Experienced. Connected. Informed.

AE Industrial Partners is built on the foundation of accomplished professionals with deep industry knowledge, extensive relationships, and broad operating expertise.

Select:
Senior Corporate Accountant
Juni Allen
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Allen is a Senior Corporate Accountant at AE Industrial and is responsible for corporate financial, accounting and billing matters. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2019, Ms. Allen was a Corporate Accountant at Sun Capital Partners. Prior to Sun Capital Partners, Ms. Allen was Assistant Controller at the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center in Boca Raton, FL.

Education
  • University of Florida, BS
Prior Experience
  • Sun Capital Partners
  • Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center
Fund Accounting Manager
Matthew Angelo
Team | Infrastructure

Mr. Angelo is a Fund Accounting Manager at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on managing the accounting duties for AE Industrial’s investment funds. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2021, Mr. Angelo was a Fund Accountant at Sun Capital Partners. Mr. Angelo is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Education
  • Florida State University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Sun Capital Partners
Senior Fund Accountant
George Apostol
Team | Infrastructure

Mr. Apostol is a Senior Fund Accountant at AE Industrial and is responsible for financial and operational matters for AE Industrial’s investment funds. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2019, Mr. Apostol’s work experience includes Vision Group Holdings, Tyco International and Sun Capital Partners.

Education
  • St. John’s University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Vision Group Holdings
  • Tyco International
  • Sun Capital Partners
Senior Vice President
Zach Appleman
Team | Investor Relations

Mr. Appleman is a Senior Vice President of Capital Formation at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on capital raising for all the firm’s investment strategies. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2023, Mr. Appleman worked at SROA Capital where he was responsible for fundraising and investor relations activities for the firm’s private equity real estate strategies. Earlier in his career, he was a member of the Capital Formation teams at both ISAM and Pomona Capital with a focus on the distribution of public and private market alternative investment strategies to institutional investors. Mr. Appleman is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

Education
  • University of Florida, BS

  • Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)

Prior Experience
  • SROA Capital

  • ISAM

  • Pomona Capital

Associate
Mario Benicky
Team | Infrastructure

Mr. Benicky is an Associate at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on supporting the finance team. He is responsible for valuation, portfolio company monitoring, performance reporting and other related matters. Mr. Benicky has over 5 years of experience in the financial services industry split between investment banking and research/portfolio management. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2023, Mr. Benicky was an Associate at Piper Sandler & Co. in the Public Finance Investment Banking Division for three years where he worked closely with middle market issuers of municipal bonds. Prior to Piper Sandler & Co., Mr. Benicky spent two years working at Premier Wealth Management as an Investment Research Analyst providing research support for its portfolio of financial advisors.  In addition, Mr. Benicky provided portfolio management services for Premier Wealth Management’s investment platform.

Education
  • Colby College, BA
Prior Experience
  • Piper Sandler & Co.
  • Premier Wealth Management
Senior Advisor
Bill Boisture
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Boisture is a Senior Advisor to AE Industrial across its entire portfolio of investments and strategies. Mr. Boisture brings a wealth of operating management and transaction experience to AE Industrial and currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Alpine Air, Applied Composites and Yingling Aviation. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Solairus Aviation, prior to its sale in 2022. With over 35 years of relevant industry experience, Mr. Boisture has held senior leadership positions at multiple aerospace companies, including: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (President & COO); NetJets Inc. (President); and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (Chairman & CEO). He has completed a number of strategic sales (Butler Aviation, BA Corporate Jets, Gulfstream), as well as the restructuring and sale of Beechcraft Corporation to Textron. Mr. Boisture has significant experience working with private equity-backed companies.

Education
  • University of New Haven, MBA
  • U.S. Air Force Academy, BS
  • USAF Fighter Weapons School
  • U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School – “Top Gun” School
Prior Experience
  • Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
  • NetJets
  • Hawker Beechcraft Corporation
Operating Partner
Andy Boyd
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Boyd is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: CASE and REDLattice. He previously served as a Senior Intelligence Service Officer in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. His most recent assignment was Director of the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence (“CCI”), which is responsible for intelligence collection, analysis and operations focused on foreign cyber threats to U.S. interests. Mr. Boyd has experience leading worldwide intelligence operations and has in-depth knowledge of geopolitics, cyber operations and security practices and risk mitigation. He is a respected thought leader within the cyber and intelligence communities with expertise in cyber threats, intelligence collection, covert action, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber operations and strategic analysis. Prior to his role as Director of CCI, Andy served as Chief of Operations Counterterrorism Mission Center. He led global counterterrorism operations against multiple global terror organizations via unilateral operations and jointly with multiple international partners. Mr. Boyd was personally involved with many of the most consequential counterterrorism operations of the past decade. Mr. Boyd also served as a Chief of Station in a country in the Middle East leading the full scope of U.S. intelligence operations in an austere combat zone including operations, security and force protection for the CIA work force. He likewise served as a Deputy Chief of Station and an Acting Chief of Station of a large CIA Station in the Middle East. In addition to leading the CIA work force at multiple field locations, Mr. Boyd represented the Director of the CIA and other U.S. government leaders to numerous foreign partners. In 2010-2012, he led the CIA workforce, engaging in critical intelligence operations to inform policy-makers regarding the “Arab Spring” revolutions across North Africa. Prior to joining the CIA, Mr. Boyd served for a decade as a U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer at multiple U.S. embassies. He served as a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer from 1993-1998. Mr. Boyd is currently an Adjunct Professor in Cyber Policy at Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies, a Senior Advisor at Beacon Global Strategies and a Strategic Advisor for Booz Allen Hamilton, and serves on the Board of Directors of Censys and the Institute for Security and Technology.

Education
  • U.S. Air Force Academy, BS
  • Catholic University, MA
  • National War College, MS
Prior Experience
  • Central Intelligence Agency
  • U.S. State Department
  • U.S. Air Force
Operating Partner
Pam Braden
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Ms. Braden is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial, bringing over 35 years of experience in the defense, technology and government services industries. Ms. Braden currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: BigBear.ai and REDLattice. She previously served on the Board of Directors of Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Ms. Braden was the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Gryphon Technologies, a former AE Industrial portfolio company, which was sold to ManTech International Corporation in 2021. Under Ms. Braden’s leadership, Gryphon transitioned from a privately owned small business into a 1,500+ employee and $300 million annual revenue leader that provides digital engineering, cyber, cloud migration, and predictive analytics solutions to national security organizations. Prior to Gryphon, Ms. Braden served as an executive at various government sector startups that ultimately grew into large businesses.

Education
  • University of Akron, BS
Prior Experience
  • Gryphon Technologies
Operating Partner
Dr. Reginald Brothers
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Dr. Reginald Brothers is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial, bringing over 25 years of experience in the defense, government services and technology industries. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company Redwire. He previously served on the Board of Directors of American Pacific Corporation, prior to its sale to NewMarket Corporation in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Dr. Brothers served as the CEO of BigBear.ai which brings together leading-edge data management, analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity and computer network operations to deliver advanced decision support solutions to government and business leaders. He also held successive executive roles as the CTO of Peraton and a Principle with The Chertoff Group. Prior to that, he served as Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, having been confirmed by the U.S. Senate in April 2014. In this role he was responsible for a science and technology portfolio that included basic and applied research, development, demonstration, testing and evaluation with the purpose of helping DHS operational elements and the nation’s first responders achieve their mission objectives. From 2011 to 2014, Dr. Brothers served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research at the Department of Defense. In this position, he was responsible for policy and oversight of the Department’s science and technology programs and laboratories. He held senior roles at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, BAE Systems, Draper Laboratory, Envoy Networks and MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Dr. Brothers has been awarded five patents and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service. Dr. Brothers is a member of the Department of the Air Force Science Advisory Board, a member of the MIT Visiting Committee for Sponsored Research and a Trustee of Riverside Research.

Education
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, PhD
  • Southern Methodist University, MS
  • Tufts University, BS
Prior Experience
  • BigBear.ai
  • Peraton
  • The Chertoff Group
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Department of Defense
  • BAE Systems
  • DARPA
  • Draper Laboratory
  • Envoy Networks
  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Vice President
Chester Brown
Team | Investment Team, AE Ventures

Mr. Brown is a Vice President at AE Industrial and a member of AE Ventures, the venture capital platform of AE Industrial Partners. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2023, he worked as a consultant for VMO Air, an aircraft leasing firm, and for H55, an electric aircraft systems manufacturer. Before that, Mr. Brown was an investor at P2 Capital Partners, a New York-based hedge fund. He began his career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley, where he focused on M&A and capital raising for technology and natural resources companies.

Education
  • Stanford University Graduate School of Business, MBA
  • Dartmouth College, BA
Prior Experience
  • VMO Air
  • H55
  • P2 Capital Partners
  • Morgan Stanley
Executive Assistant
Kerri Burke
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Burke is an executive assistant at AE Industrial and assists the firm’s leadership with coordination of meetings, travel and events. Ms. Burke also provides technical and logistical support on special projects and works closely with AE Industrial’s investment team, providing administrative assistance. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2014, Ms. Burke worked in the Private Client division of Alliance Bernstein where she provided administrative support for several teams of financial advisors.

Prior Experience
  • Alliance Bernstein
Operating Partner
Peter Cannito
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Cannito is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial, bringing over 20 years of experience in the defense, government services and technology industries, and serves as the CEO of Redwire, an AE Industrial portfolio company. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: BigBear.ai, Calca Solutions and Redwire. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Gryphon Technologies, prior to its sale to ManTech International Corporation in 2021, and American Pacific Corporation, prior to its sale to NewMarket Corporation in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial, Mr. Cannito served as the CEO of Polaris Alpha, a high-tech solutions provider developing systems for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, with specialized experience in Space, Cyber and the Electromagnetic Spectrum. He also held successive executive roles at EOIR Technologies and Booz Allen Hamilton. Prior to this, Mr. Cannito started a company which focused on enterprise mobile computing. Mr. Cannito proudly served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Education
  • University of Maryland, MBA
  • University of Delaware, BS
Prior Experience
  • Polaris Alpha
  • EOIR Technologies
  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • United States Marine Corps
Executive Assistant
Katlyn Chaves

Ms. Chaves is an executive assistant at AE Industrial supporting the firm’s leadership team. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Ms. Chaves supported senior executives at Elliott Investment Management. Ms. Chaves also held executive assistant and personal assistant roles at Berkshire Partners, PTC, and McKinsey & Company.

Education
  • Stonehill College, BA
Prior Experience
  • Elliott Investment Management
  • Berkshire Partners
  • PTC
  • McKinsey & Company
Director
Natalie Chehrazi
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Ms. Chehrazi is a Director at AE Industrial within the firm’s Portfolio Strategy and Optimization Group. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2023, Ms. Chehrazi obtained a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through the Leaders of Global Operations Program. During her time at MIT, she focused on operations, strategy, and sustainability. Before attending MIT, she spent five and a half years at the Boeing Company in the Boeing Commercial Airplanes division, where she held positions as an experienced operations manager, process engineer, and mechanical engineer. She is skilled in management, process design and improvement, digital transformation, and systems integration.

Education
  • University of Southern California, BS
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MS
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MBA
Prior Experience
  • The Boeing Company
Operating Partner
Thomas Churbuck
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Churbuck is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial primarily focused on the sourcing and strategic positioning of portfolio investments. Since joining AE Industrial in 2007, Mr. Churbuck has been actively involved with a number of companies specializing in both aerospace and power generation, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company G.S. Precision. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Gryphon Technologies, prior to its sale to ManTech International Corporation in 2021, BHI Energy, prior to its sale to Westinghouse Electric Company in 2022, and Kellstrom Aerospace, prior to its sale to VSE Corporation in 2024. Mr. Churbuck has also served on the boards of Advanced Mobile Power Systems, Power Systems Manufacturing (PSM) and Sequa. Prior to joining AE Industrial, Mr. Churbuck was a Co-Founder of PSM where he served as President & CEO. PSM developed and sold low-emissions combustion systems for industrial gas power plants – growing from a start-up to a 120-person, engineering-focused power business that was sold to Calpine in 2000, and Alstom SA in 2007.

Education
  • John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center
  • Defense Systems Management College
Prior Experience
  • Power Systems Manufacturing (PSM)
  • U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets)
Managing Partner
Charlie Compton
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Compton is a Managing Partner at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring AE Industrial’s portfolio investments. Mr. Compton currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: AIM MRO, Blue Raven Solutions, G.S. Precision, Moeller Aerospace and United Building Solutions, and is a member of the Firm’s Investment Committee. He previously served on the Board of Directors of BHI Energy, prior to its sale to Westinghouse Electric Company in 2022, Solairus Aviation, which was sold in 2022, and Kellstrom Aerospace, prior to its sale to VSE Corporation in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2014, Mr. Compton was an Associate with Vestar Capital Partners where he was responsible for executing new investments, as well as portfolio company M&A and financing activities. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Compton was a member of Wells Fargo Securities’ Financial Institutions Group, where he completed numerous advisory and capital markets transactions totaling over $25 billion.

Education
  • University of Georgia, BBA
Prior Experience
  • Vestar Capital Partners
  • Wells Fargo Securities
Senior Vice President, Head of Tax
Chad Crosby
Team | Infrastructure

Mr. Crosby is a Senior Vice President and Head of Tax at AE Industrial and is responsible for overseeing all tax aspects for the firm’s investment funds and management company. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2023, Mr. Crosby worked fourteen years at Sun Capital Partners as Vice President of Tax. Mr. Crosby started his career at Arthur Andersen, LLP and Deloitte, LLP in Atlanta, GA and he is a Certified Public Accountant (currently inactive).

Education
  • University of Florida, Masters of Accounting
  • University of Florida, BS
Prior Experience
  • Sun Capital Partners
  • Daszkal Bolton LLP
  • Deloitte LLP
  • Arthur Andersen LLP
Executive Assistant
Marieka Cunningham
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Cunningham is an executive assistant at AE Industrial supporting the company’s leadership team. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Ms. Cunningham was an executive assistant at Carrier Corporation and has previously held executive assistant roles at Florida Crystals Corporation, First United Bank and GE Capital.

Education
  • University of Connecticut, BA
Prior Experience
  • Carrier Corporation
  • Florida Crystals Corporation
  • First United Bank
  • GE Capital
Senior Advisor
Les Daniels
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Daniels is a Senior Advisor to AE Industrial across its entire portfolio of investments and strategies and currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Moeller Aerospace and Redwire, as well as non-AE Industrial company GAMCO Investors, Inc. (GBL). Mr. Daniels also serves on The Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiation (ACTPN) as a presidential appointee. He is a former chairman and former member of Florida’s State Board of Administration, Investment Advisory Council (IAC), and serves as a Commissioner of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. Mr. Daniels was a founding partner of CAI Managers & Co., L.P., a private equity firm located in New York City from 1989 to 2014. Prior to CAI Managers, he was President of Burdge, Daniels & Co., Inc., a company engaged as a principal in venture capital and buyout investments and trading of private placement securities. Mr. Daniels also served as Senior Vice President of Blyth, Eastman, Dillon & Co., where he was responsible for its corporate fixed-income sales and trading departments. Mr. Daniels is a former Director of AeroSat Corporation; Aster-Cephac SA,; Bioanalytical Systems, Inc.; Douglas Machine & Tool Co., Inc.; IVAX Corporation; MIM Corporation; MIST Inc.; Mylan Laboratories Inc.; NBS Technologies Inc.; and Safeguard Health Enterprises, Inc. He served as Chairman of TurboCombustor Technology Inc. and Zenith Laboratories, Inc.

Education
  • Fordham University
Prior Experience
  • CAI Managers & Co., L.P.
  • Burdge, Daniels & Co., Inc.
  • Blyth, Eastman, Dillon & Co.
Managing Director, Chief Technical Officer
Erik Deutsch
Team | Investment Team, Aerospace Leasing

Mr. Deutsch is a Managing Director and the Chief Technical Officer for AE Industrial Aerospace Leasing and brings over 25 years of technical aviation experience. Mr. Deutsch oversees all technical management of aircraft assets, acquisition analysis, technical deal strategy, lease portfolio management, and the lease delivery and redelivery processes for AE Industrial Aerospace Leasing. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2021, Mr. Deutsch spent seven years at Aero Capital Solutions as Chief Technical Officer and was responsible for three essential departments of an aircraft lessor including portfolio management, technical operations and technical records. Prior to Aero Capital Solutions, Mr. Deutsch served as Manager of Technical Operations at Bank of China Aviation where he managed all technical operations of a customer subset fleet. Before Bank of China, he was VP of Technical Management at Dubai Aerospace Enterprise where he functioned as the head of powerplant. Previous roles also included time as Director of Engine Management at AAR Corp. (NYSE:AIR) where he managed AAR’s Part 145 repair station.

Education
  • Lewis University, FAA Airframe and Powerplant License
Prior Experience
  • Aero Capital Solutions
  • Bank of China Aviation
  • Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
  • AAR Corp.
Partner, Head of AEI Aerospace Leasing
Nathan Dickstein
Team | Aerospace Leasing, Investment Team

Mr. Dickstein is a Partner at AE Industrial and leads the firm’s Aerospace Leasing strategy. Mr. Dickstein brings more than 15 years of industry experience investing in aircraft and engine leasing at investment funds, banks and leasing companies. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2020, Mr. Dickstein worked in Marathon Asset Management’s Structured Credit team where he was responsible for the origination and management of aircraft and aviation related investments. Prior to Marathon, Mr. Dickstein was employed by Alterna Capital Partners where he was responsible for sourcing, executing and realizing aircraft investments. Mr. Dickstein’s previous industry work experience includes Deucalion Aviation Funds, the equity investment arm of DVB Bank, where he was responsible for transaction analysis and deal structuring, and AWAS Aviation Capital, a top 10 aircraft lessor, where he was part of the Risk Management team.

Education
  • University of Virginia, BS
Prior Experience
  • Marathon Asset Management
  • Alterna Capital Partners
  • Deucalion Aviation Funds
  • AWAS Aviation Capital
Associate
Andrew Dillinger
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Dillinger is an Associate at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial modeling, due diligence, executing new investments, and monitoring portfolio investments. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Mr. Dillinger was an Associate at Wells Fargo Securities in the Industrials group, where he focused on M&A and capital raising for clients across the sector. He began his career as an Analyst at Citigroup.

Education
  • The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, MBA
  • Emory University, BBA
Prior Experience
  • Wells Fargo Securities
  • Citigroup
Principal
Austen Dixon
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Dixon is a Principal at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring portfolio investments. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Columbia Helicopters and United Building Solutions. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Altus Fire & Life Safety, prior to its sale to Apax Partners in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2019, Mr. Dixon was an Analyst at Houlihan Lokey in the Business Services Group, where he focused on M&A for clients across a wide range of industries.

Education
  • Georgetown University, BSBA
Prior Experience
  • Houlihan Lokey
Associate
Nick Dobreff
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Dobreff is an Associate at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial modeling, due diligence, executing new investments, and monitoring portfolio investments. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2023, Mr. Dobreff was an Analyst at Guggenheim Partners in the Power, Utilities, & Renewables group where he focused on M&A, restructuring, and capital raising for clients across the sector. Prior to Guggenheim, Mr. Dobreff was an Analyst at Barclays across multiple groups including Technology, Financial Sponsors, and Debt Capital Markets.

Education
  • University of Michigan, BA
Prior Experience
  • Guggenheim Partners
  • Barclays
Managing Director
Leonard Dollaga
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Rear Admiral (Ret.) Leonard “Butch” Dollaga is a Managing Director at AE Industrial and is a part of the AE Industrial Washington Operations Group focused on National Security. Prior to joining AE industrial, he retired from the United States Navy following a career of more than 30-years and last served as the Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Department of the Navy (“DON”), working with Congress on the DON’s annual $258 billion budget request. He played a key role in securing Congressional support for the Presidential Tri-Lateral AUKUS security partnership between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. His experience in National Security requirements and budgeting includes analyzing military budgets on the Joint Staff J-8 Program and Budgeting Analysis Division as well as leading the DON’s Congressional Appropriations Matters Office to secure Congressional funding. A career submariner, RADM (Ret.) Dollaga’s command assignments include Submarine Group SEVEN (leading submarine operations in Western Pacific and Indian Oceans), Undersea Warfighting Development Center (“UWDC”), and Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE. In these roles, he led the development of enhanced undersea warfighting capabilities across the globe, building synergy among the aviation, surface and submarine warfare communities, as well as strengthening ties with Allies and Partners around the world. While at UWDC, he started the first submarine force acoustic artificial intelligence program, Project HARBINGER, that successfully transitioned to a Program of Record for the Navy.

Education
  • United States Naval Academy
  • The George Washington University
Prior Experience
  • United States Navy
Associate
Jack Donnelly
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Donnelly is an Associate at AE Industrial within the firm’s Portfolio Strategy and Optimization Group. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Mr. Donnelly spent over four years at The Boeing Company in the Boeing Defense and Space division, where he held positions as an experienced materials manager and analyst. He is skilled in management, process design and improvement, and systems integration.

Education
  • University of South Carolina, BS
Prior Experience
  • Boeing
Operating Partner
Marc Duvall
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Duvall is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial, and serves as the CEO of Applied Composites, an AE Industrial portfolio company. Mr. Duvall joined AE Industrial in 2022 following a more than 35-year career in senior leadership positions with Allied Signal, Honeywell, Goodrich, and Raytheon Technologies. Mr. Duvall currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Applied Composites and Edge Autonomy. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial Mr. Duvall was President of Collins Aerostructures, a $5 billion division providing design and manufacture OE aircraft structures and aftermarket services. During his 12 years in this position the business more than doubled and was regarded as an industry leader in LEAN manufacturing and aftermarket service performance. Previously he was President of Goodrich Engine Controls and Electric Power division, based in the UK. Prior he held positions as VP/GM at Honeywell Industrial serving the process industries and Honeywell Aerospace in their Engine business. He began his career at AlliedSignal in engineering and later business development. Mr. Duvall’s past board experiences has included 12 years on the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Education
  • Arizona State University, MBA
  • Arizona State University, BSE
Prior Experience
  • Collins Aerostructures
  • Goodrich
  • Honeywell
  • AlliedSignal
Senior Partner
Chris Emerson
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Emerson is a Senior Partner at AE Industrial, bringing over 25 years of aerospace experience in the commercial aviation, U.S. Defense, Rotorcraft, and Space sectors. Mr. Emerson currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: The Atlas Group, Firefly Aerospace and York Space Systems, and serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for AE Ventures investment All.Space. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024. Mr. Emerson also serves on the Board of Directors of Hidden Level and Spirent Federal. Mr. Emerson is the former Chairman & CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.; in this role he developed and executed a strategy to grow Airbus’ U.S. space business. Previously, he was President of Airbus Helicopters, Inc., where he led a turnaround in the U.S. civil market by growing their market share from ~40% to ~70% in 4 years. Mr. Emerson started his career in 1996 with Daimler – Mercedes Benz in Alabama. In early 2000, he joined Daimler Chrysler Aerospace (DASA) in Germany and was part of the internal team that formed – through a simultaneous IPO and merger of three national entities — EADS (today Airbus). In 2003, Mr. Emerson was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer charged with helping the newly formed executive team establish Airbus North America as a credible U.S. Government contractor. Mr. Emerson was also responsible for investor relations in the U.S. From 2010 to 2015, Mr. Emerson led the global marketing and strategy organization for Airbus’ commercial aircraft division in France during the introduction of the A350 and A320NEO programs.

Education
  • University of Alabama, BS
  • MIT Sloan, Executive Program
  • Stagen Leadership Academy, Integral and Advance Leadership Program
Prior Experience
  • Airbus U.S. Space & Defense
  • Airbus Helicopters
  • Daimler Chrysler Aerospace (DASA)
  • Daimler – Mercedes Benz
Chief Compliance Officer
Leanne Erickson
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Erickson is AE Industrial’s Chief Compliance Officer. She is responsible for managing and reviewing the firm’s compliance activities and organizational development initiatives. She has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2019, Ms. Erickson was Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Eaton Partners where she contributed significantly to implementing, reviewing and supervising the firm’s compliance and operational activities. Prior to Eaton, she was an assistant at the law firm of Brody Wilkinson where she coordinated and handled all legal matters that included mergers and acquisitions, corporate employment, and pension plans. In addition to her legal background, Ms. Erickson previously worked at Walter C. King Associates, providing assistance in financial planning and corporate tax returns.

Education
  • New Hampshire College, BS
Prior Experience
  • Eaton Partners
  • Brody Wilkinson
  • Walter C. King Associates
Head of Corporate Affairs
Jennifer Essigs
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Essigs is Head of Corporate Affairs at AE Industrial, where she is responsible for evaluating and monitoring the areas of energy efficiency, safety and human capital at AE Industrial’s portfolio investments. Under her leadership, the Firm has developed and instituted a value creation scorecard for all control investments measuring key metrics such as energy intensity, energy efficiency, safety of the employee and product, data security, and employee turnover. Ms. Essigs is responsible for producing the annual Responsible Investment report and strengthens portfolio engagement through initiatives like the Annual Women’s Event. Ms. Essigs has driven cross-portfolio collaboration efforts such as expanding the use of engagement surveys and improving energy efficiency through tool kits and other resources. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2021, Ms. Essigs owned and managed a multi-family office based in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Education
  • Arizona State University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Owned and managed a multi-family office
  • SEM Architects
Senior Corporate Accountant
Corey Fein
Team | Infrastructure

Mr. Fein is a Senior Corporate Accountant at AE Industrial and is responsible for corporate financial, accounting and billing matters. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2023, Mr. Fein’s work experience includes TBC Corporation, Gemaire Distributors and Bethesda Health working in both finance and accounting related roles.

Education
  • State University of New York at Oneonta, BS
Prior Experience
  • TBC Corporation
  • Gemaire Distributors
  • Bethesda Health
Managing Director, Head of Capital Formation
Katie Folmar
Team | Investor Relations

Ms. Folmar is a Managing Director and Head of Capital Formation at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on capital raising for all the firm’s investment strategies. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2020, Ms. Folmar worked at Comvest Partners where she was responsible for fundraising and investor relations activities for the firm’s private equity and private credit strategies. Prior to Comvest, Ms. Folmar spent 7 years at GenSpring Family Offices, an affiliate of SunTrust Bank, where she focused on structuring and monitoring client portfolios and conducting research and quantitative analysis for presentations and client specific investment projects. Ms. Folmar is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Education
  • University of Florida, BS
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Prior Experience
  • Comvest Partners
  • GenSpring Family Offices
Vice President
Sara Forrest
Team | Investor Relations

Ms. Forrest is a Vice President of Investor Relations at AE Industrial. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2023, Ms. Forrest worked at Comvest Partners where she was responsible for investor relations and product management activities for the firm’s private equity, private credit, and special opportunities strategies. Prior to Comvest, Ms. Forrest was an Associate at Guggenheim Securities, where she focused on mergers & acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic corporate advisory for clients in the consumer & retail industry.

Education
  • University of Virginia, BS
Prior Experience
  • Comvest Partners
  • Guggenheim Securities
VICE PRESIDENT
Zeke Fraint
Team | Investment Team, AE Ventures

Mr. Fraint is a Vice President at AE Industrial and a member of AE Ventures, the venture capital platform of AE Industrial Partners. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Mr. Fraint served as Chief of Staff to the CEO at Clearcover, driving operational excellence across the business. Prior to Clearcover, he served as the SVP of Strategy and Operations at NexLP, an AI NLP data analytics company, and grew the team from 10 to 35+ employees through acquisition. Mr. Fraint has extensive experience in research, analysis and strategy, and has been recognized as a leader in collaborating with C-suite executives across the start-up community. Mr. Fraint lived in Israel for nearly a decade, serving in the elite Paratroopers of the Israel Defense Forces and working in the U.S. State Department’s Local Guard Force.

Education
  • Reichman University, BA
  • Georgetown University, MA
  • Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, MBA
Prior Experience
  • Clearcover
  • NexLP
General Counsel
Matthew Friendly
Team | Infrastructure

Mr. Friendly is the General Counsel at AE Industrial and is primarily responsible for management of the legal function and provision of legal guidance across the firm’s investments, funds, management company and general partners. Before joining AE Industrial in 2025, Mr. Friendly was a Partner at McDermott Will & Emery LLP, where he practiced for over 11 years with a focus on representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in healthcare transactions and corporate governance. Mr. Friendly has also spoken on mergers and acquisitions as a panelist on national webinars and at healthcare private equity conferences and been honored as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and the Ambulatory M&A Advisor.

Education
  • Harvard College, BA
  • University of Miami School of Law, JD
Prior Experience
  • McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Senior Advisor
Paul Fulchino
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Fulchino is a Senior Advisor to AE Industrial across its entire portfolio of investments and strategies. Mr. Fulchino’s business experience spans over 45 years as a chief executive, board member and strategic advisor to senior management. In these capacities, Mr. Fulchino assumed leadership positions in both the aerospace and professional services industries. In addition to his management responsibilities, Mr. Fulchino serves on several public and private boards and continues to assist non-profit organizations. Mr. Fulchino currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: BigBear.ai and Blue Raven Solutions. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Gryphon Technologies, prior to its sale to ManTech International Corporation in 2021, and Kellstrom Aerospace, prior to its sale to VSE Corporation in 2024. From 2010 to 2014, in addition to serving on several public and private boards, Mr. Fulchino was engaged as a Senior Advisor to the CEOs of The Boeing Company’s Commercial Airplane and Defense businesses where he focused on the company’s strategic services growth. From 2000 and continuing post the 2006 acquisition by The Boeing Company until 2010, Mr. Fulchino served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aviall, Inc., the world’s largest technology-based service provider of component parts and related services to the aviation and marine aftermarket. During his tenure, the Company gained significant market penetration and grew at an average rate of 30% per annum. Prior to joining Aviall, Mr. Fulchino served in the role of President and Chief Operating Officer of B/E Aerospace, a leading supplier of aircraft cabin interior products and services. In this capacity, he oversaw the company’s tripling of growth and profitability as well as development plans encompassing strategic acquisition implementations, new product introductions, organization and management development and technology enhancements. Prior to B/E Aerospace, Mr. Fulchino served for several years as both President and Vice Chairman of Mercer Management Consulting, a large international management-consulting firm. While in these roles, Mr. Fulchino led the merger integration of several acquired consulting firms and the exponential growth of the firm’s revenues, profits and professional services staff. Earlier in his career, Mr. Fulchino also worked at Raytheon Company as an engineer in the manufacturing, testing, and inspection of missile systems.

Education
  • Columbia University, MBA
  • Boston College, AB
  • United States Military Academy
Prior Experience
  • Aviall
  • B/E Aerospace
  • Mercer Management Consulting
  • Raytheon Company
Operating Partner
Wayne Garrett
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Garrett is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial and focuses on onboarding and monitoring of new portfolio investments, transaction accounting and special projects. Prior to this role, Mr. Garrett was AE Industrial’s CFO since joining the firm in 2007 where he was responsible for the financial management of the firm, including all aspects of reporting and compliance. Prior to joining AE Industrial, Mr. Garrett was a Co-Founder of Power Systems Manufacturing (PSM) and served as CFO from PSM’s inception in 1998 through its sale to Calpine in 2000 and to Alstom SA in 2007. Mr. Garrett’s previous finance experience includes the CFO of Cambridge SoundWorks (Nasdaq: HIFI) through its sale to Creative Labs in 1997, Argus Management Corp. (an interim management and consulting firm with a focus on companies with financial, operational, or strategic issues), and Price Waterhouse. Mr. Garrett is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Education
  • Boston College, MBA
  • Boston College, BS
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Prior Experience
  • Power Systems Manufacturing (PSM)
Senior Associate
Alyssa Goessler
Team | Investment Team

Ms. Goessler is a Senior Associate at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial modeling, due diligence, executing new investments, and monitoring portfolio investments. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Ms. Goessler was a specialist at McKinsey & Company where she led the firm’s Global Space Center of Excellence. She has years of experience in international security, having worked at the Council on Foreign Relations, the United Nations, CSIS’s Aerospace Security Project and the Strauss Center’s Space Program. Ms. Goessler is a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholar Alumna (Arabic), a co-founder of the Boston Space Network, a prospective member of the International Institute of Space Law, and a St. Gallen Symposium leader of tomorrow.

Education
  • University of Texas at Austin, MA
  • University of Oregon Clark Honors College, BA
Prior Experience
  • McKinsey & Company
  • Center for Strategy and International Studies
  • Strauss Center for International Security and Law
  • Council on Foreign Relations
  • United Nations
ASSOCIATE
Lauren Graupman
Team | Investment Team, AE Ventures

Ms. Graupman is an Associate at AE Industrial and a member of AE Ventures, the venture capital platform of AE Industrial Partners. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Ms. Graupman headed the Program Management department at Knight Aerospace, where she managed the product development, production, and delivery of new mission systems for military cargo aircraft. Prior to Knight Aerospace, Ms. Graupman worked in key roles at multiple technology startups spanning from Project Management and Operations to Sales and Business Development. Ms. Graupman started her career with the University of Delaware’s startup accelerator, delivering programming, resources and advising to early-stage entrepreneurs. She is also an alumnus of Venture for America, a two-year entrepreneurship fellowship that serves to create economic opportunity in American cities. Fellows complete intensive training and spend two years working at high-growth organizations in emerging startup ecosystems.

Education
  • Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate 2025
  • University of Delaware, BS
Prior Experience
  • Knight Aerospace
Co-CEO & Managing Partner
Michael Greene
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Greene is the Co-CEO and Managing Partner at AE Industrial and has responsibility for the overall management of the firm, primarily focusing on the negotiating, executing and monitoring of portfolio investments. Since joining AE Industrial in 2008, Mr. Greene has worked with several portfolio companies and currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company Moeller Aerospace, and is a member of the Firm’s Investment Committee. He previously served on the Board of Directors of BHI Energy, prior to its sale to Westinghouse Electric Company in 2022, and ENERCON, prior to its sale to Oaktree Capital Management in 2023. Previously, Mr. Greene was with UBS Capital Americas, LLC and UBS Capital, LLC from 1990 to 2008. Mr. Greene was a founding partner of the non-investment grade debt and equity businesses at Union Bank of Switzerland, the predecessor to UBS AG, and was a principal architect in creating the firm’s internal investment review processes and monitoring systems. Mr. Greene also had primary responsibility for running the General Industrial Group for UBS Capital Americas, LLC. Mr. Greene formerly served as a Trustee of The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts where he was the Chairman of the endowments Investment Committee.

Education
  • Harvard Business School, MBA
  • The College of the Holy Cross, BA
Prior Experience
  • UBS Capital Americas, LLC
  • UBS Capital, LLC
Compensation Coordinator
Mary Jane Greene
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Greene is the Compensation Coordinator at AE Industrial. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Ms. Greene concluded a 35+ year career in education in the college admission field on both the university and secondary levels. Ms. Greene previously held positions as Director of Undergraduate Admission & Operations at Villanova University and Director of College Counseling at 4 independent schools (K-12) around the country.

Education
  • Chestnut Hill College, BA
Prior Experience
  • Villanova University
  • St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
  • La Jolla Country Day School
  • St. Catherine’s School
  • Merion Mercy Academy
Project Manager
Laurel Grissom
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Grissom is a Project Manager at AE Industrial where she is primarily focused on supporting various key projects for AE Ventures and the AE Shoals Manufacturing & Technology Center, an affiliate of AE Industrial Partners. Before joining AE Industrial, Ms. Grissom was an Ambassador to the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama, where she graduated Summa Cumme Laude studying Finance and Spanish.

Education
  • University of Alabama, BS
Managing Director
Florent Groberg
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Captain Groberg is a Managing Director at AE Industrial within the firm’s Portfolio Strategy and Optimization Group. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company REDLattice. Before joining AE Industrial in 2023, Captain Groberg led Microsoft’s Azure Global Mission Expansion Team. He was responsible for collaborating with governments worldwide to identify and develop critical mission applications and systems. These efforts were aimed at enabling new cloud scenarios, driving requirements for solution accelerators, and forming new cloud alliances and partnerships on Azure. His expertise was instrumental in leveraging Azure’s Secure Cloud platform across various domains, including AI/ML, modeling, simulation, secure communications, data analytics, cybersecurity, and space technologies. From 2016 to 2020, Captain Groberg held key positions at Boeing, initially serving as Chief of Staff for the CEO of Boeing Commercial, then as Deputy Vice President where he was responsible for overseeing commercial airplanes and services sales in the Russia and Central Asia regions. Between 2016 and 2017, he also served as the official spokesperson for LinkedIn, playing a pivotal role in promoting their veterans program. Prior to that role, Captain Groberg was an Operations Officer for Defense Intelligence, offering strategic advice and expertise to defense policymakers and military planners focusing on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East regions. Whether it is briefing board members, government officials, or members of the public, Captain Groberg’s dedication to excellence and public service was forged during his military service. In 2008, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After completing officer training and both U.S. Army Airborne and U.S. Army Ranger Schools, he rose to the rank of captain. Captain Groberg is a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military honor, for his extraordinary gallantry, intrepidity and heroism while serving in combat operations in Afghanistan in 2012. He currently serves on the American Battle Monuments Commission, an appointment by the President of the United States.

Education
  • University of Maryland, BA
  • University of Maryland Global Campus, MS in Management with a Specialization in Intelligence Policy
Prior Experience
  • Microsoft
  • The Boeing Company
  • LinkedIn
  • Department of Defense
  • United States Army
Partner
Jeffrey Hart
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Hart is a Partner at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring AE Industrial’s portfolio investments. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Alpine Air, BigBear.ai, CASE, Edge Autonomy and REDLattice. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2015, Mr. Hart was an Analyst at RBC Capital Markets’ Energy Group, where he focused on M&A and corporate finance for clients across the exploration and production, midstream and oilfield services sectors.

Education
  • Colorado Mesa University, BBA
Prior Experience
  • RBC Capital Markets
Managing Director
Brian Hickey
Team | Investor Relations

Mr. Hickey is a Managing Director of Capital Formation at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on capital raising for all the firm’s investment strategies. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2023, Mr. Hickey was a Senior Vice President at Brookfield Asset Management where he was responsible for fundraising for various hedge fund, private credit, private equity and real estate strategies covering clients throughout the world. Prior to Brookfield, Mr. Hickey has held senior fundraising roles at Clinton Group, Citibank, Tudor Investment Corp, Deutsche Bank and Pillar Capital. Mr. Hickey began his career in 1994 and has been focused on raising institutional capital since 1999.

Education
  • University of South Florida, BS
Prior Experience
  • Brookfield Asset Management
  • Pillar Capital Management
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Tudor Investment Corporation
  • Citibank
  • Clinton Group
Partner
Beckett Jackson
Team | Investment Team, AE Ventures

Mr. Jackson is a Partner at AE Industrial and a member of AE Ventures, the venture capital platform of AE Industrial Partners. Mr. Jackson serves on the board of several portfolio companies and more recently led the firm’s investments in Shift5, Solestial and Salient Motion, amongst others. Prior to joining AE Ventures in 2021, he spent nearly a decade with The Boeing Company focused on product development, strategy and investing across defense and commercial aerospace markets. He was an original member of the advanced prototyping team that developed Australia’s first clean sheet aircraft program in 50 years – an unmanned jet fighter since designated MQ-28A Ghost Bat and now in service with the Royal Australian Air Force. Mr. Jackson has extensive experience analyzing markets and developing business and investment strategies, including as a corporate strategy leader within Boeing and as an aerospace and defense consultant at Jane’s (now IHS Markit). He spent his early career in technology and national security roles across the U.S. Government.

Education
  • Georgetown University, MA
  • Johns Hopkins University, BA
Prior Experience
  • Boeing HorizonX Ventures
  • Phantom
  • Boeing
  • IHS Markit
CHAIRMAN OF AE VENTURES, STRATEGIC ADVISOR
David Joyce
Team | AE Ventures, Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Joyce is the Chairman of AE Ventures and a Strategic Advisor to AE Industrial across its entire portfolio of investments and strategies. He brings more than 40 years of leadership experience at GE Aviation, where he served for 12 years as President & CEO, and also served as the former Vice Chairman of the General Electric Company. Under Mr. Joyce’s leadership, GE Aviation doubled its revenue to $33B and grew its backlog 10-fold to $270B. His tenure at GE Aviation was also considered a golden era of aviation innovation, including the development of new, fuel-efficient engine technologies and transformative manufacturing materials and processes, as well as the formation of global alliances solidifying GE Aviation’s world-leading position for jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial aviation and military aircraft. Mr. Joyce brings a broad network of long-standing relationships with commercial, military and government customers as well as regulatory agencies worldwide. Mr. Joyce is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and is a Director of The Boeing Company. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Xavier University, and is a Board Member Emeritus of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. His past board affiliations include the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science and the Aerospace Industries Association Executive Committee.

Education
  • Xavier University, MBA
  • Michigan State University, BS and MS
  • Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Prior Experience
  • General Electric
  • GE Aviation
Vice President, Head of Accounting
Alan Kamienny
Team | Infrastructure

Mr. Kamienny is a Vice President and Head of Accounting at AE Industrial and is primarily responsible for overseeing the accounting and reporting of the firm’s management company entities. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Mr Kamienny worked ten years in internal private equity roles as a Vice President of Finance at BelHealth Investment Partners and as a Fund Accounting Manager at Sun Capital Partners. In addition, Mr Kamienny held other financial service roles as a Reporting Manager and Senior Fund Accountant at Diamondback Capital Advisor, a multi-strategy hedge fund, and McGladrey and Pullen (RSM) as an Audit Manager. Mr Kamienny started his career at Loeb and Troper auditing non-for-profits and pension funds. Mr. Kamienny is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (currently inactive).

Education
  • Touro College, BS
Prior Experience
  • BelHealth Investment Partners
  • Sun Capital Partners
  • Diamondback Capital Advisor
  • McGladrey and Pullen (RSM)
  • Loeb and Troper
Principal
Graham Kantor
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Kantor is a Principal at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring portfolio investments. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company REDLattice. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2019, Mr. Kantor was a Private Equity Associate at Digital Colony / Digital Bridge, a communications infrastructure-focused investment firm. Prior to Digital Colony / Digital Bridge, Mr. Kantor was an Analyst at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey in the Mergers and Acquisitions Group, where he focused on a variety of sell-side and buy-side transactions mainly across the industrials sector.

Education
  • University of Georgia, BBA
Prior Experience
  • Digital Colony / Digital Bridge
  • SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
VICE PRESIDENT
Eugene Kim
Team | AE Ventures, Investment Team

Mr. Kim is a Vice President at AE Industrial and a member of AE Ventures, the venture capital platform of AE Industrial Partners. Prior to joining AE Ventures, he was part of AE Industrial’s Private Equity team, where he helped execute and grow Gryphon Technologies (acquired by ManTech). Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2018, Mr. Kim was a Specialist in the Corporate Development group at The Boeing Company, where he focused on M&A and other strategic activities. Prior to Boeing, Mr. Kim was a member of Sandler O’Neill + Partners’ Investment Banking Group, where he focused on M&A and capital raising for financial institutions.

Education
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
  • Northwestern University, BA
Prior Experience
  • The Boeing Company
  • Sandler O’Neill + Partners
Partner, Chief Financial Officer
Melissa Klafter
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Klafter is a Partner and CFO at AE Industrial and is primarily responsible for management of all accounting and finance for the firm’s investment funds, management company and general partners. She also oversees the Firm’s Information Technology, Human Resources and Compliance teams. Before joining AE Industrial, Ms. Klafter was Managing Director & CFO at Sun Capital Partners where she worked from 2006 to 2021. Prior to Sun Capital, Ms. Klafter was a Vice President with both Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs from 1998 to 2006 and started her career as an accountant in the audit practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers and Richard A. Eisner & Company. Ms. Klafter has over 25 years’ experience in financial services, focusing on private equity and hedge funds. Throughout the course of her career, she has been an integral member of the leadership team responsible for communicating with investors, collaborating on fund and deal structuring, providing transactional support and has been a key participant in the fundraising process. Ms. Klafter is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (currently inactive).

Education
  • Syracuse University, BS
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (currently inactive)
Prior Experience
  • Sun Capital Partners
  • Credit Suisse
  • Goldman Sachs
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
Accounting Manager
Rochi Koirala
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Koirala is an Accounting Manager at AE Industrial and is responsible for financial and operational matters for AE Industrial’s investment funds. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2020, Ms. Koirala worked as an Investment Account Supervisor at Digital Colony / Digital Bridge in investment accounting. Ms. Koirala is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Education
  • Florida Atlantic University, MS
  • International University of Japan, MS
  • Kathmandu University, BS
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Prior Experience
  • Digital Colony / Digital Bridge
Managing Partner
Kirk Konert
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Konert is a Managing Partner at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring AE Industrial’s portfolio investments. Mr. Konert currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: BigBear.ai, Calca Solutions, Columbia Helicopters, Firefly Aerospace, Redwire, ThayerMahan and York Space Systems, and is a member of the Firm’s Investment Committee. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Gryphon Technologies, prior to its sale to ManTech International Corporation in 2021, American Pacific Corporation, prior to its sale to NewMarket Corporation in 2024, and Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2014, Mr. Konert was a Senior Associate at Sun Capital Partners where he focused on sourcing, screening and executing middle market buyout transactions across several industries, as well as monitoring portfolio companies. Prior to Sun Capital, Mr. Konert was a member of Wells Fargo Securities’ Industrials Group, where he focused on M&A and corporate finance transactions.

Education
  • Davidson College, BA
Prior Experience
  • Sun Capital Partners
  • Wells Fargo Securities
Treasury Manager
Natacha Laguerre
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Laguerre is a Treasury Manager at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial and accounting matters for AE Industrial’s investment funds. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2019, Ms. Laguerre was an Accountant at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami.

Education
  • Grand Canyon University, MBA
  • Monroe College, BA
Prior Experience
  • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
Senior Associate
Adrian Lee
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Lee is a Senior Associate at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial modeling, due diligence, executing new investments, and monitoring portfolio investments. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2021, Mr. Lee was an Associate at Cowen in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Group where he focused on M&A and capital raising for clients across various industries. Prior to Cowen, Mr. Lee was an Analyst at PwC Corporate Finance in the Industrial Products Group where he focused on M&A for clients across various industries. He also spent two years in PwC Tax where he focused on providing tax compliance services for investment partnership clients.

Education
  • New York University Stern School of Business, BS
Prior Experience
  • Cowen
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
Human Resources Manager
Megan LeFevre
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. LeFevre is the Human Resources Manager at AE Industrial. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Ms. LeFevre was a Human Resources Business Partner for 5 years at Carter’s. Prior to Carter’s, Ms. LeFevre worked in recruiting and staffing at Robert Half.

Education
  • Florida Atlantic University, BA
  • SHRM-CP
Prior Experience
  • Carter’s
  • Robert Half
Principal
Tyler Letarte
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Letarte is a Principal at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring portfolio investments. Mr. Letarte currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company York Space Systems. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2018, Mr. Letarte was an Associate at Moelis & Company, where he focused on M&A, restructuring and strategic corporate advisory across a broad spectrum of industries including aerospace and defense, industrials, healthcare and consumer. Prior to joining Moelis, Mr. Letarte was an Analyst in J.P. Morgan’s Leveraged Finance Group, where he focused on clients in the technology, media and telecommunications sector.

Education
  • Villanova University, BBA
Prior Experience
  • Moelis & Company
  • J.P. Morgan
Associate
Jake Levitz
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Levitz is an Associate at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial modeling, due diligence, executing new investments, and monitoring portfolio investments. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Mr. Levitz was an Analyst at Citi in the Industrials group where he focused on M&A, restructuring, and capital raising for clients across the sector.

Education
  • University of Pennsylvania, BA
Prior Experience
  • Citi
Senior Associate
Tucker Long
Team | Aerospace Leasing, Investment Team

Mr. Long is a Senior Associate at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial modeling, due diligence, executing new investments, and monitoring portfolio investments for AE Industrial Aerospace Leasing. Prior to joining AE Industrial, Mr. Long was an Associate at The Longwood Group, where he focused on executing acquisitions of companies and assets within the Transportation industry. Prior to The Longwood Group, Mr. Long was an Equity Research Associate at Stifel Financial Corp., where he covered companies across the Transportation and Energy Infrastructure sectors. Mr. Long is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Education
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
  • University of Missouri, BA
Prior Experience
  • The Longwood Group
  • Stifel Financial Corp.
Global Head of Government Relations
Jennifer Lowe
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Ms. Lowe is the Global Head of Government Relations of AE Industrial directing government relations efforts and public policy initiatives across its entire portfolio. Ms. Lowe brings extensive policy and political experience to AE Industrial and has held senior leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, she has been Managing Partner of The Link Consulting Group, a bi-partisan policy firm in Washington, DC. Previously, she was Senior Vice President for The Boeing Company. She integrated the business needs of the company with their public policy initiatives and community engagement. Her organization was made up of public policy strategy, third party outreach, state and local government operations, global corporate citizenship, and Boeing’s political action committee. She also managed all grassroots advocacy for the company. Prior to joining The Boeing Company, Ms. Lowe served as chief of staff to U.S. Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN); served in Senate Republican Leadership as Staff Director for Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), Office of the President ProTempore; and worked as Director of the U.S.-China Interparliamentary Group that advised Members of Congress on U.S. China policy and legislation. Along with Senators Stevens and Inouye, she negotiated the agreement with the Chinese government to form the first official dialogue mechanism between the U.S. Senate and the National People’s Congress. Ms. Lowe sits on the boards of America’s Promise, Penn State College of Liberal Arts, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.

Education
  • The Pennsylvania State University
  • Georgetown University
Prior Experience
  • The Boeing Company
  • US Senate
  • The European Institute
Principal
Jon Lusczakoski
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Lusczakoski is a Principal at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring portfolio investments. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company Calca Solutions. Mr. Lusczakoski also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Security Space Association (NSSA). Mr. Lusczakoski brings over seven years of aerospace industry experience to AE Industrial. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2018, Mr. Lusczakoski was a Lead Engineer in the Program Development group at Williams International, where he led multiple integration programs for UAVs, military trainer aircraft and business jets.

Education
  • University of Michigan Ross School of Business, MBA
  • Michigan State University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Williams International
Operating Partner
Kevin McAleenan
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. McAleenan is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial, bringing over 14 years of experience in the defense and government services industries, and serves as the CEO of BigBear.ai, an AE Industrial portfolio company. Mr. McAleenan currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: BigBear.ai and Edge Autonomy. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Gryphon Technologies, prior to its sale to ManTech International Corporation in 2021, and American Pacific Corporation, prior to its sale to NewMarket Corporation in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial, Mr. McAleenan served as the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, as designated by President Trump in April of 2019. Before this appointment, he served as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), having been confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2018. Previously, he had served as CBP Acting Commissioner since January 2017. In December 2011, he was named acting Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. McAleenan served as the Area Port Director of Los Angeles International Airport, directing CBP’s border security operations at the Los Angeles airport and 17 other airport facilities in one of CBP’s largest field commands. Mr. McAleenan received a 2015 Presidential Rank Award—the nation’s highest civil service award. In 2005, he received the Service to America Medal, Call to Service Award, for spearheading efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive antiterrorism strategy in the border security context after September 11, 2001. Mr. McAleenan has been a member of the U.S. Government’s Senior Executive Service since 2006. Before his government service, he practiced law in California.

Education
  • University of Chicago Law School, JD
  • Amherst College, BA
Prior Experience
  • Acting Secretary of Homeland Security
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Senior Operating Partner, Co-Head of AEI Portfolio Strategy and Optimization Group
Kevin McAllister
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. McAllister is a Senior Operating Partner and the Co-Head of the Portfolio Strategy and Optimization Group at AE Industrial, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in aerospace. Mr. McAllister previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2020, Mr. McAllister served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, a $60 billion business, from 2016 through October 2019. Prior to Boeing, Mr. McAllister spent 27 years with GE Aviation where he most recently served as President and CEO of GE Aviation Services responsible for providing a customizable suite of engine services life cycle offerings to customers and delivering a $120 billion services backlog. Mr. McAllister was previously Vice President and General Manager of Global Sales and Marketing. He also held multiple GE Aviation leadership roles across Global Customer and Product Support, Overhaul & Component Repair Operations, Lean Six Sigma and Engineering. Mr. McAllister started his career in 1986 with Howmet Corporation with assignments in engineering and production of investment cast turbine airfoils. Mr. McAllister brings aerospace experience across markets and strong global industry relationships. His leadership experience spans airplane, engines, services and supply chain with a strong foundation of leadership development, lean six sigma and digital analytics tools. Mr. McAllister serves on the Board of Directors of Embraer and volunteers as Chairman of the Board of Orbis International, a non-profit global organization dedicated to preserving and restoring sight worldwide. His past board affiliations include the Washington Roundtable, Challenge Seattle and the Wings Club Board of Governors.

Education
  • University of Pittsburgh, BS
Prior Experience
  • Boeing Commercial Airplanes
  • GE Aviation Services
  • Howmet Corporation
Senior Associate
Alex McCallum-Brown
Team | Investor Relations

Ms. McCallum-Brown is a Senior Associate of Capital Formation at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on capital raising for all the firm’s investment strategies. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2025, Ms. McCallum-Brown worked at Comvest Partners where she was responsible for investor relations, fundraising, and product management activities for the firm’s private equity, private credit, and special opportunities strategies. Prior to Comvest, Ms. McCallum-Brown was an Analyst at Heritage Holding, where she focused on assisting with portfolio company initiatives, business development and due diligence for investment opportunities, and other operational initiatives at the firm.

Education
  • Boston University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Comvest Partners
  • Heritage Holding
Operating Partner
Ryan McCarthy
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial, bringing deep expertise in the defense and aerospace sector. In September 2019, he was confirmed by unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate and sworn in as the 24th Secretary of the U.S. Army and served in the role until January 2021. In August 2017, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate and appointed as the 33rd Undersecretary of the U.S. Army. Prior to his confirmation as the Undersecretary of the U.S. Army, Honorable McCarthy worked for Lockheed Martin in sequential vice president roles responsible for the sustainment, customer solutions and program integration of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Previously, Honorable McCarthy was a special assistant to the 22nd Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack H. Obama. Honorable McCarthy served in the U.S. Army and was deployed in combat operations during the invasion of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He is a member of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Advisors of the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business. In 2019, Honorable McCarthy was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

Education
  • Virginia Military Institute, BA
  • University of Maryland, MBA
Prior Experience
  • U.S. Army
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • Lockheed Martin
  • HSBC
Operating Partner
Jim McConville
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

General (Ret.) James “Jim” McConville is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial, working with portfolio companies and evaluating investment opportunities across the defense and government services sector. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company Edge Autonomy and AE Ventures investment All.Space. Prior to joining AE Industrial, he served as the 40th Chief of Staff of the United States Army, from August 2019 to August 2023, where he was responsible for overseeing an organization of 1.2 million personnel with a budget of $185 billion. His leadership and modernization initiatives led the Army through its most significant transformational efforts in more than 40 years and included the adoption of a new information age-focused talent management platform, as well as new weapon systems. Among his numerous accomplishments as Chief of Staff, he navigated the Army’s COVID response, natural disaster support, and force deployments across the globe. He was also instrumental in fostering international relationships with allies and partners, increasing cooperation, and reinforcing the presence and reputation of the United States in the global arena. Gen (Ret.) McConville’s notable command assignments include serving as the 36th Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army and the longest ever tenure as commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division. A master aviator who commanded forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan, he possesses Army aviation qualifications in the AH-64D Longbow Apache, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, AH-6, AH-1 Cobra, and other aircraft.

Education
  • United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, B.S.
  • The Georgia Institute of Technology, M.S.
  • Harvard University, Senior Military Fellow
Prior Experience
  • United States Army
Principal
Andrew McElhinney
Team | Investment Team

Mr. McElhinney is a Principal at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring portfolio investments. Mr. McElhinney currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Seanair and Yingling Aviation. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2017, Mr. McElhinney worked at Credit Suisse in the Real Estate Group, where he focused on M&A and corporate finance for clients across the Real Estate, Lodging and Gaming sectors.

Education
  • Wake Forest University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Credit Suisse
Senior Operating Partner, Co-Head of AEI Portfolio Strategy and Optimization Group
Paul McElhinney
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. McElhinney is a Senior Operating Partner and the Co-Head of the Portfolio Strategy and Optimization Group at AE Industrial. Mr. McElhinney joined AE Industrial in 2018 following a more than 30-year career in senior leadership with General Electric. Mr. McElhinney currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: AIM MRO and Moeller Aerospace and serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company Columbia Helicopters. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024, and Kellstrom Aerospace, prior to its sale to VSE Corporation in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial, Mr. McElhinney served as the President and CEO of both GE Power Services, a $15 billion power generation aftermarket business, and GE Aviation Services, the global aftermarket division of GE Aviation where he was responsible for more than doubling the backlog of the business to over $100 billion. He also held General Counsel and Business Development roles at GE Aviation and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). Mr. McElhinney’s past board affiliations include Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, Wake Forest University School of Business and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Education
  • Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, Law
Prior Experience
  • GE Power Services
  • GE Aviation Services
  • GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
Partner
Bryan McElwee
Team | Investment Team

Mr. McElwee is a Partner at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring AE Industrial’s portfolio investments. Mr. McElwee currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: AIM MRO, G.S. Precision and United Building Solutions. He previously served on the Board of Directors of ENERCON, prior to its sale to Oaktree Capital Management in 2023. Mr. McElwee brings over ten years of aerospace industry experience to AE Industrial. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2016, Mr. McElwee was a consultant with McKinsey & Company focusing on operations and aerospace. Prior to McKinsey, Mr. McElwee held multiple positions at GE Aviation including roles in engineering, sourcing, operations and lean & six sigma.

Education
  • Harvard Business School, MBA
  • University of Cincinnati, BS
Prior Experience
  • McKinsey & Company
  • GE Aviation
Special Advisor
Gary Mercer
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Mercer is a Special Advisor to AE Industrial across its entire portfolio of investments and strategies. He brings over 35 years of experience at GE, where he most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of Engineering at GE Aviation, overseeing the design, development, certification and field services of GE Aviation’s Commercial & Military engines. After retiring from GE Aviation in January 2022, Mr. Mercer founded GDMercer Consulting to provide technology, safety, engineering, regulatory and leadership expertise to his clients. He began his career at GE as a design engineer at Aircraft Engines in 1985. He held engineering positions in both Military and Commercial products before joining GE Energy in 1993. Mr. Mercer brought his design expertise to the New Product Development programs becoming general manager of technology development programs in 1999. He was appointed Senior General Manager of Engineering for GE’s Oil & Gas business in Florence, Italy in 2002. After four years in that role, Mr. Mercer returned to GE Energy to lead the component design teams for Gas and Wind Turbine products. He then became the global engineering leader for GE’s Renewables Energy business, where he continued his passion for engineering excellence, differentiated technologies and innovative processes. In 2011, Mr. Mercer rejoined GE Aviation as the Vice President and Chief Engineer of the Engineering division. In 2014, Mr. Mercer became Vice President of Services Engineering in addition to leading the Chief Engineer’s Office, where he was responsible for developing the strategy, process and tools to drive operational excellence and regulatory compliance for a global engineering team and supporting services agreements for GE Aviation’s customers.

Education
  • State University of New York, BS
Prior Experience
  • General Electric
  • GE Aviation
Corporate Affairs Analyst
Carla Monti
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Monti is a Corporate Affairs Analyst at AE Industrial, where she works closely with the Head of Corporate Affairs and the Firm’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2017, Ms. Monti worked as a Florida Registered Paralegal.

Education
  • Florida Atlantic University, MBA
  • Franklin University Switzerland, BA
Prior Experience
  • Florida Registered Paralegal
Operating Partner
Mano Nazar
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Nazar is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial, bringing over 35 years of extensive nuclear industry experience. Mr. Nazar previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHI Energy, prior to its sale to Westinghouse Electric Company in 2022, and on the Board of Directors of ENERCON, prior to its sale to Oaktree Capital Management in 2023. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2020, Mr. Nazar was president of the nuclear business unit at NextEra Energy, Inc., and currently serves as a consultant. He is president of Mano & Associates Consulting, LLC. As President at NextEra, Mr. Nazar was responsible for the safe operation of the company’s eight nuclear units. He also led the successful implementation of extended power uprates at six of NextEra Energy’s nuclear units, adding more than 700 megawatts to the nuclear fleet’s generation capacity. During his tenure, Mr. Nazar significantly improved nuclear fleet performance while simultaneously achieving the best industrial safety rate in the industry. He served as Chairman of the Industry Nuclear Power Council (NPC) Executive Committee and is a member of the National Academy for Nuclear Training’s National Nuclear Accrediting. Mr. Nazar was elected as the 2006 Nuclear Professional of the Year and received the prestigious 2007 WANO Nuclear Excellence Award.

Education
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte, BS
Prior Experience
  • NextEra Energy, Inc.
  • Industry Nuclear Power Council (NPC) Executive Committee
Managing Partner
Jon Nemo
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Nemo is a Managing Partner at AE Industrial and focuses on the origination, execution and monitoring of portfolio investments. Mr. Nemo currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: AIM MRO, Alpine Air, Applied Composites, The Atlas Group, Blue Raven Solutions and Yingling Aviation, and is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. He previously served on the Board of Directors of CDI Engineering Solutions, prior to its sale to Tata Consulting Engineers in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2016, Mr. Nemo served as a senior investment banker specializing in aerospace, defense & government services at Harris Williams & Co., Jefferies (Quarterdeck) and CIBC World Markets. Over the past 25 years, Mr. Nemo has specialized in aerospace & defense and completed more than 100 M&A and corporate finance transactions valued at over $10 billion. Mr. Nemo’s deep knowledge of the aerospace & defense supply chain, extensive transaction experience and breadth of industry relationships provide AE Industrial with a strong set of deal sourcing and transaction execution capabilities while also providing unique strategic value creation perspectives throughout our portfolio investments.

Education
  • University of Michigan, BA
Prior Experience
  • Harris Williams & Co.
  • Jefferies (Quarterdeck)
  • CIBC World Markets
Managing Director
Bernie Noble
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Noble is a Managing Director at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring portfolio investments. Mr. Noble was a Partner and Co-Founder with ClearSky, where he was responsible for executing new investments as well as portfolio company M&A and financing activities. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Altamira, Authentic8, Inky, Utility Innovation Holdings and Systems Control (acquired by Hubbell). He was also a board observer of Sceye, Aquion (acquired by Titans Energy), AutoGrid (acquired by Schneider Electric), BHI Energy (acquired by Westinghouse), Greensmith (acquired by Wartsila), Novinium (acquired by Southwire), PrecisionHawk (acquired by Field Holdings), Sentient Energy (acquired by Koch Engineered Solutions) and Space Time Insight (acquired by Nokia). From 2007 to 2012, Mr. Noble was a member of NextEra Energy’s Corporate Development Group. From 2002 to 2007, Mr. Noble was a member of Cemex’s Finance and Operations organization.

Education
  • Florida State University, BA
Prior Experience
  • ClearSky
  • NextEra Energy
  • Cemex
VICE PRESIDENT
Daniel O'Neill
Team | Investment Team, AE Ventures

Mr. O’Neill is a Vice President at AE Industrial and a member of AE Ventures, the venture capital platform of AE Industrial Partners. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, he founded Hundred Acre Consulting Group, a consortium of independent, multidisciplinary entrepreneurs that provides outsourced strategic finance, corporate development and operational efficiency services for business leaders across a range of industries. Before that, Mr. O’Neill was the Vice President of Corporate Development at Latch, a multifamily real estate technology firm, where he served as a principal on the company’s merger with a Tishman Speyer-sponsored SPAC, and built the company’s M&A and corporate venture infrastructure. Prior to joining Latch, Mr. O’Neill served as Head of Corporate Development at Shift Technologies, an auto ecommerce platform for buying & selling used cars, where he successfully took the company public via a SPAC. Before joining Shift, he served as Senior Corporate Development Manager at Eventbrite, the Director of Business Operations for the Americas division of 360 Trading Networks, Inc. and a Senior Finance & Operations Manager at Vertical Research Partners. Mr. O’Neill also co-founded a B2C health and fitness nutrition e-commerce start-up called RacePak, curating international craft nutrition products for individual subscribers, while also serving as a B2B nutrition distributor to fitness facilities around the country. He began his career serving in several financial, operational and sales roles at Thomson Reuters in London, New York and Boston.

Education
  • Wake Forest University, BA
Prior Experience
  • Hundred Acre Consulting Group
  • Latch Inc.
  • Shift Technologies, Inc.
  • Eventbrite, Inc.
  • 360 Trading Networks, Inc.
  • Vertical Research Partners
  • RacePak
  • Thomson Reuters
Director of Information Technology
Bob Palo
Team | Infrastructure

Mr. Palo is the Director of Information Technology at AE Industrial, bringing more than 30 years of experience in information technology. He is responsible for driving the firm’s IT vision by employing strategic initiatives to support technology requirements. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Mr. Palo was a Director of Information Technology at Sun Capital Partners for 18 years.

Education
  • William Paterson University, BA
Prior Experience
  • Sun Capital Partners
  • United Automobile Insurance Company
  • DeVry University
Senior Associate - Business Development
Dave Paolantonio
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Paolantonio is a Senior Associate at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on business development and investment origination efforts, including deal sourcing and evaluation, marketing, and acquisition strategy for AE Industrial and its portfolio companies. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company CASE. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2021, Mr. Paolantonio was a member of Booz Allen Hamilton’s Corporate Development team, where he helped lead transaction execution, supporting acquisitions, divestitures and strategic investments. Prior to Booz Allen, Mr. Paolantonio was a Senior Associate in Raymond James’ Defense & Government Services investment banking team, where he focused exclusively on mergers and acquisitions for middle market government services firms. Prior to Raymond James, he spent five years with The McLean Group in their Aerospace, Defense, & Government Services practice.

Education
  • University of Richmond, BS
Prior Experience
  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Raymond James
  • The McLean Group
Executive Assistant
Paula Pipitone
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Pipitone is an executive assistant at AE Industrial supporting the firm’s investment team. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Ms. Pipitone supported the Biotech Equity Research Team at Evercore ISI in New York and also spent 12 years at FINRA in Market Regulation.

Education
  • Queensborough Community College
Prior Experience
  • Evercore ISI
  • FINRA
Vice President
Isabella Pulignano
Team | Investment Team

Ms. Pulignano is a Vice President at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial modeling, due diligence, executing new investments, and monitoring portfolio investments. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Ms. Pulignano was an Analyst at Macquarie Capital in the Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Group, where she focused on M&A and capital raising for clients across the defense and government services sectors. She also spent two years at Velos where she focused on conducting federal budget analysis for clients across the defense & aerospace industry.

Education
  • Carnegie Mellon University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Macquarie Capital
  • Velos
Co-CEO & Managing Partner
David Rowe
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Rowe is the Co-CEO and Managing Partner at AE Industrial and has responsibility for the overall management of the firm, primarily focusing on the negotiating, executing and monitoring of portfolio investments. Mr. Rowe co-founded AE Industrial’s predecessor firm, AeroEquity Partners, Inc., in 1998 and has been involved in all of the firm’s investments since inception. Mr. Rowe currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Edge Autonomy and Global Jet Capital, and is a member of the Firm’s Investment Committee. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Gryphon Technologies, prior to its sale to ManTech International Corporation in 2021, Altus Fire & Life Safety, prior to its sale to Apax Partners in 2024, and Kellstrom Aerospace, prior to its sale to VSE Corporation in 2024. Prior to co-founding AE Industrial, Mr. Rowe was an Executive Vice President at Gulfstream Financial Services Corp., where he created a leasing portfolio for its parent, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Previously, Mr. Rowe spent 12 years at GE Aerospace and GE Capital, where he managed a multi-billion dollar portfolio of commercial aircraft and engine assets with responsibility for fleet management, repossessions, trading and restructuring asset portfolios.

Education
  • Tulane University, BA
  • GE’s Financial Management Program
Prior Experience
  • Gulfstream Financial Services Corp.
  • GE Aerospace
  • GE Capital
Partner
Tyler Rowe
Team | Investment Team, AE Ventures

Mr. Rowe is a Partner at AE Industrial and a member of AE Ventures, the venture capital platform of AE Industrial Partners. Mr. Rowe serves on the board of several portfolio companies and more recently led the firm’s investments in Second Front Systems, JuliaHub, and Tidelift, amongst others. Mr. Rowe originally founded the early venture capital arm at AE Industrial in 2019. Pulling from deep experience in music, film, apparel and tech, Mr. Rowe helps identify, evaluate and lead software infrastructure investments across AE Ventures target markets. In addition, with his operational experience, Mr. Rowe provides direct support to AE Industrial’s portfolio companies to help create value in their leading innovation platforms.

 

Education
  • UCLA, MBA
  • Wharton’s Executive Ventures Program
  • University of Alabama, BA
Operating Partner
Charlie Santos-Buch
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Santos-Buch is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial, bringing over 40 years of investment banking and private equity experience. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company United Building Solutions. He previously served on the Board of Directors of BHI Energy, prior to its sale to Westinghouse Electric Company in 2022, Resolute Industrial, prior to its sale to Aggreko in 2023, and Altus Fire & Life Safety, prior to its sale to Apax Partners in 2024. Over his career, he has been involved in over $30 billion of financings and M&A transactions. Mr. Santos-Buch led the transaction origination efforts at UBS Capital, LLC and UBS Capital Americas, LLC for more than a decade, identifying investment opportunities across various industries including aerospace and specialty industrials. Mr. Santos-Buch founded the Financial Sponsor Coverage Groups at UBS AG and PaineWebber Incorporated. He has also held senior leveraged finance and sponsor coverage positions at CIBC World Markets, Oppenheimer, Alex. Brown & Sons and Kidder, Peabody.

Education
  • The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, MBA
  • Harvard University, BA
Prior Experience
  • UBS Capital, LLC and UBS Capital Americas, LLC
  • UBS AG
  • PaineWebber Incorporated
  • CIBC World Markets
  • Oppenheimer
  • Alex. Brown & Sons
  • Kidder, Peabody
Senior Vice President, Head of Finance
Ryan Scarnecchia
Team | Infrastructure

Mr. Scarnecchia is a Senior Vice President and Head of Finance at AE Industrial and is primarily responsible for valuations, portfolio company monitoring, performance reporting, and other finance related matters for the firm. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Mr. Scarnecchia was a Vice President of Finance at Sun Capital Partners.

Education
  • Florida Atlantic University, MBA
  • Florida State University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Sun Capital Partners
PARTNER, HEAD OF AE VENTURES
Brian Schettler
Team | AE Ventures, Investment Team

Mr. Schettler is a Partner at AE Industrial and leads AE Ventures, the venture capital platform of AE Industrial Partners. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2021, Mr. Schettler was the Founder and Senior Managing Director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. He led the Boeing venture capital team chartered with investing in selected startups throughout the world. His team identified and pursued opportunities to make investments in startup companies for next-generation Aerospace, Defense, and Security applications. He has been recognized by Global Corporate Venturing Institute for creating and leading a Top 30 corporate venture capital unit out of the 2,200+ that they track globally. Mr. Schettler has over two decades of experience in aerospace, technology, and defense companies in engineering, strategy, operational, M&A and investing roles. Mr. Schettler spent a year as the acting Vice President of Corporate Strategy for Boeing while also leading the HorizonX team. He spent three years as vice president of corporate strategy at Cobham plc, a global technology company headquartered in the United Kingdom. He spent another two years at ATK and was responsible for corporate strategy and portfolio development. He also was a senior strategist for Boeing Military Aircraft and Phantom Works. Finally, Mr. Schettler led strategy and program operations for the Space Systems Division of Northrop Grumman.

Education
  • University of Maryland, MBA
  • Northwestern University, BS
  • Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, Executive education courses
  • Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Engineering certifications
Prior Experience
  • Boeing HorizonX Ventures
  • Boeing
  • Cobham plc
  • ATK
  • Northrop Grumman
Partner
Peter Schumacher
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Schumacher is a Partner at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on investment strategy, deal origination, due-diligence, and the monitoring and growth of AE Industrial’s portfolio investments. Mr. Schumacher currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Calca Solutions, Edge Autonomy and Moeller Aerospace. He previously served on the Board of Directors of American Pacific Corporation, prior to its sale to NewMarket Corporation in 2024. Mr. Schumacher brings over 14 years of aerospace industry M&A, business development, and engineering experience to AE Industrial. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2015, Mr. Schumacher was the Director of Business Development for GE Aviation’s Engine Services business, where he was responsible for leading all M&A activity within this organization, including joint ventures, acquisitions, disposals, and related business initiatives. During his 10 year career at GE Aviation, Mr. Schumacher also held commercial roles within the Sales, International Programs and Customer Support organizations, as well as engineering roles within the Services and Design organizations. Prior to GE Aviation, Mr. Schumacher was a mechanical engineer at Orbital Sciences Corporation, where he was responsible for design, assembly and test of the Navy’s GQM-163A ducted rocket.

Education
  • The Ohio State University, MBA
  • Arizona State University, BS
Prior Experience
  • GE Aviation
  • Orbital Sciences Corporation
Managing Director
Charlie Short
Team | Investor Relations

Mr. Short is a Managing Director at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on capital raising for all the firm’s investment strategies. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2022, Mr. Short was a Managing Director at Marathon Asset Management where he was responsible for fundraising and investor relations activities in North America. Prior to Marathon, Mr. Short served as a Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, and was previously Managing Director at Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank. Earlier in his career, he served as a Senior Vice President at both Lehman Brothers and Citibank with particular focus on the distribution of high yield bonds, leverage loans and synthetic products.

Education
  • New York University, MBA
  • University of Washington, BA
Prior Experience
  • Marathon Asset Management
  • RBC Capital Markets
  • Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank
  • Lehman Brothers
  • Citibank
Vice President
Brandon Smith
Team | Aerospace Leasing, Investment Team

Mr. Smith is a Vice President at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial modeling, due diligence, executing new investments, and monitoring portfolio investments for AE Industrial Aerospace Leasing. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2020, Mr. Smith was an Associate at Seabury Capital, an aviation-focused advisory and investment firm, where he focused on M&A and strategic corporate advisory across a broad spectrum of aviation and aerospace & defense subsegments.

Education
  • Binghamton University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Seabury Capital
Associate
Avery Smith
Team | Investment Team

Mr. Smith is an Associate at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on financial modeling, due diligence, executing new investments, and monitoring portfolio investments. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Mr. Smith was an Analyst at Houlihan Lokey in the Aerospace & Defense group where he focused on M&A, restructuring, and capital raising for clients across the sector. Prior to Houlihan Lokey, Mr. Smith was an Analyst at The Sage Group where he focused on M&A and capital raising in the consumer sector.

Education
  • University of Pennsylvania, BS
Prior Experience
  • Houlihan Lokey
  • The Sage Group
Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
Tess Sprechman
Team | Investor Relations

Ms. Sprechman is a Senior Vice President and Head of Investor Relations at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on investor relations, marketing and communications. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2019, Ms. Sprechman was a Vice President of Investor Relations at Sun Capital Partners.

Education
  • Florida State University, BS
Prior Experience
  • Sun Capital Partners
Associate
Lexi Stoloff
Team | Investor Relations

Ms. Stoloff is an Associate of Investor Relations at AE Industrial. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Ms. Stoloff worked at Wafra where she was responsible for product development and strategy for the firm’s real estate, strategic partnerships, and real assets platforms. Prior to Wafra, Ms. Stoloff was an Analyst at Blackstone, where she focused on investor relations and capital raising activities for the firm’s infrastructure strategy. 

Education
  • University of Florida, BS
Prior Experience
  • Wafra
  • Blackstone
Managing Director
Lewis Sutherland
Team | Investment Team, Aerospace Leasing

Mr. Sutherland is a Managing Director at AE Industrial focusing on the origination and management of aircraft leases, engine leasing pools and related aerospace investments for the AE Industrial Aerospace Leasing. Mr. Sutherland has 18 years of experience in managing aircraft as a financial investment, working with a wide variety of institutional fund investors. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Mr. Sutherland was the Chief Commercial Officer of Deucalion Aviation Limited. Prior to Deucalion, Mr. Sutherland was based in Singapore for 10 years, heading up the Investec Aviation Equity Funds activities across Asia with an active role in managing and interfacing with the Asian investor base. He started his career with Airbus and moved into aircraft finance in 2008 when he joined DVB Bank SE in London. Mr. Sutherland is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

Education
  • University of Strathclyde, BA (Hons)
Prior Experience
  • Deucalion Aviation Limited
  • Investec Aviation
  • DVB Bank SE
  • Airbus
Fund Accounting Manager
Tiffany Teng
Team | Infrastructure

Ms. Teng is a Fund Accounting Manager at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on managing the accounting duties for AE Industrial’s investment funds. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2024, Ms. Teng was a Senior Accountant at DigitalBridge within the Liquid Strategies business focusing on NAV reporting and daily operations for the long/short hedge fund portfolio. Prior to DigitalBridge, she was a Senior Fund Accountant at Boston Portfolio Advisors working in fund administration servicing private equity and hedge fund clients.

Education
  • New York University, BS
Prior Experience
  • DigitalBridge
  • Boston Portfolio Advisors
VICE PRESIDENT
Ben Van Buskirk
Team | Investment Team, AE Ventures

Mr. Van Buskirk is a Vice President at AE Industrial and a member of AE Ventures, the venture capital platform of AE Industrial Partners. He is a retired Navy Captain and accomplished aviator with over 2,500 flight hours across nine military and civil aircraft. With 25 years of Department of Defense experience, he is a founding member of both the Secretary of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital, whose mission is to align private capital with critical national security objectives, and the Navy’s Warfighting Development Directorate, where he was charged with running a framework focused on solving the Navy’s most pressing operational problems. He also served as Director of NavalX, the sea service’s innovation and agility cell, which addressed friction points between acquisition, fleet requirements, R&D, budgeting, end users and industry. As an operational squadron commander, his unit was honored as the best helicopter sea-combat squadron in the Pacific Fleet and for having the best aviation maintenance program in the U.S. Department of Defense. Over his tenure, he has advised numerous startups, investors and senior industry leaders and operated at the highest level of government.

Education
  • University of Arizona, BS
  • Naval Postgraduate School, MBA (Defense Focus)
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Understanding Defense Industry Program
  • Harvard Business School, Venture Capital & Entrepreneurship Program
Prior Experience
  • Office of Strategic Capital
  • NavalX
  • Warfighting Development Directorate
  • VMware, Inc.
  • “Golden Falcons”
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff
Operating Partner
Shawn Vick
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Vick is an Operating Partner at AE Industrial and currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company Yingling Aviation and serves as Chairman of the board of Global Jet Capital, an AE Industrial portfolio investment which is the largest independent provider of financing solutions to the business aviation market. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Solairus Aviation, prior to its sale in 2022. Prior to joining AE industrial in 2014, Mr. Vick served as Executive Vice President at Hawker Beechcraft until its ownership transition to Textron in 2013. Prior to Hawker Beechcraft, Mr. Vick was President & CEO of Landmark Aviation Airport Services, the FBO subsidiary of Landmark Aviation, a former portfolio company of AE Industrial, and President of Landmark Aviation, which grew to 48 FBO locations and 4 large scale MRO facilities. Mr. Vick has over 30 years of operating experience in the business aviation market, having held senior leadership positions at four of the world’s 25 largest OEM manufacturers: Gulfstream Aerospace, Bombardier Aerospace, British Aerospace and Hawker Beechcraft. He also has operating experience in the MRO and charter management segments of the business aviation market. Mr. Vick has experience in managing private equity-backed enterprises, including all aspects of senior management and evaluating and executing acquisition targets. Mr. Vick also has significant restructuring and international expertise and is an active pilot.

Education
  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, BS
  • Oxford College, England, Oxford Air Transport Course programs
Prior Experience
  • Global Jet Capital
  • Hawker Beechcraft
  • Landmark Aviation Airport Services
Partner
Laurence Vigeant-Langlois
Team | Investment Team, AE Ventures

Dr. Vigeant-Langlois is a Partner at AE Industrial with a primary focus on new business development and portfolio management across AE Industrial’s funds in private equity, venture capital, and aircraft leasing, where she serves on the Investment Committee of AE Ventures, and on AEI’s Origination Guidance and Sustainability Committees. She currently serves on the Boards of Directors of AEI portfolio companies: Alpine Air, Columbia Helicopters, Edge Autonomy and G.S. Precision, and on the Boards of Directors of AE Ventures portfolio companies: Eos Aircraft, FLYR, Gamma Alloys, Near Earth Autonomy and Revolution Space. In addition, she also serves as a Senior Commercialization Advisor with DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the US Department of Defense focused on breakthrough technologies for national and economic security. Prior to joining AE Industrial, Dr. Vigeant-Langlois worked for GE Aerospace as Chief Executive Officer of the GE Passport joint venture with Safran and IHI, and as program management executive responsible for the Passport, CF34-3 and CF34-8C engines on Bombardier and Mitsubishi’s aircraft. Previously at GE, Dr. Vigeant-Langlois played a key role on the founding team that launched and grew GE Additive as a leading force in industrial 3D printing, and led the strategy and global field marketing teams supporting the sale of GE Aviation’s engines, systems and services across commercial, business and military aviation. Before GE, Dr. Vigeant-Langlois led commercial, product and engineering teams in aerospace and high-tech industries. At Sikorsky Aircraft (Lockheed Martin), she launched new engineering innovation, ran defense offset programs and led the Operations Analysis and contract R&D teams. At aircraft lessor CIT (Avolon), she gained increasing responsibilities in acquiring $9B of aircraft and engines. At The Weather Company, she led the democratization of cockpit weather information and the launch of SiriusXM Aviation Weather. She also previously transported air freight flying Learjets across North America. She received SM and PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University, is a graduate of the International Space University space studies program, UTC’s Darden executive program, several GE Crotonville programs, the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School and completed the CFA Level 1. She is a certified FAA commercial pilot with Learjet privileges and a flight instructor in gliders. She also serves as Board Advisor to health tech company Triangulate Labs, and is a member of The Wings Club and PEWIN.

Education
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, SM and PhD
  • McGill University, BEng
  • International Space University, Certificate in Space Studies
Prior Experience
  • GE Aviation
  • Sikorsky Aircraft
  • CIT Aerospace
  • The Weather Company
Special Advisor
Shane Wright
Team | Operating Partners & Advisors

Mr. Wright is a Special Advisor to AE Industrial across its entire portfolio of investments and strategies. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Edge Autonomy and G.S. Precision. He most recently served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for GE Aviation, where he retired in December 2022. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of financial strategy for GE Aviation’s $30 billion aerospace business with more than 80 facilities in 21 countries around the globe. In addition, he managed GE Aviation’s operating rhythms and performance, while partnering with the leadership team to set and execute the business strategy. Mr. Wright joined GE in 1988 in the Financial Management Program. He then spent six years with the Corporate Audit Staff and held global finance leadership roles of increasing responsibility for several GE businesses, including Finance Manager, Asia Pacific for Transportation; Finance Manager, Asia, Europe and Africa for Energy; Financial Planning and Analysis Manager for Oil & Gas; Chief Financial Officer, Property & Casualty for Insurance Solutions and Chief Financial Officer for GE Transportation. Mr. Wright also has experience in mergers and acquisition, serving as the Corporate Staff Executive for M&A in Hong Kong in 1998, and in risk management, serving as the Global Risk & Underwriting Manager for GE Insurance Solutions in 2002. Prior to joining GE Aviation, he served as Chief Financial Officer for GE Healthcare International, where he was responsible for the Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Greater Asia regions for GE’s Healthcare business. Mr. Wright was the Staff Sponsor for GE Aviation’s Veteran’s Network, leading efforts to recruit, retain and promote high quality military veteran employees to the business. He was also the Executive Champion for the Company’s Financial Management Program, overseeing the training and development of GE’s future financial leaders. Mr. Wright served on the Board of Directors for the Cincinnati Port Authority and on the Board of Directors for 3CDC, Cincinnati’s Development Corporation.

Education
  • Whitman College, BA
Prior Experience
  • General Electric
  • GE Aerospace