporting storm recovery teams in grid restorationefforts.
•Recruited, trained, and supervised incoming pilots for various missions.
•Collaborated with emergency response teams to address drilling well blowouts, saving significantoperational costs.
Senior Gray Eagle UAS Instructor Textron Provided advanced UAS training to soldiers in National Airspace and overseas
•One of a select few instructors authorized to train soldiers in FAA-controlled airspace.
•Managed a 25-30 person team during a tour in Mosul, Iraq, overseeing over 2,500 flight hourssupporting military missions.
•Ensured equipment worth over $16 million remained mission-capable through proactive coordinationwith maintainers.
•Developed and streamlined training and records management systems, optimizing operationalefficiency.
Senior Instructor/Standardization Officer for Shadow UAS General Dynamics Delivered classroom, simulator, and flight instruction for the 213th Aviation Regiment
•Provided comprehensive training and qualification check rides for new instructors, maintaininginstructional standards.
•Managed training documentation and performance records and conducted annual training evaluationsfor personnel.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator of Hunter RQ-5A U.S. Army Performed critical UAV operations and safety instruction
•Operated and maintained the Hunter UAV, participating in pivotal exercises and early developmenttesting for the Shadow system.
•Trained soldiers on UAV operations, technical systems, and safety protocols, contributing to successfulmultinational exercises.
UAS and Aviation Qualifications
•Aircraft Qualified: Hunter UAV, Shadow UAV, Gray Eagle UAS, FVR-90 UAS.
•FAA Private Pilot/Instrument Rated
•FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft License
•Army Aviation Instructor Pilot Certification
•UAS Senior Instructor and Standardization Certification
•SEAT Firefighting Tactics & Fire Behavior Certification
Military Awards and Recognition
•Army Commendation Medal
•Army Achievement Medal (Three awards)
•Good Conduct Medal
•Certificate of Achievement in Safety
Skills
•Flight Operations Management: Advanced logistics coordination, UAS mission planning, and real-time intelligence gathering.
•Training & Development: Experienced instructor and standardization officer with a focus on pilottraining, qualification, and team leadership.
•Technical Proficiency: Familiar with multiple UAS platforms, ISR systems, safety protocols, andrecord-keeping systems.
•Project & Contract Management: Skilled in managing multi-million-dollar contracts, storm recoveryoperations, and complex logistical needs.