Auditorium
The Safer Skies Act and the Future of Counter-UAS Defense
As drone capabilities surge, threats to government facilities and critical infrastructure grow increasingly sophisticated. This panel maps a path forward on counter-UAS policy, highlights the Safer Skies Act and examines the pivotal shift toward next-generation non-jamming, non-kinetic RF-Cyber technology. Attendees gain a roadmap for U.S. counter-UAS policy and a deeper understanding of how public-private partnerships can close security gaps—covering drone operations, threat detection and classification, facility protection and future-proofing airspace strategies.
Speakers
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Brett FeddersenVice President, Strategy and Government Affairs
D-Fend SolutionsBrett Feddersen serves as vice president, strategy and governmental affairs at D-Fend Solutions, leading the company’s strategy, public policy and government relations efforts. He plays a crucial role in identifying key legislative trends, managing corporate risks, building coalitions and enhancing D-Fend Solutions’ influence in counter-drone innovation. Feddersen joined the team with extensive senior leadership experience in major governmental agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the White House’s National Security Council, the Pentagon’s Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Defense Intelligence Agency. Feddersen is a U.S. Army combat veteran and a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper and chairs the SIA Drone Security Subcommittee.
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Curtis WaltersVice President, Critical Infrastructure and Commercial Sales
EchodyneCurtis Walters serves as vice president of critical infrastructure and commercial sales at Echodyne, where he leads the delivery of the company’s breakthrough radar technology to the agencies and organizations that need it most. Throughout his career, Walters has built a reputation for curiosity-driven engagement, connecting with customers across diverse industries to deeply understand their challenges and deliver solutions that make a meaningful impact. His expertise spans a wide range of markets including cyber and physical security.
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Colonel (R) Bill EdwardsDirector, C-UAS Operations and Training
ENSCOColonel (R) Bill Edwards is a business executive and operations strategist with over 35 years of experience in operational and technical security, strategic planning, project management, intelligence program oversight, homeland security and defense, and organizational development. He is one of 265 people globally to earn the ASIS ‘Triple Crown’ certification. Edwards currently serves as director of C-UAS operations and training at ENSCO. A published author and editorial writer, he holds two master’s degrees in national security and public administration and has attended Harvard’s Executive Negotiations and Duke University’s Executive Leadership programs.
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Steven Willoughby (Invited)Executive Director, Program Executive Office for UAS and Counter-UAS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
