LEADERSHIP
Our leadership team combines decades of military aviation experience, defense industry expertise, and operational excellence. Every member brings a commitment to mission success and warfighter readiness.
ERIC 'POPEYE' DOYLE
Captain (Retired) Eric "Popeye" Doyle brings an extraordinary legacy of military aviation leadership to RAVN Aerospace. As the former Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels (2017-2019), he led the world's most prestigious flight demonstration squadron through hundreds of performances inspiring millions. His distinguished 25-year Navy career included command of Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113), service as an Operational Test Pilot with the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis AFB, and leadership of the Blue Angels' historic transition to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet platform. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Eric applies an engineer's mindset to solving complex challenges. He serves on the Board of the International Council of Air Shows Foundation and previously served as President of the Tailhook Association. Under his leadership, RAVN Aerospace has grown into a trusted defense contractor delivering world-class warfighter training and aerospace services from Houston Spaceport.
MARCO 'IVAN' PARZYCH
Marco "Ivan" Parzych serves as Vice President of Operations at RAVN Aerospace, providing cost-effective and tactically challenging training scenarios for our nation's warfighters. With over 6 years at RAVN, including 5 years as Director of Flight Operations, he brings deep expertise in military aviation training and operations. A former U.S. Air Force officer, Marco served as an F-35 and F-16 instructor pilot with extensive air and ground combat leadership experience. His operational test background includes serving as an F-35 Operational Test Consultant with American Systems, where he contributed to the development and evaluation of America's most advanced fighter aircraft. Marco graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and holds a Master's degree in Military Arts and Sciences from USAF Air Command and Staff College, as well as a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. He is PMP certified, bringing rigorous project management discipline to RAVN's operations. Beyond his aerospace career, Marco is passionate about veteran financial wellness. He founded Mission Ready Finances, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial coaching and education to service members and their families. He has served as a financial coach for over 5,000 soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines throughout the Idaho National Guard & Reserve.
LEADERSHIP NAME
Our CTO leads all technology initiatives and systems integration efforts at RAVN Aerospace. With a background in defense systems engineering and program management, he ensures our technical capabilities remain at the cutting edge. His expertise spans avionics integration, mission systems, and the digital infrastructure required to support modern aerospace operations. He holds an active TS clearance and has managed numerous classified programs.
LEADERSHIP NAME
Our Director of Training brings elite-level tactical expertise to RAVN's training programs. A former fighter pilot with Weapons School and TOPGUN credentials, he has trained hundreds of military aviators in advanced combat tactics. He leads the development and execution of all ADAIR, CAS, and advanced flight training curricula, ensuring our programs deliver realistic, challenging scenarios that prepare warfighters for peer and near-peer threats.
CODY KENNEDY
16+ years U.S. Navy Aviation Machinist Mate. Embry-Riddle graduate with Textron Aviation experience.
DEBORAH 'NIKKI' WITHERSPOON
20+ years operations leadership across aerospace, defense, and government contracting. Active Secret Clearance. MBA with expertise in enterprise systems and CMMC compliance.
DAVID SMITH
NASA Chief Aviation Safety Officer (JSC). FedEx B-767 Captain. Naval Academy graduate with MS in Astronautical Engineering. NAWC Test Pilot.
NICHOLAS GOOD
TOPGUN graduate. Commander, Carrier Air Wing Nine. 26-year Naval Aviator. Former L3Harris Director of Airborne Combat Systems.
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We're always looking for exceptional talent to join the RAVN Aerospace mission.
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