NAVAIR Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

NAVAIR has 7 executives leading key functions including strategic operations, technology development, business management, human capital, program oversight, reserve coordination, and local chapter leadership.

Committed to advancing naval aviation capabilities, NAVAIR delivers critical material support and sophisticated technology to ensure the operational readiness of United States Navy and Marine Corps aircraft fleets worldwide.

Leadership Roles at NAVAIR

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

    Helen Tanner, the President of the Local Chapter at NAVAIR, directs community engagement and professional development initiatives that support the command's mission at the regional level. Tanner oversees the activities of the local chapter, fostering collaboration among personnel and promoting the values of the organization. As the President of the Local Chapter, the executive organizes events and forums that facilitate knowledge sharing and professional growth for the workforce. Helen Tanner manages the chapter's outreach efforts, ensuring that the command maintains strong ties with the local professional community. By promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, the President of the Local Chapter strengthens the internal cohesion of the organization. This role involves coordinating with leadership to align chapter activities with the broader strategic objectives of the command. Through active leadership, the President of the Local Chapter ensures that the workforce remains engaged and committed to the long-term success of naval aviation support operations.

    Angelina Nance - Chief of Staff

    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 between executive leadership and internal departments to ensure alignment with naval aviation readiness goals. By optimizing organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making processes that support the delivery of advanced material systems. Angelina Nance monitors the execution of strategic directives, ensuring that all internal divisions maintain focus on the core mission of providing superior technology to the fleet. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains the structural integrity of the command. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with senior military and civilian personnel to address complex logistical challenges. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the operational excellence necessary for maintaining the technological superiority of naval aviation assets across global theaters of operation.

    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 roadmap for tactical aircraft systems. Branthoover evaluates emerging engineering solutions to enhance the performance and survivability of naval aviation platforms. As the Portfolio Manager, the Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager oversees the lifecycle development of critical air combat systems, ensuring that research investments align with current defense requirements. Larry Branthoover manages complex technical portfolios, balancing innovation with rigorous safety and performance standards. By integrating advanced avionics and weapon systems, the Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager secures the long-term viability of the fleet. This role involves frequent engagement with industry partners and research laboratories to accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge capabilities across North American and international naval operations.

    Gail Ridgell - Manager, Business & Chief of Staff

    Gail Ridgell, the Manager, Business & Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, oversees the financial and administrative frameworks supporting naval aviation programs. Ridgell directs business operations, ensuring that resource allocation remains consistent with the strategic objectives of the command. As the Manager, Business & Chief of Staff, the executive monitors budgetary compliance and procurement efficiency to maximize the impact of available funding. Gail Ridgell coordinates internal business processes, facilitating seamless communication between program offices and support divisions. By streamlining administrative functions, the Manager, Business & Chief of Staff enhances the overall agility of the organization. This role involves analyzing fiscal data to inform leadership decisions regarding material support and technology acquisition. Through meticulous management of business operations, the Manager, Business & Chief of Staff ensures that the command maintains the necessary infrastructure to support the complex requirements of the United States Navy and Marine Corps aviation fleets.

    Dana Burke - Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff

    Dana Burke, the Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, directs the strategic development and retention of the specialized workforce required for naval aviation excellence. Burke oversees human capital initiatives, ensuring that the command attracts and maintains top-tier engineering and technical talent. As the Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff, the executive implements training programs that align personnel capabilities with the evolving technological needs of the Navy. Dana Burke manages organizational culture and workforce planning, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and high performance. By optimizing human resource strategies, the Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff supports the long-term operational readiness of the command. This role involves collaborating with leadership to identify skill gaps and implement solutions that strengthen the technical foundation of the organization. Through effective workforce management, the Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff ensures that the command possesses the expertise to sustain advanced naval aviation systems.

    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, directs the administrative and operational coordination for the V-22 Osprey program. Gleason manages the integration of program requirements, ensuring that the Joint Program Office meets critical milestones for aircraft maintenance and support. As the 22 Osprey Joint Program Office, Naval Air Systems Command Chief of Staff V, the executive facilitates communication between stakeholders to resolve logistical bottlenecks and maintain fleet availability. Stephanie Gleason oversees the execution of program-specific strategies, ensuring that all activities align with the broader mission of the command. By coordinating complex program operations, the 22 Osprey Joint Program Office, Naval Air Systems Command Chief of Staff V supports the operational effectiveness of tiltrotor aircraft across diverse military environments. This role requires constant engagement with technical teams to ensure that the V-22 platform remains a reliable asset for naval and marine aviation missions.

    Jeffrey Pizanti - Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff

    Jeffrey Pizanti, the Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff at NAVAIR, directs the integration and operational readiness of reserve personnel within the naval aviation support structure. Pizanti manages the coordination between active-duty requirements and reserve capabilities, ensuring that the command maintains surge capacity for critical missions. As the Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff, the executive oversees the deployment of reserve assets to support ongoing maintenance and technical projects. Jeffrey Pizanti facilitates training and readiness exercises that keep reserve personnel prepared for rapid integration into the fleet support ecosystem. By optimizing the utilization of reserve resources, the Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff enhances the overall flexibility and resilience of the command. This role involves constant collaboration with military leadership to align reserve contributions with the strategic goals of the Navy. Through effective management of the reserve program, the Navair Reserve Program Chief of Staff ensures that the command remains capable of meeting fluctuating operational demands.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NAVAIR Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NAVAIR?
    NAVAIR is led by Helen Tanner (President of the Local Chapter), along with executives such as Angelina Nance (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 Helen Tanner (President of the Local Chapter), Angelina Nance (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 President of the Local Chapter, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Navair Peo Apeo For St & Tactical Aircraft (T) & Portfolio Manager, Manager, Business & Chief of Staff, Group Human Capital Management Chief of Staff.