AUVSI Selects Brett Feddersen as President and CEO to Lead Next Era of Scaled Autonomy

Nat’l Security Veteran and D-Fend Solutions VP Transitions from AUVSI Board to CEO, Uniting Gov’t, Industry and End Users Across the Global Autonomy Ecosystem

ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES, November 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the world’s leading organization representing autonomy, robotics and uncrewed systems, today announced the appointment of Brett Feddersen as President and Chief Executive Officer effective December 1.

Feddersen joins AUVSI from D-Fend Solutions, a Motorola Solutions company, and as an industry leader in counter-drone technology, where he served as Vice President of Strategy and Governmental Affairs, leading public policy and regulatory engagements at the forefront of safe cyber-takeover counter-drone technology. A longstanding leader within AUVSI who rose from active member to the Board of Directors, Feddersen’s selection marks a natural progression for an executive whose career spans operational command, federal policy architecture and commercial technology strategy.

“Brett has seen our industry from every conceivable angle,” said 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.”

Feddersen’s career reflects more than three decades of high-consequence leadership. He began in public service as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, serving as an undercover and homicide detective and helicopter pilot before serving as a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, decorated combat advisor and intelligence officer who led aviation and intelligence units in combat. Later assigned as a Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he went on to hold key Senior Executive Service roles in the federal government, serving as Director for Transportation and Border Security at the White House, where he authored the national framework for mitigating drone threats, and as Executive Director for National Security Programs at the Federal Aviation Administration, leading crisis response, intelligence programs, and aviation security efforts.

“Having started my career as a trooper on the ground and an aviator in the cockpit, I look at autonomous systems through a very personal lens,” said Brett Feddersen, incoming President and CEO of AUVSI. “This technology is not just about novel software or hardware. It is about the mission, our shared values and the people operating on the front lines in our cities and the battlefield overseas. Whether it is a commercial drone inspecting critical energy grids, an autonomous vessel monitoring maritime corridors or a first responder deploying a life-saving system, our members depend on technology that is safe, certifiable and secure. AUVSI has been integral to my journey, and I join ready to lead with clear eyes, certain of what our team, chapters and global membership will achieve together.”

Feddersen succeeds Michael Robbins, who established vital policy baselines and secure supply chain standards during his tenure before departing to lead the Semiconductor Industry Association in October. AUVSI Chief Operating Officer Heather Lee, who served as Interim President and CEO during the search, anchored the transition with uninterrupted organizational momentum and focused execution across all advocacy programs.

Under Feddersen’s leadership, AUVSI will accelerate its focus on moving autonomous systems from policy demonstration into routine, scaled operational deployment across all domains. The association will continue expanding its dual-use initiatives, strengthening domestic and allied manufacturing capacity, and driving commercial market viability for Advanced Air Mobility, surface and undersea platforms, robotics and physical AI.

Upon his start, Feddersen will work immediately with members, committees and board leadership to advance AUVSI’s strategic priorities heading into the new year.

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About AUVSI

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics industry. AUVSI advocates for policy, education, and innovation that support safe and productive use of uncrewed systems.

Alison Wyrick-Mendoza
AUVSI
media@auvsi.org

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Written By: EIN Presswire