Executive Leadership

Bill Gattle, Chief Executive Officer

LightRidge Solutions

Bill Gattle is the Chief Executive Officer of LightRidge Solutions, a private equity aerospace and defense company that specializes in high performance space and air collectors and sensors as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning. He brings 35 years of experience in the space, airborne, and intelligence markets, driving innovation and change to help government national security customers solve their most challenging problems. Previously, Gattle was President of Space Systems for L3Harris Technologies’ Space & Airborne Systems segment. Gattle was responsible for the business strategy, financial performance, and successful execution of all programs within the space systems sector. Prior to leading Space Systems, he was President for Harris Corporation’s Space and Intelligence Systems segment until the company’s merger with L3 Technologies. In this role, Gattle covered an extensive portfolio of collection solutions in the intelligence community, air and space surveillance, small satellites, electronic warfare, wireless solutions and C4I systems.He holds a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida, and has been a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the National Space Council.

Joshua Hartman, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer

LightRidge Solutions

Joshua Hartman is Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at LightRidge Solutions, leading their strategy and business development, and responsible for ensuring successful corporate growth. Hartman is a champion of disrupting the space and intelligence communities by discovering novel technical and operational concepts as well as commercial approaches that solve national security problems. Prior to joining LightRidge, Hartman was Managing Partner and CEO at a corporate strategy firm focused on creating company growth through organic and acquisitive activities in the Defense and Intelligence markets. Hartman has previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Intelligence as well as professional staff on the House Armed Services and House Appropriations Committees

Troy Epp, President

Ophir Corporation

Troy Epp is the President of Ophir Corporation, responsible for the company’s overall leadership, performance, and business strategy. He has over 27 years of experience in the defense and aviation industry spanning leadership, business operations, financial management, production, maintenance, business pursuits, strategy, tactical planning, and continuous improvement with a history of success in aligning people, strategy, process, and technology to drive business growth and profitability. Epp joined Ophir in January 2017 as the Director of Finance and Operation and has taken on additional leadership responsibilities over the past 6 years to include Vice President of Finance and Operations prior to being named President in late 2022. He has robust experience in various business areas pertaining to aviation, satellites, launch vehicles, ground stations, service centers, facilities, and maintenance and repair programs.

Jason Sanders, Chief Financial Officer

LightRidge Solutions

Jason Sanders is Chief Financial Officer at LightRidge Solutions, with two decades of financial experience in the aerospace, defense and manufacturing industries. Previously, Sanders was Senior Vice President for Finance at Advanced Integration Technology and Finance Director and Controller at L-3 Mustang Technology.

Adam Marks, Senior Vice President for Corporate Development

LightRidge Solutions

Adam Marks is SVP Corporate Development at LightRidge, leading all corporate development and strategic investment initiatives for the company. He has two decades of executive experience working at Maxar, Thales, and Booz Allen Hamilton, focusing on strategic growth initiatives primarily across the space, defense, and aviation industries. He has advised both strategic companies and private equity sponsors with a particular focus on the worldwide space and defense technology markets. Marks previously served as the Chief Strategy & Corporate Development Officer at Maxar Technologies’ Space Infrastructure division (formerly SSL). Prior to that, he served as the VP of Corporate Strategy and VP of Operations for Thales North America. While at Thales, Marks led a number of strategic M&A initiatives with over $5billion in combined transaction value.