“One of Our Own”

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International is one of the world’s most important advocacy groups for the UxS industry. After Michael Robbins left in early October, AUVSI, based in Arlington, Virginia, has found a successor. Brett Feddersen was introduced as the future President and CEO at the parallel events “International Drone & AAM Policy Symposium” and “AUVSI Defense” in Washington, DC.

From technological innovation to comprehensive implementation. The UxS industry is at a pivotal stage, and this is true worldwide. Therefore, continuity and determination in shaping the best possible conditions for the drone economy are crucial. After Michael Robbins stepped down and took the lead at the Semiconductor Industry Association on October 1, 2026, the AUVSI team faced the challenge of finding an appropriate successor who understands the mechanisms in industry, the military, government, and policy to best represent the interests of the UxS industry.

“Brett has seen our industry from every conceivable angle,” explains John “JC” Coffey, Chairperson of the AUVSI Board of Directors. “As an operator in harm’s way, as a federal official writing national policy, as an industry executive driving commercial breakthroughs and as an active member and director within AUVSI, he checks every critical box our search committee set out to find. He understands the tactical realities of the end user, the complexities of federal airspace regulation and the economic imperatives required to scale commercial production. We are thrilled to welcome one of our own to lead AUVSI into its next era.”

Brett Feddersen will take over as President & CEO of AUVSI effective December 1, 2026, and already serves as a member of the Board of Directors. Early in his career, he worked in public service as a State Trooper in Pennsylvania, where he served as an undercover investigator, homicide detective, and helicopter pilot. He later served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and subsequently as a senior advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also held senior leadership positions in federal administration: at the White House, he served as the Director for Transportation and Border Security; at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), he was the Executive Director for National Security Programs. As of the end of November, Feddersen remains Vice President of Strategy and Governmental Affairs at D-Fend Solutions. “AUVSI has been integral to my journey”, says Feddersen. “I join ready to lead with clear eyes, certain of what our team, chapters and global membership will achieve together.”