Project manager for the Lightweight Aerostat System, a unique tethered blimp system being developed by CAROLINA UNMANNED VEHICLES (CUV), Raleigh, NC for the US military and commercial customers. Military version, the Small Tactical Multi-Payload Aerostat System (STMPAS) built and deployed to Afghanistan. Developed research and development proposals, including schedules, materials costing, NRE estimation and planning. Conducted trade studies, requirements analysis and engineering design efforts on the project. Developed briefing and reports on the technical development. Managed prototype construction, flight testing and delivery. Supervised consultants and subcontractors during project development.Also project manager for multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), drones, and related hardware.

Managed over $20 million in projects to identify, purchase and demolish homes in the flood prone areas damaged by Hurricane Floyd. Worked under a joint program of the North Carolina DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT and the FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.

Project manager at WALTER KIDDE AEROSPACE (Contract position) for aircraft fire detection / suppression system for a new 70 passenger airliner. Wrote Engineering Change Requests, Systems Descriptions, flight/ground test procedures, and Safety of Flight certifications. Reviewed and approved design changes, system safety analysis and production schedules. .

Environmental Engineer III for the North Carolina DIVISION OF RADIATION PROTECTION. Developed and implemented processes to evaluate waste disposal site characterization plans, reports, and the License Application for a proposed NC Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Project. Trained personnel in complex procedures to ensure meeting exacting legal and scientific standards. Procedures and training processes adopted by several other states for their projects. Participated in public meetings and reviews.

Provided technical management to the Army Anti-Satellite system program for NICHOLS RESEARCH CORPORATION. Evaluated the prime contractor management plans and development schedules, and proposed methods to reduce program risk. Developed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and schedules for the entire program. Determined program cost / schedule impacts of technical options. Supported support engineering proposals, including both existing Army contracts and a “New Win” for Special Forces support.

Retired from USAF as a Lieutenant Colonel after a 21 year career in research and development. Mike has strong project management and systems engineering experience in over 30 years in government and industry n systems as diverse as space satellites and ground combat vehicles. He holds a BS and an MS in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University and the Air Force Institute of Technology, respectively. His engineering project management experience on UAS, missiles and aircraft have made him extremely qualified to lead project which involves the spectrum of analysis, design and testing of complete military systems.