AeroVironment Executive and Leadership Team

Brian Dransfield, the Chief Financial Officer, Scde at AeroVironment, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the Space, Cyber & Directed Energy segment. Overseeing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer, Scde ensures that capital investments support the development of high-growth defense technologies. This leadership role involves coordinating with executive peers to align budgetary priorities with long-term strategic objectives in the aerospace sector. By optimizing cost structures and monitoring revenue streams from government contracts, Brian Dransfield directly supports the financial stability required for sustained innovation. Dransfield maintains rigorous oversight of financial reporting and compliance, ensuring that the segment remains agile while pursuing complex technological advancements that define the future of cyber and directed energy defense capabilities.

Trace Stevenson, the President, Autonomous Systems at AeroVironment, leads the strategic direction and market expansion for the company's core uncrewed and robotic platforms. Overseeing the business development and program management teams, the President, Autonomous Systems ensures that product offerings align with the evolving requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied governments. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and fostering partnerships that enhance the reach of autonomous technologies. By driving the growth of the UnCrewed Systems segment, Trace Stevenson directly influences the company's market impact and competitive positioning. Stevenson coordinates with technical and operational leaders to ensure that autonomous solutions remain at the forefront of modern warfare, providing essential intelligence and tactical advantages to users operating in challenging environments worldwide.

Mary Clum, the President, Space, Cyber & Directed Energy at AeroVironment, directs the development and commercialization of advanced defense technologies beyond traditional uncrewed systems. Overseeing the specialized teams within the Space, Cyber & Directed Energy segment, the President, Space, Cyber & Directed Energy drives innovation in high-altitude platforms and cyber-resilient infrastructure. This role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes and securing strategic contracts with federal agencies. By focusing on the integration of directed energy and space-based assets, Mary Clum expands the company's technological footprint into critical new domains. Clum manages the cross-functional teams responsible for delivering these high-stakes solutions, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in providing cutting-edge capabilities that address the most pressing security threats in the modern digital and physical battlespace.

Marshall Davidson, the Uas Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at AeroVironment, directs the research and development of uncrewed aircraft systems. Overseeing the integration of advanced payloads and ground control software, the Uas Vice President & Chief Technology Officer ensures that all airborne platforms meet the rigorous demands of the U.S. Department of Defense. This leadership role involves mapping future technology roadmaps to maintain a competitive edge in the global aerospace market. By refining the technical architecture of small unmanned systems, Marshall Davidson directly impacts the reliability and performance of robotic assets deployed in complex environments. Davidson manages the transition of experimental prototypes into production-ready hardware, ensuring that every system delivers precise intelligence and tactical support for government agencies and international allies across diverse operational theaters.

Scott Bowman, the Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Global Engineering at AeroVironment, architects the overarching engineering strategy for the entire product portfolio. Leading the global engineering teams, the Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Global Engineering drives innovation in ground robotic systems and loitering munitions. This role requires close collaboration with the MacCready Works segment to accelerate the development of next-generation defense technologies. By standardizing engineering processes across international operations, Scott Bowman ensures consistent quality and rapid deployment capabilities for all clients. Bowman oversees the technical lifecycle of complex hardware, from initial design concepts to final field support, ensuring that every engineering milestone aligns with the broader corporate mission of providing superior robotic solutions for modern security challenges.

Brad Truesdell, the Chief Operations Officer at AeroVironment, executes the manufacturing and supply chain strategies necessary to deliver robotic systems at scale. Overseeing production facilities and logistics, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the UnCrewed Systems and Loitering Munition Systems segments meet delivery timelines for federal and international clients. This role involves streamlining operational workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce lead times for critical defense hardware. By managing the integration of ground support equipment and components, Brad Truesdell maintains the operational readiness of the entire product line. Truesdell drives continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing sites, ensuring that the company maintains its position as a reliable provider of unmanned systems while scaling production to meet increasing global demand for advanced robotic solutions.

Melissa Brown, the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Executive Vice President & Corporate Secretary at AeroVironment, manages all legal affairs, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance protocols. Overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Executive Vice President & Corporate Secretary ensures that all international and domestic operations adhere to strict defense industry standards and government contracting requirements. This leadership role involves advising the Board and executive team on risk management, intellectual property protection, and corporate ethics. By maintaining rigorous compliance frameworks, Melissa Brown safeguards the company's reputation and operational integrity. Brown facilitates complex contract negotiations and manages corporate records, ensuring that the organization operates within the legal boundaries necessary to support sensitive government missions while pursuing global growth and technological innovation.