Don Davis

Defense and Industrial Aerospace 

Don Davis joined the North Carolina Military Business Center in February 2023. He currently serves as a Strategic Industry Professional, specializing in defense and industrial aerospace.  

Don is an executive level aerospace business consultant with more than forty five years of defense and industrial experience.  Don transitioned to a sole proprietorship in January of 2023, following the successful transition of Vertex, a private company, to V2X, a public company. 

Don joined L-3 Vertex in January 2016 and retired December 2022.  His last corporate position was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vertex Aerospace’s Aircraft Integration & Sustainment (AIS) division in Crestview, FL. AIS provides aircraft structures, major airframe assemblies, and military aircraft modifications for leading prime contractors and original equipment manufacturers.  Prior to this position, Don served as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at Vertex’s headquarters in Madison, MS. 

Prior to joining Vertex’s team, Don worked for The Boeing Company from 2001 to 2009 in numerous leadership positions, including:

• Business Development Manager and Interim Site Leader of Cecil Commerce Center in Jacksonville, FL.
• Senior Manager of Business Development and Strategy for Naval Integrated Logistics in Saint Louis, MO.
• Senior Director Maintenance Modifications & Upgrades Division Business Development team.
• Responsible for strategic vision, campaign strategy, and program management evaluation of more than 40 platforms in the domestic and international market.

Don served as Boeing’s representative on the Jacksonville, FL Chamber of Commerce and EDC.

In 2010, Don joined DRS as the Vice President of Operations for Aviation Division, Sustainment and Modernization in Elizabeth City, NC. He was responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the division to ensure safe operations and the delivery of affordable, quality products – on schedule to the US Coast Guard. While in Elizabeth City, Don served as the DRS representative on the Elizbeth City Chamber of Commerce and was a appointed by the Governor to a board member position for the College Of The Albemarle.

Don’s career in aviation began in the US Marine Corps where he first served as a Helicopter Mechanic and Crew Chief and attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He was promoted to Warrant Officer in his 14th year of service and became an Aircraft Maintenance Officer.  Don held multiple positions of leadership during his military career, including Marine Air Wing Maintenance Rotary Wing staff officer, Presidential Helicopter Crew Chief, Recruiter, and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Officer of an F/A-18 Marine Aircraft Group. After 25 years of service, he retired at the rank of Major in 2001 as a Marine Aircraft Group 31 Maintenance officer.

Don earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management while on active duty in the Marine Corps. 

Don and his wife Mechele live in the beautiful mountains of Hayesville, NC.