AUVSI opens new chapter in US
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International has announced the launch of a satellite chapter to serve Tampa and southwest Florida, furthering its reach across the state.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the world’s largest nonprofit organisation devoted exclusively to advancing unmanned and robotic vehicle systems, has announced the launch of a satellite chapter to serve Tampa and southwest Florida, furthering its reach across the state.
“The formation of a satellite chapter on the southwest coast of Florida is very timely and exciting considering the influx of high-tech companies to the area,” said Steve Myers, vice president of AUVSI’s Florida Peninsula Chapter and CEO of Naples-based Angel Eyes UAV, which provides consulting services for non-military use of unmanned aerial vehicles. “AUVSI will help establish direct communication with key stakeholders at the local level.”
Tampa resident Andrew Wilson, owner and CEO of Quiet Professionals, a US Department of Veterans Affairs-certified service-disabled, veteran-owned small business which provides unmanned aircraft systems services and products, will serve as the satellite chapter’s interim director. A retired highly decorated Special Forces veteran, Wilson learned the value of UAS for defense and law enforcement operations during his decades of leadership and experience in the US Army.
“My goal is to make the AUVSI Tampa Satellite Chapter an active and inclusive organisation dedicated to the goals of AUVSI and the Florida Peninsula Chapter, including fostering greater learning and awareness of unmanned vehicles and exploring solutions that benefit the community,” Wilson said. “I look forward to engaging with local and regional companies, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and academic institutions to capitalise on the momentum for unmanned systems that is already building throughout the state.”