March 24, 2025 – Ignite is thrilled to announce the promotion of Chris Gesch to Vice President of Air Force Operations! In this new role, Mr. Gesch will lead a talented and technical portfolio of Ignite employees conducting Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations, AI/ML, SW Development, and Data Science.
Mr. Gesch is a 2003 United States Air Force Academy graduate from Niceville, FL, and began his military service flying the EC-130H (Compass Call), executing its electronic combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. As one of the Air Force’s and AFSOC’s first Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) pilots, he amassed over 3,500 hours flying the MQ-1 and MQ-9 while paving the way for AFSOC RPA operations, plans, and programs for the RPA community for more than a decade. Chris has led teams at the squadron, group, wing, and MAJCOM level, as well as within Special Operations Air Components and Special Operations Joint Task Forces.
“Chris’s steady leadership, operational credibility, and communication skills make him the ideal leader for our growing Air Force portfolio.” said Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer, Robert Hamilton. “We’re all behind him and his teams in this new role.”
Mr. Gesch joined Ignite in 2023 through the DoD SkillBridge program and later served as a Director of Air Force Operations before his recent promotion.