James Grimsley, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma | Dawn of Autonomy | Episode 10

February 28, 2024 | Dawn Zoldi

March is “R&D to Real World Operations” month on the Dawn of Autonomy podcast, and we’re thrilled to begin with our month sponsor, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO). This week’s show features James Grimsley, CNO’s Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives. James is a distinguished figure in the field of advanced aviation and aerial mobility, renowned for his expertise in policy and technology, with a notable presence in national and international forums as a speaker and contributor to state and federal task groups. He has played key roles in various committees and advisory councils, contributing significantly to the drone industry through initiatives like the FAA’s Drone Integration Pilot Program (IPP) and BEYOND Programs.

The CNO prioritizes growth and prosperity, emphasizing emerging technology through the Department of Advanced Technology Initiatives (ATI). It aims to diversify its portfolio by establishing an innovative Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) complex for aerial technologies. Collaborating with the FAA, NASA, and other stakeholders, the CNO is creating a one-of-a-kind aviation test facility in southeastern Oklahoma to accelerate the safe integration of UAS and AAM/UAM into the National Airspace System. Join us to learn about CNO’s vision of creating an aviation technology and innovation hub in southeastern Oklahoma and how its R&D will change society through real world ops.

Tune in on March 6: