Leadership Team

Wahid Nawabi has served as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors since 2016. Wahid joined AeroVironment in 2011 as senior vice president and general manager of the EES business segment, where he reshaped the segment’s business strategy, launched a number of award-winning, innovative new products and significantly improved its position in the market. Prior to his current role, Wahid served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the company, where he managed all aspects of AeroVironment’s two business segments. Wahid also managed multiple business process improvement projects, which led to significant improvements in customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. He led the integration of the company’s engineering, operations, supply chain and quality functional organizations into a single corporate shared services model across both business segments and all product lines. Wahid spent 16 years of his career at American Power Conversion Corporation (APC) in multiple leadership roles helping the company achieve its business strategy. As a former Vice President of the enterprise business segment at APC, Wahid played a key role in launching the company’s ambitious and successful strategy of entering the data center critical power and cooling infrastructure business. During his tenure, APC became the global leader in designing and manufacturing fully integrated data center power and cooling infrastructure solutions. Wahid played a key role in growing the company from $50 million to more than $2.4 billion in annual revenue, and its eventual sale to Schneider Electric for $6.1 Billion. This was the largest acquisition in the history of Schneider Electric.

He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
“There is no place like AeroVironment where a group of honorable, smart, and hardworking people can make such a big and positive impact on our lives and society. I am excited and honored to lead such a team in order to help all of our 3 stakeholders Proceed with Certainty.”

Wahid earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Maryland at College Park in Electrical Engineering.

Prior to joining AeroVironment in 2020, Kevin McDonnell served as chief financial officer of JAMS, Inc., which provides alternative dispute resolution services. During his tenure at JAMS, Kevin helped the company nearly double its revenue and more than double its EBITDA. Kevin brings more than 30 years of experience in financial, IT and HR leadership roles, including serving as chief financial officer for companies in the technology, automotive and health industries. Most notably, Kevin held various senior financial roles at Teradata Corporation during its high-growth phase, where the company grew from $3 million to $300 million in revenue and expanded globally into Europe and Asia. Kevin also served as CFO of Digital Insight, where he was instrumental in significantly growing its annual revenue, taking the company public and leading three acquisitions.

Kevin earned his J.D. at Loyola Law School and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University.

Ken Karklin has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since June 2020 and is accountable for product line management, engineering, fulfillment, program management, quality, information technology and related support functions. Prior to AeroVironment’s sale of the Efficient Energy System (EES) segment in June 2018, Ken served as the company’s Vice President and General Manager of EES from May 2015, and as Vice President of Transition Services, subsequent to the divestiture. From April 2009 until May 2015, Ken served in a range of leadership roles at AeroVironment, including Director of Corporate Quality.

Prior to joining the company, Ken served as Vice President of Product Engineering at venture-funded start-up Touchdown Technologies which was successfully acquired in 2009 by Verigy (now part of Advantest Corp.). Ken previously held engineering leadership roles at established technology leaders, including Verigy, Agilent Technologies, Hewlett-Packard Company and Intel Corporation.

He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
“At AeroVironment intelligent risk taking is rewarded and we thrive together as a team… and our history exemplifies this in so many ways! We celebrate innovation but also have an expectation for accountability and taking ownership!”

Ken earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1995, is a graduate of Agilent/Hewlett-Packard’s year-long Accelerated Leadership Development Program (ADP/LEAD) and continues to pursue Executive Management coursework with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management.

Melissa Brown joined AeroVironment in 2015 as the company’s Corporate Counsel. In 2016 she was appointed the company’s Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Prior to joining AeroVironment, Brown served as an associate attorney at K&L Gates LLP in Los Angeles, California and Jennings Strouss and Salmon PLC in Phoenix, Arizona, advising clients on a range of securities transactions, mergers & acquisitions and corporate governance issues.

She says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
"I love being a part of the AV family, where people truly care about the company and each other. I enjoy the constant challenge of the variety of work I do and learning something new every day - no day for me at AV is like any other. It’s exciting to come to work each day and be a part of the innovative and creative work that we do and see how our products help our customers."

Melissa earned a juris doctor from the Arizona State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and molecular genetics from the University of California Los Angeles.

Steve Gitlin joined AeroVironment in 2002 to define the market entry strategy for one of the company’s first commercial product lines and then successfully secured multi-million dollar orders from key national accounts for that business. He helped lead AeroVironment’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2007 and then established and leads the company’s marketing and investor relations programs. Steve subsequently led the development and introduction of AeroVironment’s first corporate identity strategy, then designed and executed the introduction of the company’s Values, Purpose and Promise system. Steve redesigned and leads the company’s strategic planning process and works with Wall Street analysts and institutional investors to ensure an accurate understanding of AeroVironment growth strategy and business. Prior to joining AeroVironment Steve served as a management consultant with Deloitte Consulting, focusing on Strategy and Operations for global enterprises in Aerospace, Telecommunications and Technology industries. He has served clients across the Americas and is an enthusiastic and ever-improving weekend soccer player and passionate fan.

He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
“Smart, creative people. Great ideas. Collaborative culture. Future-defining technologies. Making a tangible difference in the world. Doing things that have never been done before. These are some of the reasons why I joined AeroVironment in 2002 and am still here, fully engaged and excited to be a part of this journey. This place is not for everyone, but for those who seek to create a better, safer and more prosperous future through the introduction of disruptive technology solutions, this is a place you should consider.”

Steve earned a Master in Business Administration degree from the Wharton School and a Master in International Management with an emphasis on Latin America from the Joseph H. Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UCLA.

Gorik Hossepian has served as our Vice President of Product Line Management, UAS since 2018 and is responsible for developing and executing product and technology roadmaps, and managing the life cycle of AeroVironment’s UAS portfolio.

Gorik has over 38 years of experience in military and commercial aerospace as a business unit leader, program manager and engineer. Prior to joining AeroVironment, Gorik spent 3 years at Cobham Advanced Electronics Systems as the Vice President of Electronic Warfare Product Line, where he was responsible for ensuring programmatic performance and delivering on customer commitments. Prior to Cobham, Gorik was with Northrop Grumman Electronics for 9 years, at the Navigation and Positioning Systems Business Unit in Woodland Hills, California focused on leading and transforming a multi-national avionics business unit serving both military and commercial markets. 

Gorik has also held Program Management and Engineering positions at major aerospace and defense organizations including, Boeing Satellite Systems, and Honeywell International (formerly AlliedSignal). He directed the development of commercial communications satellites at Boeing, serving both domestic and international markets while focusing on environmental control and life support equipment at Honeywell, aimed at commercial, military and manned space applications.


He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
"AeroVironment is a compassionate and caring organization; focused on a clearly articulated future vision that excites and motivates everyone."

Gorik earned Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California.

Hamed Khalkhali joined AeroVironment in October 2017 as the Director of Engineering for the Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) business unit. He has been the Vice President of Engineering since December 2018. Hamed is responsible for new product development, sustaining engineering activities, MacCready Works (the company’s forward thinking laboratory), and the overall state of engineering talent in all locations.

Hamed has over 28 years of experience in the aerospace and automotive industries, holding various technical and leadership positions at Safran Electronics & Defense, Parker Aerospace, Siemens Simulation, and Delphi Automotive Systems.

He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
“AeroVironment is the cross section of talent, innovation, and a rich collaborative caring culture.”

Hamed holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Sharif University of Technology, a Masters from Wright State University, Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in Mechanical Engineering, and an MBA from California Lutheran University. He has been an adjunct faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona for 12 years.

Regine Lawton joined AeroVironment in May 2020 as Vice President and Chief Information Officer. She is responsible for leading the Information Systems teams, securing and scaling the company, and overseeing the path to digital transformation. 

Prior to joining AeroVironment, Regine held multiple C-Level executive roles at various small and midsize companies. She also worked at larger companies including Spirent Communications, Electronics for Imaging, United Online, Apple Computer, and Technicolor where she held engineering and digital transformation/IT roles, launched multiple ventures as well as new hardware, software and mobile products. She is a global and results-oriented senior executive with a proven track record of rolling out business and technology solutions focused on improving performance, transformation and value creation.

She says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
"AeroVironment is a very special place because of its people, its culture, which truly empowers its people, to make a difference in our world and our lives, through hard work, dedication, and family values. Being part of an innovative team, fun atmosphere and surrounded by welcoming people make it exciting to come to work and develop solutions to make our customers successful.”

Regine has 25 years of experience in the computer and software industry. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Masters in Computer Engineering and an Executive MBA degree from Pepperdine University.

Scott Newbern has served as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of AeroVironment since December of 2018. This includes leadership of the MacCready Works Laboratory ­– a focal point for AeroVironment’s continuous innovation, focusing on relentless problem solving and doing what has never been done before. Scott previously served as the Vice President of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems beginning in 2012. He guided the strategic and tactical activities for the SUAS business area. Scott has served in various UAS leadership positions at AeroVironment since joining the company in 1997. Scott led advanced UAS development activities including establishing high volume SUAS manufacturing capability at AeroVironment.

He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:

"AeroVironment is a great place to work for me because of the people. Teamwork is tremendous and our people are driven by passion to achieve awe-inspiring results."

Scott earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University with specialty in UAS aerodynamic modeling, control system design and flight research. Scott also completed Stanford Executive Institute program for high technology executives and Gap International’s Executive Challenge.

Richard (Rick) Pedigo has served in various leadership positions at AeroVironment since joining the company in 2005. Rick led the Tactical Missile Systems business unit, focusing on growing AeroVironment’s line of advanced direct fire tactical missile products. Rick led the Advanced Programs business area where he was responsible developing innovative technologies in autonomy, unmanned systems, and advanced missiles. Prior to that he led the small Unmanned Aerial Systems business area, home to AeroVironment’s family of SUAS systems: Wasp AE, Raven and Puma unmanned aerial vehicles. Before joining AeroVironment, Rick led product development teams in commercial and aerospace companies including, Answer Products, Rantec Microwave and Hughes Aircraft Company.

He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
“AeroVironment is a great place to work for me, because of the smart dedicated people all working to create innovative products that make the world a safer place."

Rick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, a Masters in Engineering degree from Loyola Marymount University, and a MBA from Krannert School of Management at Purdue University.

Alison Roelke joined AeroVironment in 2017 to lead the People & Culture function with a focus on creating a “Great Place to Work.”

Prior to AeroVironment, Alison was Vice President, Human Resources for Custom Sensors & Technologies, a division of Schneider Electric, which was sold to private equity in 2014 and then to Sensata Technologies in 2015. Alison stayed on with Sensata Technologies leading the Global HR Mergers & Acquisitions function. Prior to that, Alison held talent and HR operations management positions in both manufacturing and financial services organizations including YTCA a subsidiary of Yazaki Corporation, Mitsubishi / Caterpillar, and Digital Insight.

She says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
“At AeroVironment you are surrounded by interesting and intelligent people who show great passion for what they do. We have exciting technology, jobs that will challenge you, a supportive and welcoming work environment, and the opportunity to work on many diverse projects."

Alison holds a Bachelor degree in Business Management from California Coast University. She received her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation in 2002 from the HR Certification Institute.

Trace Stevenson has served as the Vice President Emerging Business since February 2019 and Deputy General Manager since 2016. He is responsible for the leadership of our Emerging Business overseeing our HAPS business and serves as a Board Member of HAPSMobile, our Joint Venture with Soft Bank. He also is responsible for the integration efforts of any Merger or Acquisition and for the strategic and tactical execution of the UAS P&L. Trace has held various leadership roles within AeroVironment, including leading our International Business Unit where he was responsible for the support of over 40 International customers. He also led and was responsible for the execution of our top strategic initiatives such as the establishment of a Joint Venture in a foreign country.

He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
"Knowing that when you come to work every day you are doing something that makes a difference in the world by protecting our warfighters and allies who are preserving our freedom.”

Trace has 20 years of experience in the defense industry and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economics from the University of Kansas.

Thomas (Tom) Vaneck joined AeroVironment in 2019 to stand up the Innovation Center New England where he leads the engineering and product development activities for the greater New England area, focused primarily on small, multi-rotor unmanned aircraft systems. Since joining AeroVironment, he has helped create a new business development activity that aims to focus and mature new market entry strategies.

Tom has broad robotics experience (underwater, air, and space) with particular expertise in miniaturization and biomimetics. Prior to joining AeroVironment, Tom cofounded and led InstantEye Robotics, a division of Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), as the Vice President of Disruptive Technologies. Prior to PSI, Tom was the Vice President of Research and Development at Aurora Flight Sciences where he stood up and ran the Research and Development Center based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
“It’s all about the people and the amazing technologies and products they create! When I interviewed at AeroVironment, I was shown a few of the technologies the company had created or helped to create: a robotic hummingbird, the Mars Helicopter (Ingenuity), and a solar-powered airplane with a 260-foot wingspan. Why would I want to work anyplace else?!”

Tom earned a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (focused on controls engineering) from Stanford University, Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Master of Arts degree in Mathematics, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, all from Penn State University. Tom was also a Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT in the Aerospace Engineering Department and the Sea Grant College Program.

Colin Walker has served as the Vice President of Fulfillment since December 2018 and is accountable for the introduction of new manufacturable products, strategic forecast planning, procurement and inventory management, and operational planning of customer deliverable hardware to contract requirements. Colin previously served in various leadership positions at AeroVironment including Sr. Director of Operational Services and as Director of Corporate Quality.

Prior to coming to AeroVironment, Colin served in a variety of industries including enterprise analytics software development, nuclear electronics, medical equipment, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing, and he rounded out his career with new business startups and Fortune 500 companies.

Starting his career in engineering, Colin broadened the scope of his responsibilities with management roles in business development, operations, quality, supply chain and continuous improvement. He is certified in both Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing and his guidelines and methodologies for supply chain improvements are known professionally. He is a noted speaker on best-in-class Lean Six Sigma Sourcing and has presented at both domestic and international venues. His methodologies have been published on Purchasing Automation.com, and he has presented his topics at the Boston Top 100 Companies Learning Summit, Supplier Performance Summit, and the American Production and Inventory Control Society.

He says AeroVironment is a great place to work because:
“AeroVironment is the place where challenging boundaries and pushing beyond the norm is a way of life and part of the cultural DNA. Where creativity is applauded, results are rewarded and we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of the customers we serve.”

Colin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Liverpool and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University Of London.