Craig Coker Named Chief Pilot And VP Of Community Development

DroneUp today announced the expansion of its executive team to position the company for growth in the UAV industry. Craig Coker, a well-known pilot and drone technology expert, will serve as Chief Pilot and Vice President of Community Development.

He will be responsible for community development and expansion of DroneUp’s pilot member base. This will include implementing strategic marketing concepts, mission creation, as well as pilot deployment and technical support. As a drone pilot proficient in technology development, Coker has guided industry leaders in product development and technical analysis, contributing directly to advancements in the drone market. He is recognized by the industry as one of the top drone operators.

A former professional freestyle skier, Coker’s creative pursuits have led him to use drone imagery to photograph landscapes, streets, aerials and world-class events. Coker’s longtime humanitarian interests first led him to DroneUp last year, when he was among a group of drone pilots using DroneUp’s mobile app to assist in search and rescue efforts in Texas during Hurricane Harvey.

Anthony Vittone, an accomplished lawyer and business executive, will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. He will oversee DroneUp’s business in finance, investors, sales, marketing, legal, HR and contract fulfillment. Vittone has extensive experience in working with developing businesses in a variety of disciplines. Prior to joining DroneUp, he was Senior Vice President of Swimways Corp. in Virginia Beach, Va., the outdoor products division of SpinMaster Ltd., a publicly traded Canadian company.

At Swimways, he most recently oversaw product development, product integrity, HR, finance, IT and the company’s operations in China. He holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Richmond and a master’s in business administration from the College of William and Mary. "Craig and Anthony each bring backgrounds and experiences that will contribute greatly to DroneUp, at a critical time in the company’s rapid growth,” said Tom Walker, Founder and CEO of DroneUp. "Already this year, DroneUp has launched new initiatives, including Responsible Community Pilot Program and a strategic partnership with AirMap to enable drone pilots to request authorization to fly in FAA airspace.

The forward thinking that Craig and Anthony each bring to the table will further fuel DroneUp’s strategic direction as the market-leading drone pilot community dedicated to safe operations and training.”

(Source: DroneUp news release)

FMI: www.droneup.com