Unmanned Safety Institute Launches Industry Advisory Board for UAS Workforce Development

ORLANDO, FL, September 18, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) has launched its first Industry Advisory Board, bringing together leaders from across the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) ecosystem to help align education, training, and industry-recognized credentials with the workforce demands of a rapidly evolving industry. The board’s inaugural meeting took place at the UAS industry's annual flagship event, the Commercial UAV Expo and Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 2, 2026.

The board aims to provide strategic insight, practical guidance, and candid feedback as USI evaluates existing programs and develops new pathways for students, educators, operators, and employers. Members will challenge assumptions, identify emerging skills and roles, and ensure that learning outcomes remain connected to real-world operating environments.

The timing is significant, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing the Part 108 framework, which is intended to create a more predictable pathway for routine, scalable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. This proposal addresses far more than piloting; it includes operating authorizations, aircraft airworthiness, separation from other aircraft, security, recordkeeping, third-party services, and organizational responsibilities. As the industry awaits final action, employers and educators face a shared question: how should the workforce prepare for operations that are more automated, more distributed, and more closely integrated with the National Airspace System?

Josh Olds, President and CEO of USI, emphasized the importance of the board’s role. "The strongest training programs are built with the people responsible for putting technology to work safely. This board is not ceremonial. We are asking these leaders to examine our assumptions, challenge our priorities, and help us keep education aligned with what employers and operators will actually need as the industry moves into its next phase."

The Industry Advisory Board includes members with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Andrew Spiegel, Senior Vice President and Head of Unmanned Aircraft Underwriting at United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG), brings extensive experience across aviation, insurance, safety, and flight operations. Calvin Rieb, a Senior Director and Global Remotely Operated Systems Leader at Cargill, has led Cargill's global drone program for seven years and serves on the NBAA Emerging Tech Committee and Flyability's Product Advisory Board.

Drew Talley, Head of Flight Operations at Skyways, has extensive experience in UAS operations supporting pipelines and energy infrastructure. Jim Ogletree, Chief Pilot at Amazon Prime Air, is involved in the flight operations supporting Amazon's commercial drone delivery program. Joseph Keck, the Aviation Safety and Drone Manager at MGM Resorts International, specializes in aviation operations, safety, training, and emerging drone technologies. Kyle Miller, Head of Infrastructure Markets at Censys Technologies, focuses on applying long-range UAS technology to infrastructure and industrial applications.

Matt Gulsvig, a technology innovator and UAS aviation leader, pioneered the use of drones within American Tower's operations. As the founder and Chief Pilot of the company's UAS Program, he built and scaled a nationwide enterprise drone operation and continues to drive innovation across aviation, robotics, and telecommunications. Nate Robie, who leads unmanned systems strategy and operations at Dominion Energy, has spent years securing and executing complex FAA approvals for utility and critical infrastructure missions.

Rita Castonguay-Hunt, a pilot and program director specializing in crewed and uncrewed aviation operations, standardization, procedures, training, and safety, brings extensive experience in aviation safety and regulatory operations. Toni Drummond, Founder and Managing Director of Future Flight Global, works to advance electric, hybrid, and unmanned aviation and the broader advanced air mobility ecosystem. Will Dawson, Founder of the Agricultural Drone Initiative, focuses on advancing agricultural drone use and development in the United States. Will Wheeler, Principal, UAS for Southern Company, helps lead enterprise uncrewed aircraft strategy, operational governance, and advanced aviation integration across one of the nation's largest energy companies.

Brad Tucker, Chief Commercial Officer at USI, stated, "We are excited to have such a diverse and experienced group of leaders on our Industry Advisory Board. Their insights will be invaluable as we continue to develop and refine our education and training programs to meet the evolving needs of the UAS industry."

The Industry Advisory Board will advise USI in four primary areas: validating curriculum against current operating practice, identifying emerging job roles and skill gaps, strengthening the connection among education, credentials, and employer expectations, and maintaining an aviation-grade focus on safety as technology and regulation change. USI will use the board's feedback to evaluate where programs should evolve, where new learning pathways may be needed, and where industry expectations are still unsettled.