Mark Aitken, II helps clients navigate the federal legislative process to change the course of yet-to-be-implemented regulatory structures. He connects those clients with industry leaders to pursue new business ventures and enhance their visibility with federal decision-makers in order to influence the interpretation of legislative mandates.
Prior to joining Akin Gump, Mark served as the director of government relations at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems.
While at AUVSI, Mark led advocacy efforts regarding the House and Senate versions of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization and associated appropriation measures. He supported industry’s efforts to safely expedite the U.S. framework for integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace Systems for commercial opportunities.Mark develops wide-ranging policy positions on issues before federal regulators and lawmakers. He was appointed to the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics’ Drone Advisory Subcommittee and the FAA’s UAS Registration, Micro-UAS, and UAS Identification and Tracking Aviation Rulemaking committees.
Before working at AUVSI, Mark served as legislative director in the office of Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), developing and presenting a partnership proposal that resulted in multistate cooperation for securing FAA selection of one of six national UAS test sites. He also oversaw Rep. LoBiondo’s seat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, including his chairmanship of the Aviation Subcommittee.
Mark additionally served as the director of U.S. operations at an Italian fuel cell developer and then later as the manager of communications and public affairs for an Italian technology company.He began his professional career as a legislative assistant to former Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), where he developed policy initiatives for the congressman’s work on the House Committee on Science and Technology. Mark also managed issues related to legislation on appropriations, energy, transportation, education, environment and other portfolios.
Experience:
- Advises public, private and trade association clients on a range of regulatory and policy matters in the unmanned-systems sector.
- Fifteen years of legislative advocacy and public affairs experience.
Representative Work:
- Has provided legislative advocacy to clients including Airbus, Exelon, Academy for Model Aeronautics, PrecisionHawk and Silent Falcon UAS.
Education:
- B.A., University of Baltimore, 2004
Cost
Rate : $$$
