EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR—PROJECT ALTA, 47G

Chris Metts is VP, Aerospace and Innovation and Executive Director of Project Alta, 47G's advanced air mobility (AAM) initiative. His career has included 30+ years of progressively responsible leadership both in government and industry, resulting in incredible success throughout the FAA and the global aviation community. This includes time as a transportation Attaché at US Embassies in Japan, China and Singapore, with regional responsibilities. He distinguished himself in Senior Executive Service at the FAA where he served as Chief Acquisitions Officer, VP of the ATO's PMO and as VP of US Air Traffic's En Route and Oceanic Services. In industry, he served as a corporate global VP at L3Harris and partner level executive at Deloitte, partnering with NASA to write the concept of operations document for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). He also served on the ATCA board. Chris is a distinguished graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is fluent in Japanese.

CO-FOUNDER & CEO, AMPAIRE

Kevin Noertker, co-founder and CEO of Ampaire, is advancing aviation by integrating hybrid-electric technology into aircraft, old and new. A Utah native, with a background in aerospace engineering at Caltech, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Northrop Grumman, Noertker emphasizes practical, stepwise innovation. Under his leadership, Ampaire has logged over 35 thousand hybrid-electric flight miles, and aims to revolutionize regional air travel by improving economics, reducing emissions, and expanding access to underserved airports. His vision combines technical innovation with environmental responsibility, creating scalable solutions that balance today’s realities - hybrid electric upgrades - with big aspirations for the future.

FOUNDER, DBT AERO

Michael Duke is Founder &; CEO of DBT Aero Inc., developing ultra-efficient AAM aircraft through the synergistic integration of a patented Double Box Tail airframe, Natural Laminar Flow aerodynamics, and rim-driven electric ducted fan propulsion — engineered together to deliver range, efficiency, and quiet operation no single technology achieves alone. DBT Aero holds an FAA Experimental certificate with MOSAIC LSA and Part 23 certification paths underway. A licensed pilot, he co-founded Remos Aircraft USA, operated an FBO with a Part 145 Repair Station, and a serial innovator pioneering innovations in telecom, cloud computing, and shared economy platforms ahead of their markets.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, ODYS AVIATION

Bob Ellithorpe, Senior Vice President of Operations at ODYS Aviation, has over three decades of executive aerospace and defense leadership. As a Marine Corps veteran, he completed four deployments as an infantry officer and held assignments at the Pentagon and as a leadership and tactics instructor. As a civilian he held CEO, President/General Manager, VP and Program Manager roles at companies such as Bell Helicopter (V-22 Osprey, ARH-70A), Sikorsky Aircraft, Precision Castparts, GKN Aerospace, Tribus Aerospace, Archer Aviation, and Consolidated Machine and Tool. Mr. Ellithorpe holds degrees from the University of Dallas, Georgetown University, and Texas A&M University, and was an International Affairs Fellow of the Council on Foreign Relations at Harvard University.

PRINCIPAL, CICERO

Michael is a Principal at Cicero Group with experience leading digital transformation and innovation initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and startups. His work focuses on emerging technologies including AI, blockchain, analytics, and human-centered design.

Previously, he co-founded SPKR and served as COO, helping lead the company through acquisition and a successful NYSE IPO. At Deloitte, he led strategy and operations projects for organizations including Disney, Google, Intel, and the World Economic Forum.

Michael earned his MBA from University of Southern California and has taught emerging technologies, media, and entrepreneurship at the USC School of Cinematic Arts for the past 10 years.

GENERAL MANAGER, ALBANY ENGINEERED COMPOSITES

Chase Dorsey serves as General Manager for Albany Engineered Composites in Salt Lake City, overseeing advanced composite manufacturing and large structural assembly for AAM, Defense, and Commercial aviation platforms.  A Mechanical Engineer by training, Chase has spent the last 13 years leading Tier‑1 structures organizations across operations, engineering, and program lifecycle management.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, HEXCEL CORPORATION

Dr. Robert Yancey has held roles spanning research, technology development, sales, management, business development, and executive leadership. He currently leads business development for Hexcel in the Americas across all product lines. At Hexcel, he developed the initial strategy for Advanced Air Mobility and helped lead the creation of Project Alta. Dr. Yancey holds a B.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT, an M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech, and a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from the University of Dayton. He serves as SAMPE Technical Excellence Chair and is an AIAA Associate Technical Fellow.

VP OF ENGINEERING & COO, HUMMINGBIRD AERO

David Manzanares leads Engineering and Operations at Hummingbird Aero, a Utah-based company specializing in safety-critical aircraft systems and advanced flight control technologies and products for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. Prior to Hummingbird, he served as VP of Engineering at UmbraGroup, a multi-national company focused on electromechanical actuation. Earlier in his career, David spent more than 20 years at Moog Aircraft Group where he managed the teams that developed the 787 and A350 primary flight control actuators and several other products. He holds seven patents with others pending and is widely recognized for his expertise in electromechanical actuation technology.

CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, 47G

Kori Ann Edwards is the Chief Strategy Officer for 47G Utah Aerospace & Defense, leading strategic initiatives to advance Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. She brings three decades of experience in economic development, strategic leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Previously, she served as managing director of strategic initiatives at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, where she shaped Utah’s 2034 Olympic economic vision, led the state’s COVID-19 response, and launched major workforce programs. Before GOEO, Edwards spent 20 years at Logistics Specialties, Inc., guiding its economic development division and overseeing significant revenue growth.

VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Liesl brings a relationship-driven approach to economic development in her role as Business Development Director with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. She believes economic development is about more than recruitment—it’s about fostering trust and long-term collaboration among residents, businesses, real estate brokers, state agencies, educational institutions, and trade associations. Known as a connector and relationship builder, Liesl focuses on creating strong partnerships that support sustainable growth and thriving communities across Utah. Liesl previously held positions with Salt Lake City Economic Development, the City of Avondale, AZ Economic Development, and Ogden City Economic Development.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UTAH INLAND PORT AUTHORITY

Benjamin Hart serves as Executive Director of the Utah Inland Port Authority, where he leads statewide and regional port development initiatives focused on economic growth, infrastructure, and global market access for Utah businesses.

Prior to joining UIPA, Benjamin served as Deputy Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, overseeing corporate recruitment, international relations, small business programs, and workforce partnerships. His background also includes leadership roles with the Department of Workforce Services, Layton City, and Zions Bank.

Benjamin earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Utah, where he also serves as an adjunct instructor.

ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY PROGRAM MANAGER, UDOT

Paul Damron is the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Manager for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Division of Aeronautics. He is a key leader in advancing AAM for the state of Utah, which is seen as the next evolution of innovation and transportation. Paul's experience in both geospatial development and AAM provides a unique vision for supporting AAM at the state level. This vision supports the regulatory framework needed to move the state in a positive direction while remaining safety-minded and fiscally responsible.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, AGGIEAIR, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Bart Coopmans holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Utah State University, where his research focused on drone and robotic applications for real-world science. He has experience across aerospace, hardware, software, networking technologies, sensors, control systems, and autonomous systems.

Dr. Coopmans’ work and research interests include aerial remote sensing, cyberphysical systems, image processing, lidar/ladar, systems engineering, mechatronics, and uncrewed systems. He also teaches and mentors in areas including uncrewed and aerial systems, guidance and control, sensors, autonomous systems, real-time systems, and embedded hardware and software.

CEO, AIRGYDE

Sean Cassidy is CEO of AirGyde, where he leads efforts to develop infrastructure supporting the safe expansion of low-altitude drone operations across the United States. He also advises AirWise and supports Aibot.ai on drone manufacturing, certification, airworthiness, and flight operations strategy.

Previously, Sean served as Director of Safety, Flight Operations, and Regulatory Affairs for Amazon Prime Air, where he helped lead the company’s first Part 135 commercial air carrier certification and launch of drone delivery operations. He also served as First Vice President of the Air Line Pilots Association International, overseeing safety and technical programs supporting more than 52,000 airline pilots.

A former U.S. Navy Naval Aviator and Alaska Airlines captain, Sean has extensive experience in aviation safety, drone regulation, and flight operations. He has chaired multiple FAA and industry advisory committees focused on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations and autonomous aviation standards.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, ANRA TECHNOLOGIES

Kyle Sale is part of the Business Development team at ANRA Technologies, where he helps drive industry engagement around advanced air mobility, sUAS operations, and digital airspace infrastructure. He works closely with enterprise operators, regulators, and technology partners to advance scalable BVLOS operations and integrated UTM/U-space/PSU solutions worldwide. ANRA is recognized as a global leader in airspace management and mission orchestration software, supporting commercial drone delivery, public safety, infrastructure inspection, and autonomous aviation initiatives. Kyle looks forward to speaking on operational scale, interoperability, and the future of uncrewed aviation ecosystems.

CO-FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER, ALTAPORT

Cory Cozzens is Founder of Altaport, provider of the Altaport VAS, a vertiport automation system enabling the activation and automation of AAM infrastructure networks. Cory has spent most of his career launching and managing innovative businesses in the aviation industry, including Surf Air, now the largest scheduled §135 operator in the US; Matternet, the world’s first urban drone delivery service; and Voom, an Airbus subsidiary tasked with providing on-demand VTOL service in preparation for advanced air mobility. Cory holds an MBA from Wharton, a JD from George Mason, and a BA in Economics from BYU. When not building businesses, Cory can usually be found adventuring with his young family in their beloved Utah mountains.

MANAGING DIRECTOR, CONNECTED EDGE MARKET LEAD, DELOITTE CONSULTING, LLP

Jason leads the Emerging Infrastructure Platforms Market Offering in Deloitte’s Core Business Operations practice who has 25 years at Deloitte focused on bringing innovation and discipline to all of his endeavors. His deep expertise in modernizing mission-critical systems and processes to governments and commercial clients comes from successfully going live with modernized applications using innovative tools and processes including California’s first Cloud implementation, IRS’ first use of Agile frameworks, and FinCEN’s first public-facing data collection applications, and dozens of other enterprise applications. Jason has held a number of leadership roles at Deloitte focusing on emerging technologies including Federal’s Blockchain Developer’s Champion and Civilian’s Gen AI Delivery Transformation Lead, as well as other roles such as the Federal Agile Lead and Civilian Operate Champion.

CEO, SKYWAY

Clifford has over 20 years of experience in the Cyber Security industry and is notable for various enterprise security products. His career has led him to become a professional inventor holding many patents that have led to iconic products and services we all use today. He is a computer science engineer by trade with a highly respected business background. 

Some notable inventions include, Digital Stereographic Camera, Archival Disk Imaging Machine, Software Defined Radio Antenna Array, Quantum Encryption Fragmentation Protocol, Dynamic Encrypted Keyboard and many others. His work in the Urban Air Mobility Industry has now led to many other innovations at Skyway including the Air Navigation Pod.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UDOT

Carlos Braceras is the commissioner of the Utah Department of Transportation. He has been with UDOT since 1986. His goal is to create the safest transportation system in the world to provide choices for all users to get where they want, when they want, in the way they want. 

He has helped build an organization that is trusted by its partners and the public.  He is the AASHTO Agency Administration Managing Committee chair, member of the board of directors and past president of AASHTO, and member of the board of directors and past president of WASHTO.  Carlos moved to Utah in 1980 with four friends after graduating from college to ski for one year. It’s been one great ski season. 

UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE, UTAH’S 3RD DISTRICT

Congressman Mike Kennedy, M.D., was raised by a single mother alongside his six siblings in Michigan. From a young age, Mike learned the value of hard work, starting his first job at just 12 years old—a foundation that would shape his adult life.

Dr. Kennedy served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and upon his return, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. He then pursued his medical degree at Michigan State University, becoming a dedicated family physician. His passion for helping others led him back to Brigham Young University to pursue a law degree, driven by a desire to better advocate for his patients and ensure they received the best care possible.

Throughout his 33-year marriage to his wife, Katrina, Dr. Kennedy has raised eight children and now delights in his role as a grandfather to 10.

With a lifelong commitment to service, Congressman Kennedy has served in both the Utah House and Senate while maintaining his family medicine practice. He was sworn into the United States House of Representatives in January 2025, where he is focused on restoring fiscal responsibility, securing America’s borders, and pushing back against federal overreach.

FORMER ADMINISTRATOR, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Michael Huerta served as Administrator for the United States Federal Aviation Administration from 2013 to 2018. Before being named as Administrator, Mr. Huerta served as Acting Administrator of the FAA from 2011 to 2013 and FAA Deputy Administrator from 2010 to 2011. Mr. Huerta also served as Executive Vice President and Group President, Government Transportation, for Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.  Mr. Huerta serves as an independent director of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and is a member of Delta Air Lines’ Audit Committee and Chair of the Safety and Security Committee. He is also on the Lead Independent Director of Joby Aviation, Inc. and a member of the board of trustees of the MITRE Corporation and the board of directors of Verra Mobility Corporation.   Mr. Huerta holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside and a Master’s in Public Affairs with a concentration in international relations from Princeton University.

DIRECTOR (A), AAM TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Jim Rose is a national aviation safety leader with extensive expertise in flight-procedure design, airspace management, and program oversight across both the Federal Aviation Administration and the United States Air Force. With more than a decade of FAA leadership experience, he has driven major nationwide advances in flight-procedure efficiency, operational safety, and regulatory compliance—leading large technical teams and guiding policy, standards, and research efforts across the National Airspace System. Prior to his federal civilian service, Jim served over 20 years as an Air Force pilot, instructor, and operations director, earning multiple command-level awards for excellence in flight operations, training, and air mobility management. He holds master’s degrees in Business Administration and Contracting Management and maintains an Airline Transport Pilot certification spanning multiple aircraft platforms.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR—PROJECT ALTA, 47G

Chris Metts is VP, Aerospace and Innovation and Executive Director of Project Alta, 47G's advanced air mobility (AAM) initiative. His career has included 30+ years of progressively responsible leadership both in government and industry, resulting in incredible success throughout the FAA and the global aviation community. This includes time as a transportation Attaché at US Embassies in Japan, China and Singapore, with regional responsibilities. He distinguished himself in Senior Executive Service at the FAA where he served as Chief Acquisitions Officer, VP of the ATO's PMO and as VP of US Air Traffic's En Route and Oceanic Services. In industry, he served as a corporate global VP at L3Harris and partner level executive at Deloitte, partnering with NASA to write the concept of operations document for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). He also served on the ATCA board. Chris is a distinguished graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is fluent in Japanese.

CHARGE NETWORK DEVELOPMENT LEAD, BETA TECHNOLOGIES

Nate Ward is the Charge Network Development Lead at BETA Technologies, an aerospace company designing, manufacturing and selling high-performance electric aircraft, advanced electric propulsion systems, components and charging systems to top operators worldwide. Nate's team manages the sale and installation of BETA's multimodal chargers, deploying charging systems across the U.S. He also supports BETA's broader business development efforts and partners with AAM government engagement groups industry-wide.

Nate is listed as an inventor on several patents, including electric charging stations with integrated thermal management and locking mechanisms for electric propulsion systems — innovations vital to safe, scaled electric aircraft operations. He is also an active private pilot.

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY, BRISTOW GROUP

Mandy Nelson is Director of Strategic Relationships at Bristow Group. In this role, she leads Bristow’s advanced air mobility efforts through global partnerships and customer engagement and supports government and stakeholder engagement related to AAM initiatives worldwide. She joined the company in 2010 and has built experience across operational, commercial, managerial, and government affairs functions. Mandy has played a key role in advancing market diversification initiatives aligned with Bristow’s long‑term business strategy. Mandy is also a fixed‑wing pilot.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, THE POINT

Don Willie is Director of Operations for The Point and brings extensive experience managing complex, multimillion-dollar projects across the public and private sectors.

Previously, Don served as COO and Vice President of Marketing for the South Valley Chamber of Commerce and as President and CEO of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, where he led organizational growth, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives. He has also worked as an entrepreneur and organizational management consultant, helping clients develop data-driven strategies to strengthen performance and impact.

Don earned both his Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Utah.

DIRECTOR, PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL, SLC INT.

Brady Fredrickson has more than 25 years of experience in planning and capital programming, with expertise in airport development, infrastructure planning, and transportation projects. He began his career with SE Group in New Hampshire, focusing on ski resort planning and development. Since joining the Salt Lake City Department of Airports in 2000, he has led a wide range of projects, including the 2021 Salt Lake City International Airport master plan update, terminal and concourse planning, general aviation development, and airport transit initiatives. As Director of Planning and Capital Programming, he oversees planning efforts for Salt Lake City International Airport, South Valley Airport, and Tooele Valley Airport.

GENERAL MANAGER, U.S. HELIPORTS AND VERTIPORTS, SKYPORTS

Robbie Ladov is the General Manager of U.S. Heliports and Vertiports at Skyports Infrastructure, where he leads the company’s infrastructure development and operations across the United States. Prior to joining Skyports, he spent nearly a decade at BLADE Air Mobility in leadership roles spanning business development, product management, and operations, with a focus on advanced air mobility initiatives. Robbie currently oversees operations at the Downtown Skyport in Manhattan, the largest commercial heliport in the United States. A licensed private pilot, he studied business and real estate at American University in Washington, D.C.

PRESIDENT, RESEARCH PARK AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Andrew Duffell is a technology executive and independent director with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of private capital, institutional research, and public policy. As President of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, he oversees a 70-acre campus generating $535M in annual economic impact and has helped nurture two companies to unicorn valuations. He is currently developing a vertiport at the Research Park, positioning it at the forefront of urban air mobility infrastructure. A founder of the Global Ventures international incubation program, Andrew has served on multiple boards spanning child welfare, life sciences, and economic development. He holds an MBA from FAU and an MA in European Studies from the University of Aberdeen.

CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, 47G

Kori Ann Edwards is the Chief Strategy Officer for 47G Utah Aerospace & Defense, leading strategic initiatives to advance Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. She brings three decades of experience in economic development, strategic leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Previously, she served as managing director of strategic initiatives at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, where she shaped Utah’s 2034 Olympic economic vision, led the state’s COVID-19 response, and launched major workforce programs. Before GOEO, Edwards spent 20 years at Logistics Specialties, Inc., guiding its economic development division and overseeing significant revenue growth.

HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE, JOBY AVIATION

Andy serves as Head of Infrastructure at Joby Aviation, leading an interdisciplinary team developing cost-effective vertiport infrastructure for safe, efficient air taxi operations. He brings deep infrastructure engineering expertise to the eVTOL sector — most recently as Director of Starship Launch Engineering and Spaceport Infrastructure at SpaceX, where he led the design and construction of launch facilities at an unprecedented scale and pace. Prior to SpaceX, Krebs spent eight years as a Structural Engineer at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He is a licensed Professional Engineer, with a master’s degree in civil engineering from Stanford University and a bachelor’s from NC State University.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BIG-D CONSTRUCTION

David Zimmerman is a Sr. Vice President of Big-D Construction Corp., one of the largest and most successful construction firms in the United States. With more than 34 years of experience in the construction industry, David specializes in heavy industrial and commercial construction sectors, leading projects of all types and sizes. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Utah, an MBA from the University of Washington, and a J.D. from Cornell University. Big-D Construction Corp. is part of the Big-D family of companies, which maintains $2.6 billion in annual revenue and operates 17 regional offices across the country.

NEW PRODUCT R&D LEAD, CHEROKEE FEDERAL

Justin Vandy is a New Product Development Manager at Cherokee Federal, where he leads the design and deployment of advanced aviation and mobile infrastructure systems supporting defense, public safety, and emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.

With more than 20 years of experience across aerospace engineering, weapon systems, and complex operational environments, Justin specializes in connecting technical execution with mission-driven outcomes. At Cherokee, he serves as lead architect for the Mobile Vertipad Platform (MVP) and Mobile Command Center (MC2), deployable systems designed to support aviation operations in remote and infrastructure-limited environments.

His background includes engineering and program leadership roles across defense, oil and gas, mining, and simulation industries, including work supporting NAVSEA and PEO Integrated Warfare Systems.

HEAD OF SOUTHEAST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, VERTIPORTS BY ATLANTIC

Rolando Tapanes is Vice President of Business Development – Southeast for Vertiports by Atlantic Aviation, where he leads site selection, negotiations, and development efforts supporting vertiport infrastructure for advanced air mobility and electric aircraft operations across the United States.

With more than 20 years of experience in municipal infrastructure development and commercial real estate, Rolando previously led Ferrovial’s South Florida vertiport strategy, securing locations in Boca Raton, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach International Airport, and downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Before entering the private sector, Rolando served for more than a decade as Director of Planning and Development for the City of Miami Parking Authority, specializing in land use, zoning, urban mobility, and congestion management.

VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, PRINCIPAL, BRPH

Gregory Kern, Vice President of Business Development at BRPH, is a proven professional focused on program management, client development and technical sales, with extensive operational management experience. He is an expert in advising and managing collaborative nationwide teams, driving strategic growth and client partnerships across multiple sectors. Gregory has developed markets in commercial space, transportation, aviation, renewable energy, oil and gas, and land development, successfully capturing over $650M in technical sales over his career. 

Gregory holds a bachelor’s of science from Indiana University Bloomington.

AIRPORT SENIOR PLANNER, SLC INTERNATIONAL

Paige serves as an Airport Senior Planner for Salt Lake City Department of Airports, and the Personnel Administration Officer for the 19th SFG in the Utah Army National Guard. He has over 30 years of aviation experience with Salt Lake International Airport, Kinston Regional Jetport, MCAS Miramar, and the military in Navy aviation and Army aviation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Utah. His diverse professional experience includes airport planning, Safety Management Systems, airport operations, human resources, military logistics, and leadership.  

EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, SALAS O’BRIEN

Jim Sutton failed at retirement three times: from active duty in the Air Force, to a career as an Air Force Civilian, to Northrop Grumman, he traveled the world in service to our Nation.  Jim now runs the Federal business for a Silicon Valley cybersecurity technology company and consults with "friends from the past" on far ranging projects.  When not helping DOE reset Manhattan Project infrastructure, injecting cybersecurity into the aerial refueling enterprise, developing low cost counter-UAS systems, creating strategies to improve Air Force combat readiness or helping Utah examine prospects for a spaceport, Jim and his wife Gwendolyn are roaming the planet and being entertained by their three darling granddaughters.

PRINCIPAL, SALAS O’BRIEN

Phillip Sutherland: Phillip is a Principal and Senior Electrical Engineer with over 16 years of experience delivering complex, large-scale aviation and infrastructure projects. He has played a key role at Nashville International Airport (BNA) where he developed phased design strategies to maintain continuous operations during construction. Phillip’s expertise includes electrical infrastructure, power distribution, emergency power, lighting, fire alarm, communications, security, and grounding systems, making him well-positioned to support resilient, future-ready aviation facilities. When he’s not helping shape the future of aviation, Phillip embraces his favorite role as a proud “girl dad” to his two daughters.

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GRID PLANNING AND POWER QUALITY, ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWER

Jake Barker serves as Managing Director of Grid Planning and Power Quality at PacifiCorp, where he is responsible for overseeing grid capacity, power quality, and customer generation interconnection compliance. Previously, Mr. Barker was a Project Engineer for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Utah State University and an MBA from the University of Utah. In addition to his professional roles, Mr. Barker is a member of the USU Engineering Industrial Advisory Board and Utah Electrification Initiative Industrial Advisory Board.

CO-FOUNDER & CEO, ELECTRO.AERO

Josh, Founding Partner of Electro Ventures, CEO of Electro.Aero, and Innovation Director of ENAUTIC.Group, Electro Base, Fly On E and AquaFlights, brings two decades of expertise in developing and commercializing electric propulsion and autonomous systems. As an entrepreneur and robotics engineer, Josh has specialized in electric propulsion technologies and is a leader in multidisciplinary design-optimized aerodynamics, control systems, and sustainable innovations.

Josh's achievements include presenting at TEDxPerth, being recognized in HolonIQ's Top 100 Climate Tech Companies in Australia/NZ, Anthill's Top Smart 100, winning Curtin Alumni's Innovation Award, Global Recognition Award 2025 and APAC Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2025.

CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, ASPIRE

James Campbell is the Chief Strategy Officer and Director of the Utah Electrification Initiative at the Utah State University ASPIRE Foundation joining in October 2025.  Prior to ASPIRE, James spent roughly 20 years at PacifiCorp as the Director of Innovation and Sustainability where he crafted strategic policy around electrification, distributed energy resources, and intelligent energy management and led over a $100 million worth of utility programs and projects. Further, he received an additional $20 million in U.S. Department of Energy awards for advanced projects for electrification and grid services. James earned a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, a Master in Environmental Engineering, and a Master in Business Administration all from the University of Utah.  

VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN-CENTERED ENGINEERING, MONTEREY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Benjamin Schwartz is the Vice President of Human-Centered Engineering at Monterey Technologies, Inc., a small business delivering human engineering solutions for complex, mission-critical defense systems. He is an INCOSE CSEP with broad experience across projects for the Navy, Army, and Air Force. As an advocate for user-centered systems engineering, he ensures that human and mission needs are integrated in the systems engineering process and outcomes.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

Dr. Hochhalter is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Utah, where he leads the Utah Aerospace Hub. His research aims to accelerate additive manufactured component certification for aerospace applications. Prior to joining Utah, he was a Civil Servant at NASA Langley and has served on NASA’s Engineering and Safety Center Materials Technical Discipline Team since 2015. He is an Associate Editor for Additive Manufacturing and serves on editorial boards for Engineering Fracture Mechanics and the International Journal of Fatigue. He received a PhD from Cornell University in 2010.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF TRANSPORTATION, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Patrick Singleton is an Associate Professor of Transportation in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Utah State University. His research spans the areas of travel behavior, traffic monitoring, transportation planning, traffic safety, data analysis, electric vehicles, and connections with health and wellbeing. Dr. Singleton serves as a project leader for ASPIRE, an NSF Engineering Research Center dedicated to transportation electrification, and on the editorial boards of Travel Behavior and Society and Transport Reviews journals. He earned his BS from the University of Pittsburgh and his MS and PhD from Portland State University.

ASSOCIATE DEAN, IRA A. FULTON COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

Tim McLain is a professor of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University. He received BS and MS degrees in from BYU and a PhD from Stanford University, joining BYU as a professor in 1995. He has been actively involved in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research since 1999. His research has attracted the support of the Air Force, the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and numerous companies. From 2012 to 2019, he was the founding director of the NSF-sponsored Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. In 2017, he was recognized with the Utah Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology for his pioneering efforts in UAS research and the state’s UAS industry. He currently serves as associate dean in the Fulton College of Engineering at BYU.