VAERO promotes Dave Vernon to chief operating officer

By AI, Created 12:31 PM UTC, May 28, 2026, /AGP/ – VAERO promoted David “Dave” Vernon to chief operating officer as the Jacksonville aerospace supplier expands production for defense and commercial aviation programs. The move puts Vernon in charge of day-to-day operations across machining, composites, assembly and MRO as the company scales work for major OEM and DoD customers.

Why it matters: - VAERO is elevating an executive with deep technical and supply chain experience to help manage growth across defense and commercial aviation programs. - The promotion puts operational leadership at the center of VAERO’s expansion, where on-time delivery and certified quality systems are critical. - VAERO’s work supports aircraft and engine programs tied to Sikorsky, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney and Northrop Grumman.

What happened: - VAERO promoted David “Dave” Vernon from chief technology officer to chief operating officer. - Vernon will lead day-to-day operations across precision machining, composites, advanced assembly and MRO. - Vernon will report to CEO Bob Bell. - VAERO announced the change May 28, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida.

The details: - The promotion reflects VAERO’s investment in operational leadership as the company scales production for major defense and commercial aviation programs. - Those programs include the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk cockpit assembly, the Boeing CH-47 Chinook composite bonded refueling boom and air filtration systems, and precision-machined components for Pratt & Whitney turbine engines and the Northrop Grumman A-10. - As CTO, Vernon led VAERO’s technical organization through program growth on the Sikorsky Black Hawk platform. - VAERO assembles Black Hawk cockpits with more than 3,000 parts. - Vernon also oversaw ongoing Boeing programs spanning rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft. - He helped maintain VAERO’s AS9100D-certified quality management system. - He also played a central role in VAERO’s FAA Part 145 and EASA repair station approvals. - Under Vernon’s leadership, VAERO implemented advanced ERP systems, cloud-based GCC-High environments and cybersecurity systems. - VAERO achieved NIST-800 and CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. - Vernon joined VAERO in 2024. - He brings more than 25 years of global supply chain technical and operational experience. - Before VAERO, Vernon led domestic and international operations at Kaman Aerospace, General Electric and Dresser Inc. - His work included global manufacturing and sourcing operations in the U.S., China, India and Mexico. - Vernon holds a master’s degree in global supply chain from the University of Michigan and undergraduate degrees in business and economics from Indiana University. - VAERO has more than 50 years of experience in aerospace and defense supply chain work. - The company specializes in precision machining, composites, advanced assembly and maintenance, repair and overhaul. - VAERO operates an AS9100D-certified quality management system. - VAERO is certified by the FAA as a Part 145 repair station and has EASA approval. - More information is available at the company’s website. - VAERO also shared its LinkedIn page at the company’s social profile.

Between the lines: - The move suggests VAERO wants a leader who can connect engineering, manufacturing and operations as program volume rises. - Vernon’s background in quality systems, cybersecurity and global sourcing aligns with the needs of aerospace suppliers serving regulated customers. - CEO Bob Bell framed the promotion as part of VAERO’s push to grow its footprint with OEM and DoD partners.

What’s next: - Vernon will oversee scaling operations while trying to preserve quality and discipline across VAERO’s production base. - VAERO is expected to keep expanding support for aircraft and defense programs as demand grows. - Bell said the company is growing its footprint with OEM and DoD partners.

The bottom line: - VAERO is betting that a supply chain and operations veteran can help turn technical strength into broader manufacturing scale without losing control of quality.