Increased UAS Use in Commercial Applications Fueling USI Growth
The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) saw significant growth in 2021 resulting from an increase in the commercial use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and the growth of incorporating valuable industry recognized credentials into the nation’s high school and collegiate academic programs. As the most recognized name in UAS Workforce Development and supporting successful, scalable, and efficient commercial UAS operations, USI is announcing a key promotion within its organization and the addition of several new positions within their growing organization.
Josh Olds, a co-founder of USI has added the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in addition to his responsibilities as President. Josh has led the company’s growth in both the academic and commercial markets since 2018. As CEO Josh assumes the lead role in establishing and overseeing both the strategic and tactical aspects of the business. His current focus is to continue the growth of USI’s traditional business while introducing new products and services. USI is actively pursuing business opportunities within and outside of the United States.
Kodey Bogart has joined USI as its Director of Safety Programs. Kodey holds her undergraduate degree from both Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as well as a Master of Science in Aviation Safety from the Florida Institute of Technology. Kodey, a former U.S. Army Warrant Officer and Aviator, flew the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in medical evacuation missions as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was also an Aeromedical Evacuation pilot for the Florida National Guard and has worked as a pilot, instructor pilot and chief pilot in various commercial and law enforcement positions. She holds her Rotor Wing ATP certification from the FAA, FAA Part 107 certificate and has attained her Certified International Safety Manager (CISM) certificate from the International Society of Safety Professionals. Kodey will be working directly with USI clients to develop comprehensive operations and safety management systems. She will also be conducting industry standards gap analysis reviews and teaching various safety programs.
Stephanie Holland has assumed the new position of Director of Marketing and Communications for USI. Stephanie graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and has 15 years’ experience in various marketing roles including leadership positions within the athletic, healthcare and aviation industries. She is skilled in all aspects of business marketing and strategy and holds numerous certifications in digital marketing specialties. Stephanie will oversee the development and execution of USI’s marketing and communications plans.
Andrew Gorny joins USI as the UAS Maintenance Manager and Instructor Pilot. In addition to teaching USI coursework and flight instructing, he will oversee fleet maintenance of USI’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Andrew brings with him a B.S. Degree in Aeronautics from Liberty University, FAA Instrument Rating and Part 107 Certifications and over 600 hours of manned and unmanned flight time. Andrew was previously responsible for the training of flight crew personnel for deployed complex operations of UAS as well as shipboard operations with the U.S. Navy.
Carlee Meador has accepted the newly created position of Quality Assurance Manager for USI. In this capacity she strives to assure that USI products and services, including both academic and commercial offerings, are being delivered effectively, efficiently and with a high degree of customer success and satisfaction. She also provides logistical support for all USI training programs, contract management, product delivery, client relationships and USI product sales. Carlee earned a degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Aerospace and Occupational Safety. At Textron Marine and Land Systems, she was a student ambassador and worked in various environmental health and safety capacities.
The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) is the industry’s most widely recognized leader in flight safety solutions for individuals, academia and organizations focused on integrating and operating UAS for civil or commercial purposes. The Unmanned Safety Institute provides UAS flight safety training and certification to operational standards based on the adoption and modification of time-honored aviation safety practices. With more than 300 instructors and over 10,000 USI Certifications awarded around the world, USI works with large commercial enterprises and nearly 300 schools in all 50 states. USI is the global leader in commercial and academic UAS training and certification, delivering the most highly regarded training program of its kind. Programs include the Small UAS & Advanced Safety Certifications, Visual Line of Sight Systems Operations™ (VSO) and Professional Remote Operator™ (PRO) certifications and Unmanned Connect™ workforce development initiative. USI’s training and certification programs are endorsed by major aviation insurance providers and incorporated into aviation association professional development programs and have been evaluated and recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education. Discover more at www.UnmannedSafetyInstitute.org.