Brett Feddersen appointed chair of SIA Counter-UAS Group

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has appointed Brett Feddersen – vice president of strategy and government affairs at D-Fend Solutions – as chair of the SIA Counter-UAS Working Group.

Many facilities are limited in their ability to establish counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) given the myriad of regulatory nuances and lack of a clear national framework for addressing the topic.

UAS National Action Plan

SIA Counter-UAS Working Group was created in 2023 to support the work needed to accomplish actively

The SIA Counter-UAS Working Group was created in 2023 to actively support the work needed to accomplish the recommendations of the Domestic Counter-UAS National Action Plan put forth by the Biden administration and further educate and give authorities options to mitigate UAS attacks. 

This group collaborates with external organisations and recruits industry experts aligned with this goal; tracks and monitors supportive legislation; and identifies, educates and engages with legislators.

Innovative counter-UAS technologies

“I am honoured to continue the hard work my predecessor, Bill Edwards, led in the Counter-UAS working group. Together with my security industry colleagues, we will advance the critical efforts of air domain awareness and safe drone threat mitigation and advocate for the broad acceptance of innovative counter-UAS technologies.”

In his role with D-Fend Solutions, Feddersen is responsible for pioneering the company’s strategy, public policy and government relations efforts and engagements with various branches of the U.S. government, policymakers and regulators. He also plays a key role in supporting business development for D-Fend’s airports and aviation practice by supporting the company’s counter-UAS activities at U.S. airports.

Roles of Feddersen

Feddersen joined the team with vast senior leadership venture in major governmental agents

Feddersen joined the team with extensive senior leadership experience in major governmental agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the White House’s National Security Council, the Pentagon’s Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Defense Intelligence Agency. 

He spoke at SIA GovSummit 2024 on the topic of safeguarding sensitive environments in the era of the hostile drone threat. Feddersen is a U.S. Army combat veteran and a retired Pennsylvania state trooper.

New chair of SIA’s Counter

“SIA is honoured to welcome Brett Feddersen as the new chair of SIA’s Counter-UAS Working Group,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “While uncrewed systems offer tremendous benefits, they also pose security risks across various sectors, and there is a critical need for technologies to address these challenges and safeguard our drone-powered society."

"Brett’s deep experience and expertise in navigating the complexities of countering threats will bring great value to the working group’s efforts to inform and educate our members about key topics related to drones and counter-drone technologies and advocate for measures that cater to key requirements while ensuring operational flexibility and continuity." 

Brett’s leadership

SIA Counter-UAS Working Group’s efforts and acts have had to provide input on drone-related content

Erickson added: "Through Brett’s leadership and the active involvement of working group members, SIA will continue to actively pursue the renewal of counter-UAS authorities and the long-overdue expansion of these policies to help mitigate threats posed by drones.”

The SIA Counter-UAS Working Group’s key efforts and accomplishments have included providing input on counter-drone-related content and pioneering compelling presentations at top SIA and industry events, producing informative articles on important drone and counter-UAS topics, advocating on behalf of the security industry and engaging with legislators on drone-related concerns.

Volunteer opportunities

Employees of SIA member companies can make the most out of their memberships by getting more involved with the association. 

Volunteer opportunities include joining SIA committees or groups, lending expertise to SIA’s education and training programs, participating in SIA’s advocacy efforts, contributing to SIA’s publications and thought leadership and getting involved in SIA events.