BIOGRAPHIES
in order of appearance
Mike Robson, Raven Defense
Mike Robson is one of four founders and the Chief Growth Officer CGO of Raven Defense, a small business located in Albuquerque, NM that primarily focuses on test support for the US DoD and other allied nations, as well as SATCOM, EW, ISR, and other RF technologies.
In 2000, he graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology before attending graduate school at Texas State University where he received an MS in Biochemistry. He then went on to complete his PhD from the University of New Mexico in Nanoscience and Microsystems Engineering.
During his tenure at UNM he also worked at Ktech, which was ultimately bought by Raytheon, where he was introduced to the RDT&E community and range support, where he has worked ever since.
It was during this time that he was the Mission Support Manager for Mobile Range at Raytheon, where he led multiple airborne and sea based telemetry missions and the development of several airborne telemetry antennas.
Upon leaving Raytheon to start Raven, he has been an integral part of the development of the technology suite that is now critical to the US DoW’s ability to conduct long range, over the horizon tests
Thomas O’Brien, Department of War, Field Activity, Test Resource Management Center
Coming soon
Mr. William M. Darden Jr., Director, Atlantic Ranges & Targets Department (AD7), Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)
Mr. William “Bill” Darden, Jr., is Director of the Atlantic Ranges & Targets Department (Code AD7) at NAWCAD. He manages the Navy’s preeminent East Coast flight test range, which operates and sustains range and target assets to provide safe, instrumented, controlled testing, training, and experimentation in the air, on land, and at sea. He oversees more than 500 range and targets professionals, who design, develop, integrate, and operate instrumentation, communications, target systems, and digital data gathering and handling equipment for DoD flight testing.
Mr. Darden began his government career in 1989 as a Co-Op student in the Radar Branch of what was then the Chesapeake Test Range, while pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon receiving his degree from Virginia Tech in 1993, he was assigned to the Advanced Range Data System (ARDS) team, where he helped introduce GPS tracking systems to the Range. In 1999, he served as Team Lead for the Data Processing and Displays team and led the investment effort that transitioned the Range to ethernet-based data transport for all range instrumentation. He was subsequently selected as ATR’s Aircraft Signature and Avionics Measurement Branch Head from 2002 to 2009, where he led range preparations supporting the initial developmental testing of the EA-18G Growler and the survivability characteristics of the F-35B/C Joint Strike Fighter.
Mr. Darden was named ATR Chief Engineer in 2009 and in 2017 received the esteemed designation of NAWCAD Senior Scientific and Technical Manager (SSTM) Senior Technology Expert for Electronic Warfare and Radar Cross-Section Flight Test. As SSTM, he provides a level of proficiency and leadership essential to creating and maintaining DoD’s state-of-the-art scientific, engineering, and technological operations to meet future warfighting requirements. He has led two major Central Test & Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP) projects: the RCS Range Relevance program and the Mid-Atlantic Range Expansion program, both critical to advancing ATR’s range capabilities. He also has led several large Naval Innovative Science & Engineering (NISE) infrastructure investments to develop enhanced security facilities meeting range requirements driven by the Air Wing of the Future (AWotF).
Mr. Darden has also served as the primary Navy Service Representative to the DoD Reliance Panel process on behalf of OPNAV N94 since 2012 and as Chair of the DoD’s RCS Signature Measurement Executive Committee since 2018. He currently serves on the Range Commander’s Council (RCC) Executive Committee and serves as technical consultant to senior executive service personnel at NAWCAD and NAVAIR.
Mr. Darden received his Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering. He married his wife Barb in 1996, and they have three children: Cameron, Owen, and Jillian.
Troy A. Asher, Acting Director, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center
Troy A. Asher is the acting center director at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Appointed to this position in March 2026, he oversees all aspects of management, strategy, and operations at Armstrong, one of the agency’s 10 field centers.
NASA Armstrong is the agency’s lead center for atmospheric flight research, operations, and testing, and continues to accelerate advances in science, technology, and exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth.
Armstrong supports the agency by providing flight research and development for NASA aeronautics as well as global flight operations and development for NASA science in support of astrophysics and Earth science. Armstrong supports the agency’s human space flight and space technology efforts through atmospheric flight validation.
Experience
Previously, Asher was the director for Flight Operations at NASA Armstrong. He was responsible for managing the center’s 300-person flight research operation of pilots, maintainers, and engineers, as well as a fleet of 25 highly modified manned and unmanned aircraft of 11 different types that are flown on worldwide aeronautical, science, and astronomy flight research missions.
Asher joined the Armstrong flight operations staff in 2008 as a research test pilot and aerospace engineer. This followed a 24-year career as a U.S. Air Force officer and test pilot, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
As a research pilot, Asher conducted flight test and airborne research on various aircraft, including the F-15, F/A-18, Gulfstream III, T-34 and X-56A unmanned aircraft system. He was the lead test pilot for the development of NASA’s 747SP Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) and flew extensive flight test and scientific research missions in NASA’s DC-8. He flew science and support missions to the North Pole, Antarctica, New Zealand, Japan, Russia, Europe and Central and South America, and supported numerous other projects as a safety and photo chase pilot.
During his military career, Asher served as an instructor at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona and at the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, which he also attended as a member of Class 98B. He was the commander of the 419th Flight Test Squadron and director of the Bomber Combined Test Force at Edwards and was a program manager and chief of low observables at the B-2A System Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. In 2003, he set 25 world speed records in the B-1B.
Education
Asher is a 1988 Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with a bachelor’s degree in astronautical engineering. Asher received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2003 from Fresno State University, California, where he graduated with honors and was awarded the Dean’s Medal.
Honors
Asher is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and his honors include the Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Antarctic Service Medal.
Dr. David G. Smith, CEO, Mojave Air and Space Port
Doctor David G. Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of the Mojave Air and Space Port, a world-renowned flight research center spanning 3300+ acres, hosting the latest and most advanced aeronautical designs. Previously he was the Director of the multi-billion dollar Air Force Production Facility, Plant 42, where he championed essential infrastructure and support capabilities directly influencing the production and flight test mission. He is also retired from the United States Air Force with most recent duties as Inspector General for Edwards AFB and an Experimental Test Flight Radar Navigator attached to the 419th Flight Test Squadron, supporting the development, evaluation and procurement of new technologies in aircraft, performance, weaponry, and avionics. He is also the Commander, Recruiting, Training and Education Command, California Guard, where he as a Brigadier General supporting Title 32 actions for the readiness, effectiveness and integration of forces with the California Army and Air National Guard.
Doctor Smith entered the Air Force in 1982, and flew B-52’s at multiple locations. His many accomplishments include earning the coveted Fairchild Trophy; an achievement recognized by President Reagan. He was hand-picked from all B-52, B-1 and FB-111 crews to accompany General Chain, CINCSAC, to represent the SAC alert force receiving the David C. Schilling Award for the year’s most outstanding contribution to flight. He has also served as a Regimental Air Liaison Officer attached to the elite 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He has deployed to combat duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Doctor Smith is married to the former Denise Cook, and they share six children, a son Damien, and daughters, Daira, Darcie, Avalon, Bailee, and Madyson, along with eight grandchildren.
Justin Salters, California Project Lead for the Griffiss Institute
Justin Salters is California Project Lead for the Griffiss Institute, where he leads cluster strategy to expand flight test capacity and mission-driven aerospace and defense growth across California’s Aerospace Valley.
In this role, he drives cross-sector partnerships spanning industry, government, community, and academia—unlocking access to collaboration with federal innovation assets in East Kern and the Antelope Valley to accelerate mission execution and regional economic growth.
With a background in public policy, strategic communications, and entrepreneurship, Salters specializes in stakeholder alignment, coalition-building, and regional advocacy. His work translates complex mission requirements into scalable economic opportunity, positioning California as a hub for sustainable flight test innovation.
Drew Mercy, Executive Director, Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise
Drew Mercy is a native Southern Californian. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of California, Davis. Drew is the Executive Director of the Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise – the economic development corporation for northern Los Angeles County and southeastern Kern County. AV EDGE works to bring investment and jobs to the region and promote a successful local economy. Prior to this role, he served as an advisor for state elected officials for over twenty years. He is a past president of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade, Antelope Valley Jaycees and a past Honorary Commander at Edwards Air Force Base. Currently he serves as Chairman of the City of Lancaster Criminal Justice Commission, Director and Immediate Past President of the Antelope Valley Fair Association Board, Director of the Antelope Valley Boosters, and Vice President of the Special Districts’ Association of North Los Angeles County.
Art Thomson, Vice President, Sage Cheshire
Arthur Thompson is CEO of Sage Cheshire Aerospace, President of A2ZFX and Chairman of the Board for the Flight Test Historical Foundation, with over 47 years in aerospace design and innovation. He was the Technical Project Director for Red Bull Stratos, overseeing capsule design, life support, and mission operations that enabled Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking freefall from 128,000 feet at Mach 1.25. Thompson has contributed to landmark programs such as the B-2 Stealth Bomber and leads projects spanning aerospace, advanced technologies, and product development. He is widely recognized with multiple industry honors, including induction into the San Diego Air & Space Museum Hall of Fame and the Jerome Lederer Pioneer Space Safety Award. Today, Art continues pushing boundaries through new technologies, creative design, and enjoys sharing the history of flight.
Olivia May, National Test Pilot School
I graduated from Cal Poly with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering concentrated in astronautics. Before I came to NTPS my background was in high power rocketry testing. As a general aviation pilot, I also did some projects with using rule-based artificial intelligence for assisting general aviation pilots. I joined NTPS in 2023 as a Graduate Assistant and completed the fixed-wing FTE professional course in 2024, earning my M.S. in Flight Test Engineering. I have been working at NTPS since and have become heavily involved in attending to the school’s flight test instrumentation systems. I am currently a lead FTE on an instrumentation upgrade program for an L-39C in our fleet. I have also been managing our existing and desired frequency licenses and will be a part of the upcoming effort to move away from depending on the congested frequency spectrum out here in the Antelope Valley.
Arielle Sewell, Director of Operations, Mojave Air and Space Port
Arielle Sewell has been the Mojave Air and Space Port Director of Operations for the last 3 years. She holds an MS in Aeronautics with a focus in Aerospace Safety Program Management, a BS in Technical Management, as well as several certifications in SMS, emergency management, accident investigation, and human factors. Arielle utilizes her experience to foster collaborative relationships between entities to cultivate safety-focused solutions to operational or regulatory challenges. As a self-proclaimed airport enthusiast, Arielle uses her passion for on the ground operations to provide a safe and efficient experience for all that use the airport space.
This session will explore the coordination and logistics involved in experimental flight test at a civilian airport. It will highlight key regulatory frameworks and challenges, cross-company coordination, and how test programs are safely integrated into an active airspace. The goal is to allow attendees to gain insight into the complexities and challenges associated with testing at public use airports; and highlight the operational, regulatory, and safety challenges of accommodating test aircraft within an active airport environment.
Brandon Venzor, System Administrator, Mojave Air and Space Port
As the current System Administrator for Mojave Air and Space Port, Brandon Venzor has a decade of experience within the information technology sector. With specialized, hands-on expertise with network integration and secured reliability of IT environments, Brandon is able to support Mojave Air and Space Port’s growing innovation, while maintaining the current infrastructure. Focusing on implementation and deployment of new systems, Brandon is able to help keep the airport efficient and avoid technology-based concerns.
Dr. Zachary Krevor is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Stratolaunch, LLC. He leads the strategic development and management of the company offering, ensuring successful delivery of an affordable product that meets the needs of the hypersonic test community.
Dr. Krevor has over 20 years of experience leading integration across business and engineering teams to develop aircraft and spacecraft systems. His leadership has resulted in the development of technology solutions that have been used by a variety of government and commercial customers. Dr. Krevor was the Vice President of Engineering at Stratolaunch Systems Corporation, a Chief Systems Engineer on Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser program, and an engineer on the Lockheed Martin Orion program.
Dr. Krevor has a M.S. and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA. He is an AIAA Associate Fellow and a private pilot.