Former D-Fend Solutions Executive Named New AUVSI CEO
Brett Feddersen, a former D-Fend Solutions executive and U.S. national security official, has been appointed President and CEO of AUVSI, effective December 1.
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has appointed Brett Feddersen as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2026.
The appointment, announced on November 9, brings an executive with experience in counter-drone technology, U.S. national security policy and military aviation to one of the unmanned systems industry's most influential trade associations.
Feddersen joins AUVSI from D-Fend Solutions, the Israeli-founded counter-drone technology company acquired by Motorola Solutions. He served as Vice President of Strategy and Governmental Affairs, overseeing government relations and regulatory engagement involving counter-unmanned aircraft systems.
He has also served on AUVSI's Board of Directors, giving him an established relationship with the organization's membership and leadership.
Background in Defense, Aviation and National Security
Before moving into the defense technology industry, Feddersen held several senior government and military positions.
He served as Director for Transportation and Border Security at the White House, where he was involved in developing the United States' national framework for addressing drone threats.
He also held the position of Executive Director for National Security Programs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), overseeing activities related to national security, aviation protection, intelligence and crisis response.
His military background includes service as a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, combat advisor and intelligence officer, with experience leading aviation and intelligence units.
The combination of military operations, regulatory experience and commercial counter-drone technology is particularly relevant as governments expand their use of unmanned systems while introducing new security and airspace requirements.
AUVSI Plans Greater Focus on Autonomous Systems
Feddersen succeeds Michael Robbins, who departed AUVSI in October to lead the Semiconductor Industry Association. AUVSI Chief Operating Officer Heather Lee served as Interim President and CEO during the leadership transition.
Under its incoming chief executive, AUVSI plans to strengthen support for the deployment of autonomous technologies across air, land and maritime domains.
The association has identified secure supply chains, allied manufacturing capacity, dual-use technology and the commercial deployment of autonomous platforms among its priorities.
These issues are also relevant to European drone manufacturers and counter-UAS technology companies seeking international partnerships and access to the U.S. market.
Feddersen's appointment comes as unmanned systems increasingly move beyond experimental programs into larger military procurement initiatives, creating new requirements for interoperability, certification and industrial cooperation.
His tenure will begin at a time when defense manufacturers, technology startups and governments are reassessing how autonomous systems can be produced and deployed at scale.
