Kimberly Benson
Administrator
Bringing years of experience as an entrepreneur in international trade, Kim is focused on the intersection of aviation, advanced technology and economic development. She is recognized for her expertise in trade policy and government affairs. She serves as the Primary Vice Chair of the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business in Washington, DC, to which she was appointed by the US Commerce Secretary and the US Trade Representative.
Terry Parisher
Technical Advisor
Internationally renowned in the UAS industry, Terry has extensive UAS experience in both the private sector and the military. He developed and successfully commercialized groundbreaking UAS technology under Straight Up Imaging, a US-based commercial-use drone design and engineering firm which he founded and later sold. During his 22-year career in the Army and Air Force, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership in the realm of drone use and integration in the military. He served as a commander in multiple military aviation UAS units and continues to contribute to aerial robotics in the Department of Defense and public environments.
Jeff Riolo
Lead Instructor
Jeff is an established entrepreneur with a focus on drone operations and training for public safety, commercial and industrial applications. He is a truly gifted instructor with a passion for equipping first responders – including firefighters, forestry, emergency/medical and security personnel – with the best UAS training available. He has instructed hundreds of students in virtually every public sector agency. In addition, Jeff utilizes his Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in his capacity as a business law professor at California’s second largest community college.
Efrem Venters
Military Liaison
Efrem has served as a Navy Helicopter Aircraft Commander, Operations Manager, Naval Officer and trusted advisor to two Vice Admirals (3-Star). Building on his leadership experience in advanced technology and global logistics, Efrem has had a distinguished corporate career. As an entrepreneur, he provides high-quality manufacturing, project management, and supply chain services to government agencies and commercial clients.
Jason Ramos
Advisor
Jason has been a wildland firefighter with 26 years of experience, most of that time as a U.S. smokejumper. He's currently a first responder with Washington State Search & Rescue, drone pilot (Okanogan County). As a smokejumper he has fought fires from Alaska to Florida and nearly everywhere in between. Smokejumpers remain some of the oldest resources deployed by government agencies today. Jason is author of the book Smokejumper and is a featured speaker on TedTalks.