(Huntsville, AL, May 2020) – Ignite, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business located in Huntsville, Alabama, announced today that Clayton Hinchman is the new Chief Executive Officer. Hinchman is succeeding Jason Shelton, who will remain as the Chairman of the Board. Ignite President Rich McAdams notes “I’m excited for an accomplished leader like Clayton Hinchman to rejoin Ignite in such a significant role. Having worked with him previously, I know we’ll be a dynamic team that can take Ignite to all new heights and add significant value for our customers and employee-owners.”
Clayton Hinchman was Founder, President and CEO of USi. USi was acquired by Ignite in 2016. After working for Ignite as Chief Marketing Officer for three years Clayton took over as the President and COO of SPS. SPS is a global aviation and ground systems logistics company primarily supporting Department of Defense readiness efforts.
Clayton Hinchman served in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer. He medically retired as a Captain due to wounds sustained during an improvised explosive attack while conducting a night raid to kill or capture Al Qaeda in Iraq.
After serving in the military, Clayton worked for the Joint IED Defeat Organization and with various non-profit organizations in Washington, DC. Clayton is an ambassador to the Vail Veterans Program and a past board member to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
During his Army career, he was assigned to 10th Mountain Division and Special Operations Task Force 17. He earned his Airborne and Air Assault wings, and also graduated as the Honor Graduate from the US Army Ranger School. His military decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal.
Clayton earned his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Masters from Georgetown University, continuing executive education at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program at Babson College.