NAVAIR Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

NAVAIR has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, and operations.

Driven by advanced technology, NAVAIR provides essential material support and systems for naval aviation, bolstering the capabilities of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft.

Leadership Roles at NAVAIR

  • Chief of Staff - Angelina Nance
  • Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff - Dana Burke
  • Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager - Larry Branthoover
  • Chief of Staff, NAWCAD WOLF - Cynthia Morgan
  • 22 Osprey Joint Program Office, Naval Air Systems Command Chief of Staff V - Stephanie Gleason
  • Manager, Business & Chief of Staff - Gail Ridgell
  • Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff - Jeffrey Pizanti
  • Angelina Nance - Chief of Staff

    Angelina Nance, the Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the command. Nance oversees the coordination of key departmental functions, ensuring seamless execution of the organization's mission to provide advanced technology and material support for naval aviation. This leadership position involves managing critical communication channels between executive leadership and various operational units, facilitating efficient decision-making processes. By optimizing internal workflows and resource allocation, Angelina Nance drives operational effectiveness, directly supporting the Navy and Marine Corps aircraft systems. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of governmental operations and a commitment to advancing naval aviation capabilities through robust organizational management.

    Dana Burke - Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff

    Dana Burke, the Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, spearheads human resources strategy and organizational development. Burke directs initiatives focused on talent acquisition, retention, and professional development, crucial for maintaining the command's technological edge in naval aviation. This role involves aligning human capital strategies with NAVAIR's broader objectives of providing advanced systems and material support. Overseeing the implementation of human capital policies, Dana Burke ensures that personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to support Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. The position requires a deep understanding of workforce dynamics within a federal agency, driving initiatives that foster a high-performing and mission-ready team.

    Larry Branthoover - Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager

    Larry Branthoover, the Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager at NAVAIR, architects the technological vision and strategy for advanced naval aviation systems. Branthoover directs the integration of cutting-edge technologies into tactical aircraft, ensuring NAVAIR's continued leadership in providing sophisticated solutions. This critical role involves managing technology portfolios, identifying emerging innovations, and overseeing their development and deployment to support Navy and Marine Corps aviation. By driving technological advancement, Larry Branthoover ensures that naval platforms remain at the forefront of defense capabilities. The position demands expertise in complex systems engineering and a forward-looking approach to technology management within a federal context.

    Cynthia Morgan - Chief of Staff, NAWCAD WOLF

    Cynthia Morgan, the Chief of Staff, NAWCAD WOLF at NAVAIR, manages strategic operations and administrative functions for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) WOLF initiative. Morgan directs the coordination of resources and personnel to advance NAWCAD's mission in developing and supporting naval aviation technologies. This leadership role ensures that WOLF projects align with broader NAVAIR objectives, focusing on delivering advanced systems and material support for Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. By streamlining operational processes and fostering inter-departmental collaboration, Cynthia Morgan enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of NAWCAD's contributions. The position requires a strong command of project management and strategic planning within a complex governmental framework.

    Stephanie Gleason - 22 Osprey Joint Program Office, Naval Air Systems Command Chief of Staff V

    Stephanie Gleason, the 22 Osprey Joint Program Office, Naval Air Systems Command Chief of Staff V at NAVAIR, leads the strategic and operational management for the V-22 Osprey Joint Program Office. Gleason directs efforts to ensure the continued development, sustainment, and enhancement of the V-22 Osprey platform, a critical asset for naval aviation. This role involves close coordination with multiple stakeholders across the Navy and Marine Corps to meet program objectives. By overseeing program execution and resource allocation, Stephanie Gleason supports the delivery of advanced capabilities and material readiness for this unique aircraft. The position demands exceptional leadership in managing complex joint programs and a commitment to advancing naval aviation technology.

    Gail Ridgell - Manager, Business & Chief of Staff

    Gail Ridgell, the Manager, Business & Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, oversees critical business operations and provides strategic support to executive leadership. Ridgell directs initiatives aimed at enhancing business processes and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to support NAVAIR's mission. This dual role involves managing business functions while also acting as a key advisor on strategic planning and operational execution. By optimizing business practices, Gail Ridgell contributes to NAVAIR's ability to provide advanced technology and material support for naval aviation. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of business management within a federal agency and a commitment to driving operational excellence for Navy and Marine Corps aircraft systems.

    Jeffrey Pizanti - Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff

    Jeffrey Pizanti, the Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, directs the strategic integration and operational readiness of the Naval Air Systems Command Reserve Program. Pizanti oversees the coordination of reserve component activities, ensuring alignment with active duty requirements and NAVAIR's overall mission. This leadership role focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of reserve personnel and resources in supporting naval aviation technology and material sustainment. By enhancing the capabilities of the reserve program, Jeffrey Pizanti contributes to the robust support structure for Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. The position demands expertise in managing specialized programs and a dedication to maintaining operational excellence within a federal framework.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NAVAIR Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NAVAIR?
    NAVAIR is led by Angelina Nance (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Dana Burke (Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff) and Larry Branthoover (Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager).
    Who is part of NAVAIR’s executive team?
    The executive team of NAVAIR includes leaders such as Angelina Nance (Chief of Staff), Dana Burke (Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff), Larry Branthoover (Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NAVAIR have?
    NAVAIR has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NAVAIR’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NAVAIR includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager, Chief of Staff, NAWCAD WOLF, 22 Osprey Joint Program Office, Naval Air Systems Command Chief of Staff V.