The Crew
Bob Pudney
SVP, Maritime Systems. Bob Pudney brings over 28 years of experience to his role leading AEVEX Maritime Systems. A former U.S. Navy officer, he spent 21 years serving in surface and special operations forces before transitioning to corporate leadership in 2019. That year, Pudney took the helm as President of Blue Tide Marine, a maritime logistics firm specializing in government services, undersea and aviation operations, and test and evaluation services. He later served as CEO of BlackSea Technologies (acquired by AEVEX), leading the company through its acquisition by AEVEX Aerospace. Today, he leads AEVEX Maritime Systems, drawing on his extensive operational experience as well as a B.S. in Political Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.A. in International Relations from Troy University.
Pat Reagan
VP, Maritime Systems. Pat Reagan brings more than 20 years of special operations and sensitive missions leadership experience across the Department of Defense to his role with AEVEX Maritime Systems. He joined Blue Tide Marine in 2021 following a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force. A career enlisted aviator, Pat accumulated approximately 3,000 flight hours in multiple specialized military aircraft. His final 15 years of service were spent as an operator and Director of Sensitive Activities for a Special Mission Unit at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Prior to joining AEVEX, Pat held several leadership roles at BlackSea Technologies, including Director of Special Projects, EVP of Strategy, and Chief of Staff.
Elizabeth Hines
Integration Business Partner. Elizabeth Hines serves as Integration Business Partner for AEVEX Maritime Systems, supporting the organization through its integration with AEVEX. Elizabeth joined Maritime Applied Physics Corporation in the spring of 2016, initially supporting marketing, conferences, and business development efforts before taking on broader leadership responsibilities across the organization. Prior to joining MAPC, Elizabeth spent 15 years working with state and local governments in a variety of appointed positions, including Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives and Director of the Foreign Trade and Enterprise Zone for Baltimore City. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and French from Oberlin College and is a 2019 graduate of Seth Godin’s altMBA program.
Ivan Mills
VP of Finance, Maritime Systems. Ivan Mills serves as Vice President of Finance for AEVEX Maritime Systems. He joined BlackSea Technologies in July 2024 and brings more than 30 years of defense industry experience, with significant expertise in contracts and procurement, finance, and business operations. Prior to joining BlackSea, Ivan held roles at Argon ST and DZYNE Technologies. He holds a B.A. in Finance from the University of Tennessee.
Timothy O’Connor
VP, Maritime Growth. Timothy O’Connor serves as Vice President of Maritime Growth for AEVEX Maritime Systems and has nearly 20 years of experience in the design, planning, and execution of technical intelligence operations in the maritime environment. He leads efforts to identify and address complex challenges facing mission-critical customers across the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. Prior to joining BlackSea Technologies, Tim completed military and civilian assignments at the Office of Naval Intelligence, U.S. Cyber Command, Defense Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, Joint Special Operations Command, and the Pentagon. He holds a B.S. in Physics from the U.S. Naval Academy, an M.S. in Engineering Management from Duke University, and an M.A. in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
Brian Fitzpatrick
VP of Production, Maritime Systems. Brian Fitzpatrick serves as Vice President of Maritime Production for AEVEX Maritime Systems. He joined BlackSea Technologies in February 2023 and brings more than 20 years of experience developing and transitioning technology for the U.S. Navy, with expertise in unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and applied superconductivity. Prior to joining BlackSea, Brian was a program manager at NAVSEA, where he was responsible for developing and delivering a portfolio of USVs and associated enabling capabilities. He holds M.S. and B.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University, has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers, and holds two U.S. patents.
Mike Oberhelman
VP, Maritime Mission Solutions. Mike Oberhelman serves as Vice President of Maritime Mission Solutions for AEVEX Maritime Systems, bringing more than two decades of experience leading maritime and special operations missions in complex environments. He began his career in 1998 as a U.S. Navy SEAL, serving as a wet submersible pilot, reconnaissance team leader, and member of a specialized unit within the SEAL Teams. Mike retired from the U.S. Navy in 2016 after 20 years of honorable service, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. His military career included leadership roles in combat operations and the development of advanced maritime capabilities.
Todd Greene
VP, Maritime Engineering. Todd Greene serves as Vice President of Maritime Engineering for AEVEX Maritime Systems, bringing more than two decades of experience across naval engineering, ship design, acquisition, and sustainment. A U.S. Navy Engineering Duty Officer, he has held leadership roles spanning surface warfare, new construction, fleet introduction, and major acquisition programs, including work on the Littoral Combat Ship and next-generation frigate programs. Todd has also served as a faculty member and Associate Department Chair in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as a Program Officer at the Naval Postgraduate School. His background combines operational experience as a Surface Warfare Officer with deep technical expertise in naval architecture and mechanical engineering. He holds a B.S. in Naval Architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.