David Alabed
President and Chief Executive Officer

David Alabed was appointed President and CEO of Stark Aerospace in November 2020. Prior to that he was the Vice President of Operations. Mr. Alabed has over 30 years experience in commercial, defense, and aerospace systems. He joined IAI in 2018 after 12 years with Elbit Systems of America as the Vice President of Operations/Site Leader where he worked closely with the US Department of Defense and Israel Ministry of Defense on many projects. David has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

Robert Maddox
Chief Financial Officer

Robert joined Stark Aerospace in 2023 bringing with him deep and significant experience in finance including roles as a CPA with Big 4 accounting firms. In his previous position, he was the CFO for a defense manufacturer. Robert has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from Auburn University.

John-Paul Morgante
Chief of Staff

John-Paul joined Stark Aerospace in 2019 as the Director of Human Resources and Administration. He brings over 30 years of professional experience with 18 years in aerospace and defense, most recently with Elbit Systems of America. His expertise spans multiple industries including client consulting work with ATT, United Technologies, Bridgestone, Carrier, Chegg, ExxonMobil, and Habitat for Humanity. John-Paul has a chemistry degree from the University of Southern California and an MBA from The Open University in the United Kingdom. He holds SPHR & GPHR certifications in human resources, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certifications.

Carlos Escalante
Vice-President, Engineering

Carlos joined Stark Aerospace in 2016 as a Production Engineer for the Aerostructures Division and has vast experience in new product introduction and build to print manufacturing for all of Stark’s divisions. Carlos led the Stark team that achieved the company’s first Nadcap Accreditation. Carlos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Mississippi State University.

John Grady
Vice-President, Program Management

John joined IAI North America in 2019 as a Program Manager and since 2021 has led Program Management for Stark Aerospace. John has extensive experience supporting program portfolios within the U.S. defense industry. John holds his Program Management Professional (PMP) certification and Bachelor’s degrees in History and Secondary Education from Alderson-Broaddus University.

James Barclay
Director, IT

James joined Stark Aerospace in 2019 with over 25 years of information technology experience and a Microsoft Systems Engineer since 2001. He has vast experience in network and systems design and implementation, as well as in IT policy creation and documentation.  James leads the complete restructuring of our Columbus facility network along with managing IT systems security and compliance.

Alan Goolsby
Director, Quality

Alan joined Stark Aerospace in 2023 with more than 30 years of quality assurance and quality control experience in commercial and military aviation/aerospace industries. His expertise includes industry standards ISO 9001, AS9100, AS9110, and AS9120 and thorough knowledge of U.S. and European regulatory requirements. Alan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Trinity International University and is a United States Air Force veteran.

Kyle Mattison
Director, Manufacturing

Kyle joined Stark Aerospace in 2007 after working with another UAV development and manufacturing company. Kyle brings 17 years of aerostructure and integration experience to Stark. He has expertise in the field of advance composites manufacturing and has successfully led several UAV, robotics, and commercial aerostructure production transitions from overseas companies.

Mary Nealon
Director, Contracts & Facility Security Officer

Mary Nealon joined Stark Aerospace in 2023 bringing with her extensive experience in international, commercial, defense, and US government contracting. In addition to her Juris Doctorate she holds a specialized Business Law Certificate from Western State University, College of Law. Mary also has a Bachelor of Arts in both International Studies and General Studies from Idaho State University, an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, her Facility Security Officer (FSO) Certification from the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE), and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.

Nikki Williams
Director, Materials & Planning

Nikki joined Stark Aerospace in 2023 as the Director of Materials and Planning. She brings 35 years of experience in the automotive, consumer goods, worker safety, and distribution industries. Her experience includes progressive leadership roles in transportation, inventory, recycling management, supply chain, and third-party warehousing and distribution. Nikki holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Columbia Southern, maintains multiple OSHA certifications and is Green Belt certified.