The Team
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." -Phil Jackson
CHRIS FINK
Since founding the company in 2014, Chris has worked in nearly every role imaginable. Currently, he spends the majority of his time cultivating new and existing partner relationships, while also serving as the company's COO and CIO, helping manage operations and technology for the business.
ANDREW MCKINNEY
As Vice President of Sales, Andrew works closely with our Solutions Specialists to ensure our products and services continue to deliver exactly what our customers need. Andrew also manages the company's commercial leasing program, which he's built from the ground up since joining the company in 2017.
MATT RYBAR
VICE PRESIDENT • REMOTE OPERATIONS
Matt manages our consulting and training business, two things he has perfected over the years and that he brought with him when he joined the company in 2018. Leveraging his experience in the field as a Sheriff's Deputy, Matt often adapts his role to suit other projects, such as our Field Applications Specialist (FAS) program.
SYDNEY PHILIP
Leveraging her background in logistics, Sydney manages the day-to-day operations, ensuring orders go out quickly and inbound shipments from our suppliers are promptly received and securely warehoused.
JARRET RHYNER
A seven-year veteran of the drone industry, Jarret empowers our Field Applications Specialists with customer focused education, expertise, and training of drone and robotics for public safety enablement.
ADAM HOING
Adam uses his experience in public communications, sales, and marketing to guide our messaging and ensure that every piece of content we publish speaks to our audience.
ERIN SLANE
OPERATIONS SPECIALIST I
Motivated by a passion to serve those who serve our communities, Erin uses her expertise in strategic organization to support our inventory, operations, and logistics efforts for UVT's incredible customers and partners.
KAYO GONZALEZ
After spending nearly a decade in financial compliance, Kayo leverages her drive and detailed methodologies to ensure our customers' success by keeping our entire organization on track and on time.
MACI HIGGINS
SALES ADMINISTRATOR
Utilizing her experience as a public safety professional, Maci's input and detailed direction help streamline and inform our sales processes, keeping our customers and team consistently resourced.
DANIEL ANDERS
Embedded in the public safety sector and immersed in drone and robotics technology, Daniel's wealth of experience managing large-scale drone programs has set him apart as an authority in the sUAS industry. With a deep commitment to educating organizations at all stages, Daniel has been instrumental in establishing, upholding, and enhancing safety standards for public safety professionals across the nation.
COOPER CORLEY
A Part 107A and fixed-wing pilot with over a decade of sUAS experience, Cooper’s history includes a broad base of expertise with a vast array of drone solutions from every corner of the aviation industry. Cooper capitalizes on his breadth of knowledge by equipping public safety agencies and enterprise organizations around the nation with mission-tailored drone fleets.
JOSEPH SIMS
REMOTE OPERATIONS SOLUTIONS SPECIALIST
An industry thought leader, Joseph’s decade of experience and holistic command of sUAS systems have positioned him at the forefront of drone technology innovation. Drawn to UVT by a shared passion and culture to serve those who serve us, Joseph brings expertise in comprehensive drone fleet management, as well as proficiency in mapping, photogrammetry, and overwatch operations. His skills will enable our customers to harness the full potential of their drone technology, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and effectiveness in serving their communities.
CHARLEE WEATHERWAX
REMOTE OPERATIONS - PROJECT COORDINATOR
Charlee’s 17 years of public safety experience and passion for innovative technology has equipped her with an intimate knowledge of our customer's needs and the experience to provide the right solutions the first time. Leveraging our partnerships, and her expertise, Charlee provides our customers with custom-tailored remote operations solutions across a spectrum of enterprise industries.
CHAD LARMAN
Previously serving as Drone Commander for the Oklahoma Disaster Task Force, Chad’s expertise and experience in growing, building, and maintaining drone programs is regularly called upon. Coordinating and collaborating with public safety response teams across the nation, Chad’s knowledgeable leadership has been instrumental in formulating proactive disaster response efforts for our customers.
CHRISTOPHER BAKER
Working hand-in-hand with public safety agencies for over five years to provide specialized technical support, Christopher understands what it takes to keep the mission moving forward. His certification as a DJI Dock Installation Technician, coupled with his drone assessment and response tactics expertise allows for an expert understanding of the intricacies involved in enterprise drone dock integration and the support needed to sustain a thriving drone fleet program.
CAYEN WIELENGA
A passion for creating genuine connections through intentionality and storytelling has shaped Cayen's impressive marketing career over the last decade. Her expertise spans the thoughtful alignment of communications and brand to crafting compelling content uniquely tailored to her audiences, all with the purpose of driving meaningful engagement.
MICHAEL DELLIMAGINE
REMOTE OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN I
As a Part 107 certified pilot with over four years of specialized experience in small electronics repair, Michael’s attention to detail and problem-solving skills make him adept at diagnosing and resolving complex technical challenges. Motivated by a desire to support remote operations and public safety personnel, Michael is dedicated to advancing UVT’s mission through meticulous equipment upkeep and expert technical support.
FIELD SPECIALISTS
TONY LEAL
With 18 years of Law Enforcement experience, Tony uses his public safety expertise, fleet management know-how, and practical application of drone and robotics technology to equip agencies with the right equipment the first time.
ROBERT MARLEY
FIELD APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST
As a first responder and drone and robotics expert, Robert knows the importance of having the right tools, for the right job, at the right time. His commitment to supplying frontline workers with only the very best sUAS tools has positioned Robert as a local expert, regularly called on for his expertise and recommendations.
LUKE POORE
Luke's zeal for equipping public safety professionals with not only the right drone and robotics technology but also the proper education to ensure operational effectiveness stems from an intimate working knowledge of the challenges law enforcement officials face every day. With a focus on successful implementations and sustained fleet management, Luke uses his public safety experience to help organizations develop and build mission-ready drone programs nationwide.
CHRIS JUSHKA
FIELD APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST
As a retired Captain of Special Operations for the State Patrol, Chris uses his 30 years of remotely controlled aircraft and robotics experience, combined with his specialized sUAS proficiency, to train new pilots on standardized operational procedures while building teams of competent public safety pilots using the same foundational tactics deployed in the field.
CHRIS PROUDLOCK
FIELD APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST
As a Law Enforcement professional with 27 years of experience, Chris has witnessed firsthand how powerful force multipliers UAVs are. This awareness has driven a passion to equip first responders with these skills and technology, enhancing their ability to respond quicker, safer, and more effectively.
BRIAN LEVENTHAL
As a manned aircraft public safety professional, Brian's mastery of the aviation industry has enabled him to spend the better part of the last decade pioneering innovative drone programs in his jurisdiction and North Carolina. Well-versed in public safety solutions and applications, Brian uses his depth of knowledge to empower these organizations with not only the right tools but also training and education built on years of experience to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
TODD JOHNSON
FIELD APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST
Operating for 24 years as a commercial helicopter pilot for local law enforcement, Todd's experience with public safety aviation has evolved, preferring the use of drones for many missions requiring quick response, restricted flight ceilings, and tactical operations. Proficient with most airframes, Todd uses his drone expertise to educate organizations and departments on fleet integration and implementation.
TRAVIS ROZEBOOM
Travis' 8 years of professional drone and robotics experience spans multiple industries and includes Level 2 certifications as a NIST proctor in both the confined and advanced fields. As a public safety professional, Travis is well-versed in piloting drones during SWAT, SAR, and subject apprehension operations as well as navigating the FAA’s waiver and airspace requirements for compliance.
MATT HARDESTY
Using his 31 years of experience as a law enforcement professional, Matt was instrumental in creating, managing, and expanding the Drones As First Responder program with the Chula Vista Police Department. Matt’s experiences as a first responder have driven him to equip front-line workers with the information, technology, and training needed to keep them and their communities safe.
MIKE HICKMAN
Mike leverages his experience from developing and managing the Drones As First Responder (DFR) program for the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Air Support Unit to support and educate agencies and public safety professionals around the country. As an expert in the industry, Mike's insight is regularly called upon for training and strategic response development.
JOHN YEAST
A seasoned sUAS professional, John capitalizes on his 7+ years of experience managing and building multiple sUAS first responder fleets, including regional and SWAT programs, to empower public safety and enterprise organizations with expert advanced technology consultation. His dedication to excellence drives innovation and fosters holistic customer experiences, ensuring the implementation of cutting-edge solutions for enhanced safety nationwide.