TULSA, Okla., June 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- John “JC” Coffey, executive director of unmanned systems for Cherokee Nation Technologies, has been named to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International board of directors.
Coffey’s term as a new board member began last month following XPONENTIAL 2017, AUVSI’s annual trade show and conference.
“It is a real honor to be elected to AUVSI's board of directors, especially during this unique time in history when the technology readiness levels of unmanned systems continue to rapidly increase,” said Coffey. “The progress during the last decade can largely be attributed to the U.S. military and its contribution of funding and operational hours towards these technologies. Recently, federal agencies have begun demonstrating the viability of unmanned platforms as civilian scientific observing systems. Commercial applications are literally beginning to take off. AUVSI has been a big part of leading this transition, and it's fantastic to be a part of the team.”
Coffey is among five new directors joining the nonprofit organization’s board in 2017.
Coffey, a retired naval aviator and Department of Defense acquisition professional, joined CNT in 2014 and was named the 2015 AUVSI Member of the Year for his exceptional dedication to advancing unmanned systems through industry innovation and member recruitment.
“AUVSI is a member-driven organization that during its 45-year history has benefitted from the vision, dedication and leadership of our board of directors,” said Bryan Wynne, AUVSI’s president and CEO. “These new and returning board members represent all three unmanned systems domains – air, ground and maritime – and they will continue to lead AUVSI’s commitment to fostering, developing and promoting our industry and the technology that powers it.”
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics. AUVSI represents more than 7,500 members from more than 60 countries involved in the fields of government, industry and academia. AUVSI members work in defense, civil and commercial markets.
Wholly owned by the Cherokee Nation, CNT provides a full spectrum of unmanned systems expertise, IT services and technology solutions, geospatial information systems services, as well as management and support of programs, projects, professionals and technical staff.
Since 2009, the company has been serving government clients with time-tested solutions that increase client effectiveness through the intelligent use of technology. CNT is a company within the technology sector of Cherokee Nation Businesses and is headquartered in Tulsa, with a regional office in Ft. Collins, Colorado, and client locations nationwide.
For more information, please visit www.cherokee-cnt.com.
About Cherokee Nation Businesses
Cherokee Nation Businesses is the tribally owned holding company that builds the diverse economic portfolio of Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the United States. CNB blends its heritage of ingenuity with modern business experience to solve complex challenges and serve clients nationwide. Cherokee Nation and its businesses employ 11,000 people. CNB owns companies in the consulting, health sciences, hospitality, real estate, technology, distribution and logistics, engineering, manufacturing, construction and environmental services industries. For more information, please visit cherokeenationbusinesses.com.
Editor's note: Find all the latest Cherokee Nation news at www.anadisgoi.com.
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Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/60a8ebb8-3103-462e-b67c-295605584b09