The NUAIR Alliance has selected Major General Marke F. “Hoot” Gibson (ret) as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the organization’s efforts to safely integrate UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS). Gibson, who most recently served as Senior Advisor on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration to the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will begin his new position on November 13.
Gibson told the State Aviation Journal that he’s looking forward to taking what he’s learned over the past two years with the FAA back to the private sector to advance what he termed as a “disruptive technology” even further, and to put into operation those gains they’ve already made. Gibson will lead NUAIR’s oversight of UAS testing being conducted in New York, Massachusetts and Michigan and a $30 million investment by New York State to build a 50-mile UTM Corridor and put the region at the forefront of UAS research and development.
The selection of Gibson by the NUAIR board of directors caps a search process facilitated by McDermott & Bull, an executive search firm that specializes in leadership roles. Larry Brinker, who served as NUAIR’s interim president and CEO, during the search process remains as its executive director and general counsel. “I look forward to welcoming General Gibson to lead the NUAIR team and believe he has the right combination of drive and expertise to build on the momentum we have created with the UAS sector in the region,” said Larry Brinker, Interim President and CEO of the NUAIR Alliance. “As we look to further establish the region as a national leader, his vision and previous experiences at the FAA will prove to be exceptionally valuable.”
Gibson said his vision is to create an unsurpassed ‘innovation friendly’ environment for UAS research, testing and operation. “With all of our state economic and technical support, I think we are well positioned to become the most favored site for all aspects of UAS testing and operation. We already won a tough competition to become one of our nation’s seven test sites and we are now poised to take that capability to the next level. I can assure you, I wouldn’t have taken this position if I didn’t think we were ready.”
The NUAIR Alliance is an organizational partner of CenterState CEO, and manages one of seven unmanned aircraft systems test sites in the country. The organizations are strategically aligned in their efforts to build public and private partnerships to advance leading edge UAS and UTM technologies, and create a hub for the industry that will attract investments and business development.
“We are extremely excited to welcome someone with Hoot’s knowledge, experience and passion to the role of CEO of the NUAIR Alliance,” said Rob Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “His leadership will enable the collaborative advancement of NUAIR’s mission and the region will expand its engagement of businesses and experts to advance critical research and development of the sector across Central New York.”
“I would like to congratulate General Gibson and welcome him to his new role as CEO of NUAIR,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “I believe his superb record of military leadership and extensive background in UAV operations will serve our region well as we continue to solidify our UAS corridor from the Test Site at Griffiss International Airport to Syracuse.”
In November of 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a $30 million investment to develop the 50-mile flight traffic management system between Syracuse and Griffiss International Airport in Rome to advance the burgeoning Unmanned Aircraft Systems industry in Central New York as part of the CNY Rising initiative. Within the 50-mile corridor, strategic investments will accelerate industry growth by supporting emerging uses of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in key industries, including agriculture and forest management, transportation and logistics, media and film development, utilities and infrastructure, and public safety.
“New York state’s investment is helping to cement Central New York as a global hub for the rapidly growing UAS industry and we are pleased to welcome Major General Gibson,” said Howard Zemsky, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development. “Our investment is strengthening the upstate economy and helping to reinvigorate the spirit of innovation and enterprise throughout the region.”
Gibson previously served as executive director of the NextGen Institute, which provides professional services to the UAS Joint Program Development Office. He has also owned his own aviation consulting firm.
Gibson retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2011 after 33 years of service and holding numerous senior command and staff positions earning him the rank of Major General. He retired as the Air Force’s director of current operations and training where he led the startup of a new cyber career field and its integration into Air Force operations. Gibson also worked on behalf of the Air Force secretary and chief of staff on ways to better integrate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the national airspace. This involved continuous engagement with the FAA, Homeland Defense and numerous congressional delegations. As the director of training, Gibson was also responsible for the startup of a separate career field and unique training path for those who fly Air Force remote piloted aircrafts today.
Gibson and his wife will relocate to the Central New York area from Northern Virginia.
