KURT PARSONS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Since June 2012, Kurt Parsons has led Platform Aerospace, in integrating new aviation technologies through rapid prototyping, engineering design, analysis and aircraft modifications.
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Under his leadership, Platform grew from a single-client, single-service business to a trusted provider of diversified aviation services in the defense and civilian federal aviation space. In the past eight years, Platform’s team has grown from 18 to over 90 employees representing the best of aviation engineering and fabrication, and revenue has grown over 10x.
Prior to Platform, Kurt was a U.S. Naval Officer with over 20 years of active-duty service as a pilot and deep-sea diver. Kurt flew the P-3C Orion and deployed to 8 countries, flying over 1,500 operational hours, and including over 150 hours in combat zones as an Officer in Charge, Mission Commander, and Patrol Plane Commander, all to fight the global war on terror. Before flying, he conducted diving operations across 11 nations in Southeast Asia. Specific to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), Kurt oversaw VXS Squadron’s sensor integration and maintenance – a Navy ISR experimental squadron – and managed thousands of ISR mission-hours across multiple DoD platforms as a Naval Officer. Kurt holds a M.S. from the Naval Postgraduate School in Leadership and Human Resource Development, and a B.S. from Jacksonville University in Political Science.
DAN EDWARDS, PhD
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Dr. Dan Edwards has been bringing executive-level leadership to this critical position at Platform Aerospace for the last 4 years, where he is focused on managing the various scientific and technological issues that arise.
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Dan earned his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University with an emphasis on flight controls and has over 45 publications with several patents pending. He is excited to bring his technology background to advance both current and future product lines at Platform Aerospace. He spent 15 years at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in the Tactical Electronic Warfare Division developing many advanced unmanned aircraft designs and technologies. His achievements include multiple unmanned aviation world’s firsts and unofficial world records using developmental alternate power systems, such as using liquid hydrogen feeding a fuel cell to demonstrate 48 hours of endurance with a Group-2 UAV named Ion Tiger. Building on his graduate work and an internship at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Dan invented custom autonomous soaring algorithms to ride on invisible air currents, which demonstrated 5 hours of endurance and 115 km goal-and-return on a Group-1 UAV sailplane with no motor at all. Some of his more exotic design projects included a CD-sized UAV named CICADA that deploys in very large swarms, a rocket-launched helicopter demonstrator, and three variants of flying submarines.
JIM SNOW
CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER
Jim Snow was appointed to Platform’s Chief Growth Officer (CGO) in December of 2023. Jim holds a pivotal role in steering the company’s organic and inorganic growth strategy.
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Jim's responsibilities include driving Platform Aerospace's expansion and market presence, as well as delivering integrated solutions to customers seeking aerospace design, analysis, fabrication, and installation services and deployment of of our disruptive, world-record-setting multi-INT UAS platform, Vanilla.
Jim has 32-years of Government Sector experience, starting at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Jim began his contractor career where he served as Chief Engineer at the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) and other varying roles in the industry. In recent assignments, Jim developed/prosecuted a business pipeline supporting strategic growth objectives and led an amazing team of Capture/Proposal Management personnel who consistently exceeded corporate performance goals.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from American Public University and has completed business and Mergers and Acquisitions courses at MIT (M&A) and Columbia Business School.
BRIAN READ
DIRECTOR, Quality Assurance
Brian Read is the Director of Quality Assurance for Platform Aerospace and plays a key role in ensuring accuracy of each project through the transition from innovative design to manufacturing and installation.
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He is a self-motivated team player who is a relentless problem solver and has proven successful over his 17 years as an engineer in the defense and aerospace industry. During his 7 years at Platform, Brian has overseen multiple projects ranging from engineering design and airworthiness certifications while providing high quality leadership in solving our client’s unique challenges and quick turnarounds.
Brian's team oversees the effectiveness of Platform's internal processes and maintains Platform's AS9100D certification.
Brian started with a Bachelor of Science in engineering technology and has grown to be a Certified Professional in SolidWorks and an Adjunct Instructor at the College of Southern Maryland. His skill set goes beyond his dedication to the high standards set at Platform Aerospace and is shown in every project accomplished.
Collin 'o’neill
Financial Controller
Collin O’Neill will lead the Finance activities, including planning and directing the accounting and financial operations and processes of the company as Financial Controller.
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Collin is a leading finance executive in the federal IT services space with 25+ years of offering successful financial management and accounting leadership. With robust expertise in a vast suite of accounting capabilities, including government compliance, process development and cost cutting, he has delivered invaluable contributions in accounting for all collaborative stakeholders and significant revenue growth for associated businesses.
Collin has served in a variety of roles with companies in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Most recently served as Controller of Amyx, Inc, where he guided the company through transition and integration activities after its acquisition by Tetra Tech, Inc.
Collin holds a bachelor’s degree in business and management from the University of Maryland. He is also a certified Project Management Professional and a Certified Federal Contracts Manager.
JAIME ANDREWS
Director, HUMAN RESOURCES
Jaime Andrews is a Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience in human resources operations, with 3 of those years at Platform Aerospace, ensuring HR operations are aligned with business goals.
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Areas of expertise include recruitment, employee recognition, employee relations, compensation, employee training, incentives, benefits, payroll, and performance management. Jaime has had consistent success designing, implementing, managing, and administering HR and Benefits systems solutions and has served on numerous project steering committees. Her expertise is both operational and strategic HR practices.
Jaime holds a master’s degree in human resource management with Southern New Hampshire University, SHRM-CP certified, certified in leadership coaching, and holds a certificate in Human Resources Management.
Justin sellers
DIRECTOR, Operation
Justin Sellers joined Platform Aerospace in 2022 as the Director of Project Management and now serves as the Director of Operations.
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Justin is a former United States Army Combat Medic serving in OEF 2010-2011. After leaving the military, Justin rose through the ranks of the defense contracting industry starting as a UAS instructor and progressing to a theater lead for a major UAS defense prime. After 12 civilian deployments, Justin transitioned into program management for another large defense prime where he oversaw the full mission lifecycle for 23 combat ISR locations across multiple combatant commands.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Liberty University and is PMP certified.
Jesse Jacobson
Director, production
Jesse Jacobson, Navy Veteran, has over 20 years’ experience in the aviation field with extensive experience in repair and maintenance on a plethora of aviation systems and equipment.
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Jesse is the Director of Production and is responsible for ensuring that urgent and special projects meet the deadlines while also conforming to airworthiness configurations. As a very focused and top performing flight operations, safety, and production manager, he has specialized experience in advanced composite repair, fabrication, and management. His skill set includes full cycle production & manufacturing, project management, quality assurance, employee training, and safety. He is an analytical thinker who leverages organizational skills to work through operational issues and generate effective solutions.
Jesse is a strong communicator with a high sense of urgency that exceeds expectations while working well under pressure, often in difficult circumstances. Having his leadership for almost 7 years in our Fabrication, Aircraft Integrations, Machining, and Field Operations departments is critical in ensuring that Platform Aerospace’s high standards are maintained from concept to design to in-flight on the aircraft.
Wendy piazza
DIRECTOR, contracts
Wendy Piazza is the Director of Contracts at Platform after serving in progressively senior contracting roles.
Adam Daniel
Director, supply chain management
Adam Daniel is the Director of Supply Chain and has 9 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, 6 years of which have been in defense and aerospace manufacturing at Platform Aerospace.
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During her 23 years of focused government and commercial contracting experience, Wendy served in leadership roles at Xator Corporation (acquired by Parsons Corporation), TSM Corporation (acquired by Xator), and Coalescent Technologies Corporation.
Piazza has a bachelor’s degree in business management and is an active member of the Central Florida chapter of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).
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Adam has previously held roles in engineering and project management which have aided in his understanding of the effects of the supply chain on the organization. He is responsible for ensuring all components are procured and arrive in a timely manner along with maintaining inventory to support production at Platform Aerospace.
Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Arkansas and an M.B.A from Louisiana State University.
Vee panchal
Engineering lead, Aerospace & Mechanical
Vaidehi Panchal is the lead for Platform Aerospace’s Mechanical, Aerospace, and Propulsion Engineering teams. She brings a wealth of structural design, analysis, and project management knowledge and insights to her role.
Mia Potter
Engineering lead, Systems
Mia brings a breadth of expertise with 20 years of experience in information and data management, spanning project management, engineering, education, and health sciences.
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Over the previous two years, Vee has demonstrated an impressive ability to understand intricate technical requirements and effectively manage the Mechanical Engineering team towards the successful completion of tasks within designated timelines and available resources. These exceptional abilities have propelled her into the leadership roles for the Aerospace and Propulsion engineering departments. Additionally, Vee has developed processes and standards for her team and Platform Aerospace. She believes that setting up process and procedural standards is not only a fundamental part of organizational excellence but also a tool to ensure safety and compliance with industry standards. Vee’s philosophy extends far beyond management. She has been deeply invested in the growth and development of her teams. By equipping her departments with proper training, she strives to cultivate a culture of continuous learning to manufacture more responsive, productive, and innovative teams.
Vee has a master’s degree in Aerospace Structures from Wichita State University and 5+ years of hands-on experience in the aerospace industry.
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In November 2022, she earned her PMP (Project Management Professional) certification, highlighting her commitment to effective project management practices. Mia's proactive approach and extensive experience positions her as a valuable contributor in driving successful outcomes across different industries.
With more than 15 years in the Defense Industry, Mia supported DOD and DHS programs, showcasing her capabilities, adaptability, and collaborative mindset. Prior to joining Platform Aerospace, Mia successfully led a team of experts to excel in supporting numerous customers across nearly 10 task orders. Despite remote work, her team maintained high productivity through daily Scrum meetings, where tasks, challenges, and insights were discussed.
Mia stands as a professional with two distinct recognitions: Certified International Configuration Manager and Agile practitioner. These credentials have proven to be assets in developing solutions that align with customers’ business objectives and strategic initiatives. In her position as Systems Engineering Lead, Mia will navigate the complexities of Engineering projects while ensuring accurate task and time allocation, integration of several project components, and her team’s success. Beyond her professional pursuits, Mia takes pride in her roles as a mother to her two grown sons, Ryan and Will, and a caretaker of two delightful dogs, Oreo and Chewy.