About Otto
Otto is creating the future of sustainable air travel through paradigm-shifting design, performance and economics. We’re a mature but scrappy startup guided by a team of experienced and accomplished aerospace leaders ushering in a revolutionary transonic super-laminar aircraft that is more operationally efficient and more environmentally friendly.
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Our Team
Paul Touw
Chief Executive Officer, Director
Paul is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and a relentless drive to create positive change. An engineer and private pilot, his 15-year track record in the aerospace industry includes serving as founder, chairman and CEO of XOJET, a charter private aviation company. He was also co-founder and executive vice president of Ariba, a supply chain visibility solution that is now part of the SAP portfolio. The common theme across Paul’s pursuits is transformation—pinpointing business challenges and delivering revolutionary solutions.
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Scott Drennan
President and Chief Operating Officer
Scott built his nearly 30-year aerospace and defense career navigating complex challenges and seizing opportunities as if the future was behind him. Known as an inspirational leader, his success in leading diverse teams has led to remarkable results. He worked for nearly three decades at Bell Helicopter, where he last served as vice president of Innovation and Advanced Concepts. At Bell, Scott was also integral to a dozen military and commercial aircraft certification programs and was an FAA designated engineering representative. Scott also serves as an advisor to several start-ups, guiding teams with a creative and growth mindset.
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Dennis Muilenburg
Chairman of the Board, Senior Advisor
Dennis’ 37-year career is characterized by extensive leadership in aerospace and global industry. With a strong foundation in engineering, he climbed the Boeing ranks, ultimately serving as chairman, CEO, and president. His unwavering commitment to advancing talent, values, and technology led to the co-founding of New Vista Capital, a strategic advisory, venture, and private equity firm focused on transforming aerospace and national security with excellence.
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Curtis Spackman
Vice President of Finance, Secretary
Curtis brings financial expertise to the Otto team with a career portfolio in auditing, accounting and compliance from Deloitte, as well as experience in financial planning and modeling, and investment management. Curtis balances executing long-term financial strategies with optimizing costs and improving financial efficiency to contribute to Otto’s growth.
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Kyle Heironimus
Vice President of Engineering
Kyle is an accomplished aerospace engineer with 14+ years of industry experience and a background in mechanical and systems engineering. At Bell and Hyundai Urban Air Mobility, he proved his engineering versatility, ingenuity, and resourcefulness in defense and civilian aircraft development and innovation. His commitment to safety, precision, and technology advancements has earned him a reputation as a reliable and forward-thinking leader. Kyle blends science and art as co-founder and president of Art Reaching Out, a nonprofit that teaches STEM curriculum through glassblowing.
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Bill Otto Jr.
Vice President, Board of Directors
Bill Otto Jr., Vice President, has participated in conceptual design, patent applications, prototype development, and scaled test flights while directing business planning, offering documents, and raising capital for Otto. Bill is also the founder and owner of Majestic Pet Products, a pet supplier, manufacturer, and importer since 1991. Previously, Bill was employed by Texas Commerce Bank (now JPMorgan Chase), where he participated in the Officer Development Program.
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Mike Hinton
Director of Test & Certification
Mike is a well-rounded aerospace engineer with 27+ years in general and business aviation, including roles in test and certification, aircraft development, software engineering, powerplant and pneumatic systems, and aerodynamics, and serving as an FAA designated engineering representative. He is also regarded for his mentorship of early-career engineers. Prior to joining Otto, Mike served in roles with ONE Aviation, Kestrel Aircraft Company, Cirrus Aircraft, and Cessna Aircraft Company.
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Don Freund
Head of Aircraft Configuration
Don brings extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams in the design and analysis of advanced business aircraft concepts. Before joining Otto, Don spent 25 years at Gulfstream Aerospace, where he led airframe and powerplant integration, served as co-principal investigator for the NASA-Gulfstream Quiet Spike flight test program, and led several advanced technology demonstration efforts involving full-scale hardware design, build and test. He also participated as a loads and dynamics technical specialist on the GV, G450, G550, and G650 certification programs.
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Michael Carver
Board of Directors
Michael Carver is CEO and owner of R.J. Noble, a leader in the production, engineering, and manufacturing of asphalt and concrete products. Mike is also CEO and owner of Lincoln Self Storage and Rio Vista Executive Boat & RV Storage. Collectively, he has quadrupled the revenues of his business enterprises over a 10-year period.
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Alan Hassenflu
Board of Directors
Alan Hassenflu is co-founder, General Partner, Managing Principal and CEO of Fidelis Realty Partners Ltd. Focused on maximizing property value for its tenants, partners, and communities, Fidelis offers comprehensive services across its diverse commercial real estate portfolio. From an initial 1 million square feet in Houston, the company has expanded to approximately 24 million square feet across 14 states, spanning a number of sectors. He began his career at Price Waterhouse and earned his CPA certification.
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Richard Rogers, CPA
Board of Directors
Richard Rogers, CPA, has been a personal wealth advisor for more than 30 years. He previously held roles with Frontier Wealth Management and Price Waterhouse and was the founder of Comprehensive Personal Financial Advisors.
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Jim Coder
Aerodynamics
Jim Coder brings 15 years of expertise in applied aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Penn State University and has previously worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and as research faculty at the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory. He has also worked on aerodynamics and fuel system thermal model projects for Boeing Research & Technology and on dynamics and controls at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.
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Dave Colbert
Flight Operations
Dave Colbert is a 46-year business aviation professional with expertise in aircraft operations and managed and floating fleet maintenance. He is currently the general manager of DC55 Group LLC, specializing in maintenance strategies for operators and flight departments within the regulatory environment. Previously, he served on the leadership team at XOJet, a charter private aviation company, and as a board member for XOJET’s GMJ Airshuttle subsidiary. His leadership experiences also include corporate flight and FBO operations; and aircraft charter management, acquisition, and sales.
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Gur Kimchi
Board Advisor
Gur Kimchi’s dynamic career is characterized by innovation and boundary-pushing exploration. His instrumental roles as co-founder of the Amazon Prime Air delivery-by-drone project, developer of key technologies at Microsoft and veteran of eight early-stage companies, showcases his pioneering force across a number of industries. Relentless about reimagining the future of mobility with safety at the forefront, Gur is a founding member of the FAA Drone Advisory Committee, and has collaborated with several government organizations on safe airspace around the world.
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Gregg Martin
Board Advisor
Gregg Martin, a senior aerospace executive, excels in developing and deploying complex systems for global defense, intelligence and space sectors. In 35+ years with Boeing, he was a highly regarded technical and business leader, and held a number of high-profile roles including vice president of Engineering & Technology for Phantom Works, the advanced prototyping arm of Boeing’s defense and security business. As founder and CEO of System Solutions LLC, he offers top-tier engineering and business consulting services.
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Jessica Pruss
Commercial
Jessica Pruss is a seasoned and innovative aerospace consultant with a decade of executive experience leading sales, marketing and customer relations for both renowned brands like Textron Aviation and pioneering startups. Notably, Jessica played a key role in securing launch customers for the cutting-edge all-electric aircraft at Eviation Aviation. She also has a strong foundation in the advertising and media industry supporting strategic financial transactions. Jessica is known for building and leading cross-functional teams and optimizing business performance.
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Dominique Spragg
Integrated Operations
Dominique Spragg is an innovative, versatile aerospace leader. A former chairman and CEO of sustainable aviation start-ups, he is passionate about providing business mentorship and stewarding investments to entrepreneurial ventures pioneering industry advancements. An aerospace engineer and private pilot with nearly 40 years of experience at companies advancing aircraft technology—from Pratt & Whitney and DeHavilland/Viking to Eviation and magniX—he brings a broad perspective and hands-on approach to strategy, governance, operations, manufacturing and global supply chain management.
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Anne Toulouse
Marketing and Communications
Anne Toulouse, a seasoned communications advisor, specializes in impactful strategies and astute counsel for C-suite leaders. As Pleiades Partners LLC's founder, she empowers clients, spanning Fortune 500 conglomerates to agile tech startups, leveraging brand, marketing and communications power to drive transformative growth. With a 30-year Boeing journey culminating in her role as Chief Communications Officer, Anne’s distinct perspective centers on constituency and reputation management. Her focus ensures solutions incorporate stakeholder and societal impact.
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Paul Touw
Chief Executive Officer, Director
Paul is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and a relentless drive to create positive change. An engineer and private pilot, his 15-year track record in the aerospace industry includes serving as founder, chairman and CEO of XOJET, a charter private aviation company. He was also co-founder and executive vice president of Ariba, a supply chain visibility solution that is now part of the SAP portfolio. The common theme across Paul’s pursuits is transformation—pinpointing business challenges and delivering revolutionary solutions.
Read more
Scott Drennan
President and Chief Operating Officer
Scott built his nearly 30-year aerospace and defense career navigating complex challenges and seizing opportunities as if the future was behind him. Known as an inspirational leader, his success in leading diverse teams has led to remarkable results. He worked for nearly three decades at Bell Helicopter, where he last served as vice president of Innovation and Advanced Concepts. At Bell, Scott was also integral to a dozen military and commercial aircraft certification programs and was an FAA designated engineering representative. Scott also serves as an advisor to several start-ups, guiding teams with a creative and growth mindset.
Read more
Dennis Muilenburg
Chairman of the Board, Senior Advisor
Dennis’ 37-year career is characterized by extensive leadership in aerospace and global industry. With a strong foundation in engineering, he climbed the Boeing ranks, ultimately serving as chairman, CEO, and president. His unwavering commitment to advancing talent, values, and technology led to the co-founding of New Vista Capital, a strategic advisory, venture, and private equity firm focused on transforming aerospace and national security with excellence.
Read more
Curtis Spackman
Vice President of Finance, Secretary
Curtis brings financial expertise to the Otto team with a career portfolio in auditing, accounting and compliance from Deloitte, as well as experience in financial planning and modeling, and investment management. Curtis balances executing long-term financial strategies with optimizing costs and improving financial efficiency to contribute to Otto’s growth.
Read more
Kyle Heironimus
Vice President of Engineering
Kyle is an accomplished aerospace engineer with 14+ years of industry experience and a background in mechanical and systems engineering. At Bell and Hyundai Urban Air Mobility, he proved his engineering versatility, ingenuity, and resourcefulness in defense and civilian aircraft development and innovation. His commitment to safety, precision, and technology advancements has earned him a reputation as a reliable and forward-thinking leader. Kyle blends science and art as co-founder and president of Art Reaching Out, a nonprofit that teaches STEM curriculum through glassblowing.
Read more
Bill Otto Jr.
Vice President, Board of Directors
Bill Otto Jr., Vice President, has participated in conceptual design, patent applications, prototype development, and scaled test flights while directing business planning, offering documents, and raising capital for Otto. Bill is also the founder and owner of Majestic Pet Products, a pet supplier, manufacturer, and importer since 1991. Previously, Bill was employed by Texas Commerce Bank (now JPMorgan Chase), where he participated in the Officer Development Program.
Read more
Mike Hinton
Director of Test & Certification
Mike is a well-rounded aerospace engineer with 27+ years in general and business aviation, including roles in test and certification, aircraft development, software engineering, powerplant and pneumatic systems, and aerodynamics, and serving as an FAA designated engineering representative. He is also regarded for his mentorship of early-career engineers. Prior to joining Otto, Mike served in roles with ONE Aviation, Kestrel Aircraft Company, Cirrus Aircraft, and Cessna Aircraft Company.
Read more
Michael Carver
Board of Directors
Michael Carver is CEO and owner of R.J. Noble, a leader in the production, engineering, and manufacturing of asphalt and concrete products. Mike is also CEO and owner of Lincoln Self Storage and Rio Vista Executive Boat & RV Storage. Collectively, he has quadrupled the revenues of his business enterprises over a 10-year period.
Read more
Alan Hassenflu
Board of Directors
Alan Hassenflu is co-founder, General Partner, Managing Principal and CEO of Fidelis Realty Partners Ltd. Focused on maximizing property value for its tenants, partners, and communities, Fidelis offers comprehensive services across its diverse commercial real estate portfolio. From an initial 1 million square feet in Houston, the company has expanded to approximately 24 million square feet across 14 states, spanning a number of sectors. He began his career at Price Waterhouse and earned his CPA certification.
Read more
Paul Touw
Chief Executive Officer, Director
Paul is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and a relentless drive to create positive change. An engineer and private pilot, his 15-year track record in the aerospace industry includes serving as founder, chairman and CEO of XOJET, a charter private aviation company. He was also co-founder and executive vice president of Ariba, a supply chain visibility solution that is now part of the SAP portfolio. The common theme across Paul’s pursuits is transformation—pinpointing business challenges and delivering revolutionary solutions.
Read more
Dennis Muilenburg
Chairman of the Board, Senior Advisor
Dennis’ 37-year career is characterized by extensive leadership in aerospace and global industry. With a strong foundation in engineering, he climbed the Boeing ranks, ultimately serving as chairman, CEO, and president. His unwavering commitment to advancing talent, values, and technology led to the co-founding of New Vista Capital, a strategic advisory, venture, and private equity firm focused on transforming aerospace and national security with excellence.
Read more
Bill Otto Jr.
Vice President, Board of Directors
Bill Otto Jr., Vice President, has participated in conceptual design, patent applications, prototype development, and scaled test flights while directing business planning, offering documents, and raising capital for Otto. Bill is also the founder and owner of Majestic Pet Products, a pet supplier, manufacturer, and importer since 1991. Previously, Bill was employed by Texas Commerce Bank (now JPMorgan Chase), where he participated in the Officer Development Program.
Read more
Michael Carver
Board of Directors
Michael Carver is CEO and owner of R.J. Noble, a leader in the production, engineering, and manufacturing of asphalt and concrete products. Mike is also CEO and owner of Lincoln Self Storage and Rio Vista Executive Boat & RV Storage. Collectively, he has quadrupled the revenues of his business enterprises over a 10-year period.
Read more
Alan Hassenflu
Board of Directors
Alan Hassenflu is co-founder, General Partner, Managing Principal and CEO of Fidelis Realty Partners Ltd. Focused on maximizing property value for its tenants, partners, and communities, Fidelis offers comprehensive services across its diverse commercial real estate portfolio. From an initial 1 million square feet in Houston, the company has expanded to approximately 24 million square feet across 14 states, spanning a number of sectors. He began his career at Price Waterhouse and earned his CPA certification.
Read more
Richard Rogers, CPA
Board of Directors
Richard Rogers, CPA, has been a personal wealth advisor for more than 30 years. He previously held roles with Frontier Wealth Management and Price Waterhouse and was the founder of Comprehensive Personal Financial Advisors.
Read more
Partners
New Vista Capital is a strategic advisory, venture and private equity firm focused on transforming aerospace and national security. Co-founders include Kirsten Bartok-Touw, Dennis Muilenburg and Travis Nelson.
New Vista’s proven team and group of advisors know how to translate promising advances into successful business results that create jobs and help fuel the economy. The multidisciplinary expertise and experience in emerging technologies, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, finance, government and regulatory, executive leadership, and talent development is a differentiator in the complex business sector.
Visionary trailblazer
William (Bill) Otto established Otto in 2008 with the goal of reimagining air travel.
Frustrated with the inconvenience of commercial air transportation, high private air travel costs and the environmental impact, Bill led the successful development of Celera subscale models and Celera 500L—a full-size technology demonstrator aircraft.
Bill’s unconventional approach to problem-solving gave rise in 1974 to Otto Laboratories, Inc., which became one of the most recognized accident reconstruction firms in the world. While serving as founder and president of the Laboratories, he traveled more than two million miles to various accident sites throughout the world. Bill’s extensive travel brought air transportation problems to light, and so began the Otto Celera journey.
Contact Otto
General inquiries
info@ottoaviation.comCareers inquiries
careers@ottoaviation.comInvestor inquiries
invest@ottoaviation.com