Aaron Starks will leave his role as 47G president and CEO on December 15. Matthew Croshaw will become interim president and COO as the board searches for a permanent successor.
Salt Lake City, Utah — November 6, 2026
Aaron Starks will leave his role as president and CEO of 47G effective December 15, the Utah aerospace, defense and hard tech organization’s board announced Friday. Matthew Croshaw will become interim president and chief operating officer on December 16, overseeing day-to-day operations while the board searches for a permanent successor. Starks will remain involved in an advisory capacity until a permanent president and CEO is named, according to the announcement. 47G said its existing programs, partnerships and member services would continue without interruption. Its leadership team will continue directing the organization’s core initiatives.
“We are incredibly grateful to Aaron for the vision, leadership, and dedication he has brought to 47G,” said Brad Wilson, chairman of the organization’s board. “He has played an instrumental role in building an organization that brings together the people and partners shaping the future of aerospace, defense, and hard tech. As we look ahead, our priority is to build on that foundation and identify the right leader to guide 47G through its next phase of growth.” Starks said he would support Croshaw during the transition. “I’m incredibly proud of what our members, partners, and team have built together,” said Starks. “47G has grown into something much bigger than any one person, and I’m excited to see where the organization goes next. I’m committed to supporting Matthew Croshaw and helping ensure a smooth transition. I’ll always be cheering on this mission and the people who make it possible.”
According to 47G, the organization brings together more than 200 investor companies, universities and public-sector partners. Its work includes industry convening, advocacy and support for aerospace, defense and national security technology companies.
Among its initiatives is Project ALTA, launched in 2024 with the Governor’s Office, the Utah Department of Transportation and the Utah Inland Port Authority to support advanced air mobility in Utah.
TechBuzz’s March coverage of the FAA-backed uFLY initiative described a UDOT-led, five-state collaboration selected for a national pilot program integrating electric aircraft. The effort involves government and industry partners working on passenger and cargo transportation, infrastructure readiness and safe airspace integration. Selection for the program was a development milestone, not the launch of regular commercial service.
TechBuzz also covered the inaugural Project Alta Summit in May, where industry and government participants discussed infrastructure, aircraft manufacturing and preparations for potential passenger and cargo services ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics.
47G’s other convenings include the Zero Gravity Summit, Hard Tech Week and Aerospace & Defense Day on the Hill. Croshaw said the organization’s programs, partnerships and events would continue as planned.
“47G’s members are doing work that matters for our national security and for Utah,” said Croshaw. “Our responsibility is to keep that momentum going, continue delivering value to our members and partners, and build on the strong foundation already in place. Our programs, partnerships, and events will continue as planned.”
Board Vice-Chairman Gregg Robison described the organization as entering the transition with record membership and growing national visibility.
“The transition comes as 47G continues to operate from a position of strength,” said Robison. “We are entering 2027 with record membership, growing national visibility, and strong support from our industry and state partners. The board is confident in the organization’s direction and committed to building on the momentum already underway.”
47G said additional information about the leadership search and application process would be shared in the coming weeks.