AUVSI welcomes Mark Aitken to its Advocacy team as government relations manager. Mark will be the legislative lead for all issues at the federal level, with a focus on air systems and platforms. Mark will work closely with senators, members, and staff to further AUVSI’s policy and legislative goals.



Prior to joining AUVSI, Mark spent a combined 10 years on Capitol Hill and in the defense industry. Most recently, he was legislative director to Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (N.J.-02), where he handled the Rep. LoBiondo’s Aviation Subcommittee portfolio and UAS policy initiatives. Throughout his tenure with Rep. LoBiondo, he also had responsibility for many other legislative issues, including the congressman’s work on the House Armed Services Committee, appropriations and foreign affairs.



Additionally, from 2004-2006 he worked for former Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (Md.-06), his main focus was staffing the congressman on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.



Before coming going back to Capitol Hill in 2011, he had multiple capacities within Finmeccanica North America. Starting as director of U.S. Operations for Ansaldo Fuel Cells SpA until he was promoted as Manager of Communications & Public Affairs for Finmeccanica North America, his time with the international conglomerate has given him a unique perspective of the international defense and commercial marketspaces.



Mark graduated with a degree in Government & Public Policy from the University of Baltimore in Baltimore, after transferring from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.