Ohio is strengthening its position in advanced air mobility (AAM) by appointing Ted Angel as the Executive Director of the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE).
Located at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, NAAMCE supports the expanding work of manufacturers and operators of advanced air mobility vehicles, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Angel’s appointment as Executive Director comes as Ohio seeks to advance the AAM industry and establish itself as a leader in innovation. Angel has a distinguished career in aviation, aerospace, military, and innovation.
In his new role as NAAMCE’s Executive Director, Angel is responsible for the attraction, expansion, and retention of AAM partners, companies, and suppliers throughout Ohio. He will convene key AAM stakeholders across the state, including researchers, industry leaders, military personnel, and government officials, to boost collaborative efforts aligning with Ohio’s industry strategy.
Angel most recently served as the Director of Projects and Business Development for Aerospace & Defense for the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC), part of the JobsOhio network of regional economic development partners.
He also served 27 years in the United States Air Force, including in leadership roles such as Aircrew Flight Equipment Superintendent, Squadron Superintendent, Command Manager, and Senior Enlisted Leader.
Angel commented, “The world of AAM holds enormous promise in terms of economic opportunity and how people live their lives now and in the near future, and Ohio is primed to lead the way. I am looking forward to helping Ohio chart the course for AAM and all the opportunities this rapidly expanding sector holds.”
JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef added, “Ohio is establishing an entirely new end-to-end supply chain for the Advanced Air Mobility industry, and we are at the forefront of integrating AAM aircraft into the National Airspace System. Ted’s role as NAAMCE’s executive director reflects Ohio’s opportunity to push the boundaries of this fast-growing sector where technology, innovation, transportation and aviation converge.
“This is part of a long-term strategy initiated more than 20 years ago to ensure the Dayton Region and Ohio are strongly positioned for the future of aerospace and aviation, and it’s working. Companies like Joby and Anduril are the types of industry partners who recognized the value of being near their customers at Wright-Patterson, the nation’s third-largest manufacturing workforce, and this ONE-OF-A-KIND test and evaluation facility the NAAMCE presents!”
DriveOhio’s Executive Director Preeti Choudhary, stated, “Ohio has made incredible progress in AAM, which outpaces any state in the nation. Until now, we’ve shared the responsibilities through collaboration among all stakeholders across the state. Ted will take us to a new level of partnership and cooperation to ensure Ohio continues to lead in AAM and all the opportunities it affords.”
Joe Zeis, Governor Mike DeWine’s Senior Advisor for Aerospace and Defense, said, “The application of this leading-edge technology is well underway thanks to the efforts, investment and brainpower of so many experts from across Ohio, but we need to continue to build on Ohio’s momentum. As a leader in the aerospace industry, Ohio is obligated and privileged to grow the AAM industry and its potential to thrive in our advanced ecosystem.”
