Tom DeMarino is a dynamic and accomplished aerospace executive whose career spans over five decades and includes service in the U.S. Navy, leadership in private industry, and contributions to some of the most transformative advancements in unmanned aviation systems. His personal motto—“Achieving extraordinary results with ordinary people”—captures his unwavering belief in the power of leadership, mentorship, and teamwork to unlock exceptional outcomes, even in the most challenging and innovative environments.
Tom’s journey began with a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Navy, where he rose to the rank of Commander and developed a deep appreciation for structure, discipline, and mission-driven execution. In the Navy, he led research and development efforts within the aerospace sector, gaining firsthand experience in data-driven decision-making and systems-level problem solving. His military tenure set the stage for a civilian career defined by technical rigor and visionary leadership, often at the intersection of government requirements and private sector innovation.
Transitioning into the private sector, Tom brought his strategic acumen to a wide array of aerospace and technology companies. He found his niche in organizations that valued agility over bureaucracy—those with fewer than 50 employees and revenues under $20 million. These environments allowed Tom to exert his full influence as both a technical expert and a cultural leader, transforming operations, streamlining production processes, and ultimately driving measurable growth.
One of Tom’s most pivotal roles was at AeroVironment, where he served in multiple capacities including Program Manager and Operations Manager. There, he turned around a stalled General Motors–sponsored program and played a key leadership role in the record-setting Centurion solar-powered UAS project. For that mission, Tom served as one of two Mission Directors overseeing flight operations due to the duration of the mission, each with their own team. He led the flight team during the record-breaking portion of the flight in which the aircraft achieved a propeller-driven altitude record of 80,200 feet—a feat that earned the Centurion a place in the Smithsonian Institute. While he directed that specific mission team, program management was under separate leadership, and he prefers to credit the broader team effort over individual accolades.
At Insitu Group and Aerosonde Ltd., Tom assumed the role of General Manager during a formative time for the organization. He instilled engineering discipline and a cogent business case that attracted crucial investment capital. This foundational work led to the development of the ScanEagle, a now-iconic unmanned aircraft system that was ultimately acquired by Boeing. The program’s success was a direct reflection of Tom’s ability to merge visionary R&D with commercial viability.
Tom’s leadership continued at Advanced Navigation and Positioning Corporation, where he served two separate tenures as VP of Operations and Senior Program Manager. Managing all revenue-producing programs, Tom was instrumental in building customer relationships across the Department of Defense, including the U.S. Marines, Air Force, and international military partners. His efforts in reviving obsolete military systems saved millions of dollars in taxpayer funding, demonstrating his deep understanding of cost control and value engineering.
At Latitude Engineering, Tom took on a unique role as Mission Commander for ISR operations in Afghanistan. He led 24/7 flight missions in a combat zone and redesigned airport infrastructure to reduce costs and improve readiness—once again showcasing his unique ability to optimize both performance and safety under pressure. This blend of strategic foresight and tactical execution is a hallmark of his career.
Even outside of active program management, Tom’s influence has endured. As CEO of Technical Development Associates, he evaluated and guided business acquisitions, leveraging decades of operational experience to support sustainable, ethical business growth. More recently, he returned to his passion for flight instruction, teaching students from primary to commercial levels. Through this work, he shares not just technical skills but also instills a deep respect for aviation safety and excellence.
Tom’s industry impact has been captured in publications such as Aviation Safety Magazine and Aviation Week, as well as through a feature video on the Discovery Channel. His international exposure includes significant collaborations with partners in Germany, Italy, Egypt, Morocco, and Taiwan, underlining his global mindset and cultural fluency in aerospace diplomacy. Despite his extensive credentials, Tom maintains a humble and approachable demeanor, focusing not on accolades but on making a tangible difference.
Personally, Tom is driven by a lifelong love for aviation. He owns and operates his own airplanes, installing avionics and maintaining them himself—a testament to his technical prowess and hands-on leadership. As a grandfather to 12, Tom is equally proud of his family as he is of his professional legacy. He sees board service as a way to give back, leveraging his hard-won wisdom to guide the next generation of aerospace and technology leaders.
Character:
Tom exemplifies integrity, humility, and perseverance in every facet of his career. His ability to lead with empathy while maintaining high standards of performance sets a powerful example for teams and organizations alike.
Knowledge:
With a master’s in Systems Management and decades of aerospace program leadership, Tom’s expertise spans R&D, avionics, logistics, and unmanned systems. His strategic insights have been instrumental in launching new technologies and revitalizing underperforming programs.
Strategic:
Tom’s career is defined by his capacity to see the big picture while managing the details that make execution successful. From saving millions in defense spending to spearheading engineering breakthroughs, his strategic value is indisputable.
Communication:
A gifted speaker, instructor, and writer, Tom connects seamlessly with technical teams, executives, and students. His storytelling ability and clear articulation of vision have consistently driven buy-in, alignment, and success.
