Leading technology executive joins pursuit for zero-emission commercial aviation

[Kemble, UK & Hollister, CA: October 2^nd, 2023] — ZeroAvia today announced that Deborah Diaz, former NASA Chief Technology Officer, has joined the company’s board as a Non-Executive Director. Deborah will work with ZeroAvia’s executive leadership and existing board members to help accelerate the company on its strategic journey from innovator to global leader and major supplier of zero-emission aircraft engines.

Deborah is currently CEO of Catalyst ADV, a technology and strategic growth advisory firm. She has extensive experience as a board director with Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR), Primis Financial (Nasdaq: FRST), Section IO, BRMI and as advisory board director of Intel, Equinix, Dell, and Forcepoint.

Previously, Deborah served as NASA’s Chief Technology Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer where she managed global system infrastructure, technology innovation, risk management, financial and regulatory stewardship, data protection and supply chain. She also served as CIO for Science and Technology at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Deputy CIO for the USPTO and is a recognized global expert on international energy innovation and ESG risk mitigation.

Deborah Diaz, newly appointed Non Executive Director, ZeroAvia, said: “The importance of ZeroAvia’s mission, the rapid development of the technology and the energy of this specialized team are all factors in making me want to be part of this journey. As the global transition to net zero intensifies, I see tremendous opportunity ahead with ZeroAvia’s solid path of hydrogen-electric engines flying passengers and cargo with zero emissions within a few short years. I’m looking forward to working with my board colleagues and the executive team to realize this vision.”

Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia, said: “We are highly fortunate to have Deborah joining the board and offering her diverse experience and technical expertise to further enhance the capabilities of our Board and push the company forward. Her experience in overseeing complex IT infrastructure at NASA, and work with many high-growth companies as a board director, give us a strong guiding hand to help us maximize the opportunities in front of us.”

ZeroAvia has demonstrated further commercial momentum this year, registering more than 1,800 provisional powertrain orders and announcing its first definitive purchase agreement. The company has surpassed 300 employees and completed the initial flight testing program for its first commercial product, as well as unveiling a 76-seat aircraft to begin testing of its second engine series.  

Source : ZeroAvia