Mike Hirschberg is an accomplished aviation executive with 30+ years working to advance cutting-edge aircraft technologies and capabilities. In 2011-2023, he was the executive director of the educational non-profit, the Vertical Flight Society (established in 1943 as the American Helicopter Society), which represents the global vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technical community and advocates for advancing aviation technology. Hirschberg has a BS in aerospace engineering, a master’s of mechanical engineering and an MBA. He joined VFS in 2011 after 20 years in the aerospace industry. He previously worked supporting NASA, the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program Office, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition (SAF/AQ). The commentaries expressed here are his personal opinions and do not represent those of any organization.