NAVAIR Executive and Leadership Team

Helen Tanner, the President of the Local Chapter at NAVAIR, directs community engagement and internal organizational initiatives that support the command's mission at the regional level. Tanner manages local outreach programs and fosters collaboration between the command and regional stakeholders to promote the importance of naval aviation technology. By overseeing local chapter activities, the President of the Local Chapter drives awareness and support for the command's engineering and material support goals. Tanner facilitates events and discussions that strengthen the connection between the workforce and the broader community. This leadership role involves representing the command's interests in regional forums and ensuring that local operations align with national objectives. Through the strategic management of local initiatives, Helen Tanner ensures that the command maintains a positive and productive presence. Tanner focuses on building strong relationships that support the long-term success of the organization's mission.

Angelina Nance, the Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, directs high-level administrative operations and coordinates cross-functional initiatives across the command. Nance manages the flow of information to senior leadership, ensuring alignment with the mission of providing advanced technology and material support for naval aviation. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes organizational efficiency and supports the rapid deployment of critical systems. Nance facilitates communication between various departments to maintain operational readiness across the global fleet. This leadership role involves overseeing complex projects that require precise synchronization of resources and personnel. Through rigorous oversight of daily activities, the Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of command objectives. Angelina Nance strengthens the operational framework of the organization, ensuring that all divisions remain focused on the core goal of delivering superior aviation capabilities to the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Dana Burke, the Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, architects workforce strategies to support the complex demands of naval aviation engineering and maintenance. Burke oversees talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational structure to ensure the command retains a highly skilled workforce capable of managing advanced aircraft systems. By aligning human capital initiatives with the broader mission of providing material support, the Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff drives long-term workforce sustainability. Burke manages internal policies that govern personnel performance and professional growth across the organization. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with department heads to identify skill gaps and implement training programs. Through the strategic management of human resources, Dana Burke ensures that the command possesses the technical expertise required for modern naval operations. Burke maintains a focus on building a resilient workforce that adapts to evolving technological requirements.

Larry Branthoover, the Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager at NAVAIR, directs the research, development, and integration of cutting-edge aviation technologies. Branthoover manages the portfolio of tactical aircraft systems, ensuring that all engineering efforts meet the rigorous standards required for naval combat operations. By overseeing the transition of new technologies from concept to deployment, the Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager drives innovation across the entire naval aviation enterprise. Branthoover coordinates with technical teams to solve complex engineering challenges and improve the performance of existing platforms. This leadership role involves balancing long-term research goals with immediate operational needs. Through the strategic management of technology portfolios, Larry Branthoover ensures that the command maintains a competitive edge in global maritime environments. Branthoover secures the future of naval aviation through disciplined technical oversight.

Stephanie Gleason, the 22 Osprey Joint Program Office, Naval Air Systems Command Chief of Staff V at NAVAIR, manages the operational and administrative requirements of the V-22 Osprey program. Gleason coordinates the integration of logistics, maintenance, and engineering support to ensure the readiness of this critical tiltrotor platform. By overseeing the daily functions of the program office, the 22 Osprey Joint Program Office, Naval Air Systems Command Chief of Staff V drives the successful execution of mission-critical objectives. Gleason facilitates communication between stakeholders to resolve technical issues and maintain production schedules. This leadership role involves managing complex inter-service relationships to support the deployment of aircraft across diverse operational theaters. Through the diligent oversight of program resources, Stephanie Gleason ensures that the Osprey fleet remains a cornerstone of naval aviation capability. Gleason maintains a focus on operational excellence and the continuous improvement of program delivery.

Gail Ridgell, the Manager, Business & Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, directs the financial and business operations that underpin the command's material support mission. Ridgell oversees budget planning, resource allocation, and contract management to ensure that all aviation programs receive the necessary funding and support. By integrating business strategy with operational requirements, the Manager, Business & Chief of Staff drives fiscal responsibility and efficiency across the organization. Ridgell manages the administrative infrastructure that allows technical teams to focus on engineering and maintenance tasks. This leadership role involves analyzing financial data to support decision-making at the executive level. Through the strategic management of business processes, Gail Ridgell ensures that the command operates within its budgetary constraints while meeting the needs of the fleet. Ridgell maintains a focus on transparency and accountability in all financial dealings, supporting the long-term viability of naval aviation programs.

Jeffrey Pizanti, the Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, directs the integration of reserve personnel into the command's core aviation support functions. Pizanti manages the mobilization and training of reserve forces to ensure they provide seamless support to active-duty operations. By aligning reserve capabilities with the broader mission of providing advanced technology and material support, the Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff drives organizational flexibility and surge capacity. Pizanti coordinates with leadership to identify areas where reserve expertise can enhance the command's overall effectiveness. This leadership role involves managing the administrative and operational readiness of reserve units across the country. Through the strategic management of reserve programs, Jeffrey Pizanti ensures that the command maintains a robust and adaptable workforce. Pizanti focuses on maximizing the contribution of reserve personnel to the success of naval aviation missions, ensuring readiness for any operational requirement.