About avix
Avix was founded by Bob Grey in 2015 to deliver strategic, operational, and tactical expertise in modern air warfare to government and industry clients. The team specializes in 4th and 5th generation fighter operations, unmanned systems, manned/unmanned teaming, autonomous air vehicle applications, distributed command and control, Agile Combat Employment, integrated air and missile defense, electromagnetic spectrum warfare, and counter-small UAS operations. In 2018, Avix expanded into aircrew training and courseware development, providing F-16C, A-10C, and EC-130 initial qualification simulator training, and academic instruction. Avix also partners with EarthCast Technologies to deliver advanced weather and environmental intelligence to DoD and federal agencies.
The Avix Team
Bob “Ghost” Grey
Founder/CEO
Bob graduated from the Air Force Academy and holds a Master’s degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School. With over 3,500 flying hours in the F-22, F-16, F-15, C-141, and C-26, he completed multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. A former F-22 Wing Commander, Maintenance Group Commander, and Air Expeditionary Task Force Deputy Commander, Bob retired as a Brigadier General after nearly 29 years of service.
Francine Spinelli
CFO
Francine is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and has a Master’s Degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School. She has worked extensively in Finance for both the private sector and government, and has been a co-owner in multiple entrepreneurial ventures. As CFO she oversees Finance, Human Resources, and Contracting.
Pete “Coach” Fesler
VP of Defense Programs
Pete graduated from the University of Utah and holds three Master’s degrees, including one in Security Studies from the National War College. A U.SAF Weapons School graduate, he has over 2,000 flying hours in the F-22 and F-15C, including combat time over Iraq. Pete served as an F-22 Wing and Squadron Commander and held staff roles at HQ Air Force, Joint Staff, and HQ NORAD. He retired as a Brigadier General after 27 years of service
Charles “Flex” Butler
VP of Operations
Charles graduated from the Air Force Academy and holds Master’s degrees in Military Operational Art & Science and Management. A National Defense Fellow at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, he has over 3,800 flying hours in the F-22, F-15C, and C-141, including combat time in the F-15 over Iraq. Charles commanded the 611 Air Operations Center in Alaska and an air expeditionary group in the Middle East, retiring as a Colonel after 24 years of service.
Pat “Bear” McAtee
Senior Director
Pat, a graduate of the Air Force Academy, has over 3,000 flying hours in the F-22 and F-16, and is a USAF Weapons School graduate. Pat served as an F-22 Operations Group Commander and Maintenance Squadron Commander and had multiple combat tours, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired as a Colonel after 26 years of service and now oversees Avix advanced sensor and datalink programs for 4th and 5th generation aircraft.