Our
Team
Well-rounded team of highly skilled solutions providers
Skyfire is comprised of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, offering a robust and fully comprehensive team here to help propel your business’ needs forward.
Our
People
Matt
Sloane
Chief Executive Officer
Matt Sloane is the CEO and founder of Skyfire Consulting and its parent company, Atlanta Drone Group.
Before he founded Atlanta Drone Group in 2014, Matt spent 14 years in various roles at CNN in Atlanta, including 12 years as a medical news producer and special projects manager for Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
In addition to his work there, he worked as a certified Emergency Medical Technician for Emory EMS, working his way up to Chief of Resources and Planning for the department.
Matt is an inaugural member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committee on drones, a technical advisor to the International Association of Fire Chiefs technology council, and an FAA-certified pilot.
Vijay Makar
Chief Operating Officer
Vijay Makar manages all aspects of Skyfire’s business operations for Skyfire Consulting. Prior to joining Skyfire, Vijay launched and grew a successful marketing organization where he served as VP of Operations for over 20 years. Through his business development efforts and ability to streamline process and communications, and leverage technology to enhance day-to-day flow of business, he was able to grow the organization from a team of 4 to nearly 100 where his clients included several Fortune 500 companies. Vijay is also a former Emergency Medical Technician for Emory University. With a background in public safety and his business acumen, Vijay is uniquely qualified to lead Skyfire’s operations and business development efforts.
Walt
Wylupek
Chief Technology Officer & President of Viking UAS
Walt Wylupek oversees strategy, technology, and business development for Skyfire Consulting. Prior to Skyfire, Walt founded the company that manufactures the first electrically-switchable smart glass product available at a big box retailer, established an electronics brand ranked #1 in sales on Amazon, and created a top-selling automotive accessories brand.
Walt is a former emergency medical technician who ran Emory University’s EMS program as Chief while working on his B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, tinkering with old machinery, and kickboxing.
Adam
Weaver
Chief Legal Officer
Adam Weaver is a co-founder of Atlanta Drone Group and serves as its Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel.
Adam’s experience includes practice before a wide array of state, federal, and self-regulatory organizations, corporate governance, complex corporate financing and transactions, corporate risk management and insurance, and commercial civil litigation defense.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory College and his Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law.
Michael
Briant
Chief Security Officer
Michael Briant founded Skydas Group International, a wide spectrum strategic security consulting and threat management firm. As a former United States Marine, diplomatic security contractor and law enforcement officer, Briant has faced modern-day challenges in combating terrorism both domestically, and in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe; where he provided security for US ambassadors, congressional delegations, multinational corporations and US and NATO military commanders. Briant is well-versed and operationally competent in Counter Assault Team Operations, Tactical Support Team operations, Principal, Personnel and Asset Recovery and extensive traumatic casualty care training.
Michael
Rogers
VP of Public Safety
Michael Rogers recently retired from a 22-year career as an FBI Special Agent, where he managed and grew the Bureau’s UAS program, and directed both equipment selection, training programs, and operational deployments. Rogers is a United States Air Force and Law Enforcement veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, serving in roles such as Field Training Officer, Investigative Special Agent, SWAT team operator, Sniper/Observer, Pilot in Command, Surveillance Team Leader, and Aviation Program Manager. He also has more than 5,000 hours as a manned aircraft pilot in command.
Justin McCarthy
Chief Marketing Officer
A true communications pro with a consistent track record of generating top-tier media coverage, consumer awareness, and internal sales buy-in. Justin has contributed to winning product launches, brand building, and brand revivals for companies like Cannondale, Garmin, Dairy Farmers of America and Skyfire.
Bruce Hudson
Director of Public Safety Operations
With a wealth of expertise spanning FAA consulting, sUAS operations, and SOP development, Bruce serves as lead consultant for federal and local public safety departments as well as private industries. Authoring hundreds of Certificates of Authorization and waivers, including extensive work in TBVLOS and BVLOS waivers, Bruce has pioneered innovative training methodologies and strategic data organization strategies, elevating operational efficiency and client success within Skyfire.
Jake Meslo
Director of Flight Operations
An esteemed drone operator with a robust aviation background, boasts extensive experience in drone operations across various technical and engineering domains. He is renowned for his ability in successfully integrating flight systems tailored for public safety applications. His skills extend to Pixhawk flight control systems, data collection, and mapping for industries such as power, construction, and engineering.