CDA Welcomes James Slider of Performance Drone Works to the Board of Directors
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 2, 2026 – The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA), the leading nonprofit organization focused on American leadership in commercial drone technology, is pleased to announce that James Slider, CEO of Performance Drone Works (PDW), has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction.
Slider brings deep experience operationalizing innovative hardware and software systems, launching new production facilities, and scaling mission-critical manufacturing. Before becoming CEO, he served as PDW’s President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the opening of Drone Factory 01 in Huntsville, Alabama, a 90,000-square-foot facility that significantly increased build-rate capacity for the company’s platforms. Prior to joining PDW, Slider held leadership roles at the Drone Racing League, where he led product development and technical programs for its autonomous drone and racing initiatives.
“This is an exciting and critical moment for commercial drones, and the CDA is focused on ensuring America leads the way in unmanned aviation,” said Lisa Ellman, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Drone Alliance. “James’ experience scaling American drone manufacturing will strengthen our advocacy for the entire industry. We are thrilled to have him join our leadership team.”
“Drone technology has to evolve ahead of the next mission, and the companies building it need to move just as fast,” said James Slider, Chief Executive Officer of PDW. “That means expanding domestic drone production so American operators aren’t relying on foreign supply chains. I’m honored to join the Commercial Drone Alliance Board and look forward to working with its members to accelerate American innovation in unmanned aviation.”
James Slider joins CDA’s Board of Directors: Eric Brock (Ondas), Ben Berlin (Zipline International, Inc.), Jenn Player (Skydio), Neta Gliksman (Percepto Robotics), Heath McLemore (Florida Power & Light), Margaret Nagle (Wing), Jeff Cole (Hidden Level), Jon Damush (uAvionix), James Grimsley (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Grant Jordan (SkySafe), Craig Marcinkowski (NUAIR), Jim O’Sullivan (DoorDash), Christopher Todd (Airborne Response), and William Wheeler (Southern Company).
About the Commercial Drone Alliance
The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) is a nonprofit organization led by key leaders in the commercial drone and drone security industries. The CDA unites a diverse group of stakeholders, including commercial drone end-users, manufacturers, service providers, advanced air mobility companies, and drone security firms. The CDA works with the federal government and industry to promote American global leadership in advanced aviation and enable the deployment of commercial drones at scale across the United States.
Learn more at www.commercialdronealliance.org.