Management Team

  • Hal Aldridge, Ph.D., CEO

    Hal brings decades of experience leading advanced cybersecurity and defense technology programs. He has guided Secmation from a startup concept to a rapidly growing small business delivering AI-driven cyber/EW analysis, trusted execution, and digital engineering solutions for DoD customers. His background spans embedded systems, cryptography, and secure software development, with a consistent focus on transitioning innovative research into fielded mission capabilities.

  • Josh Coiner, Director of Programs

    Josh has 10+ years supporting DoD unmanned and autonomous systems, starting as a systems engineer after earning a B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia. He progressed through project leadership roles and now manages programs at Secmation, blending hands-on engineering judgment with business rigor. He holds an MBA with a finance concentration from Loyola University Maryland and enjoys playing and watching sports, spending time with his wife and two daughters, and getting out to see friends and family.

  • Anna Ott, Operations Manager

    Anna leads business operations and human resources, building the processes and culture that help a fast-growing small business scale. With a B.S. in Business Administration and Human Resources and 14+ years in people and business management, she keeps teams aligned and programs running smoothly. She’s excited to support world-changing technology—and outside work enjoys DIY home projects and adventures with her husband and two sons.

Advisors

  • Bill Irby

    Bill is an accomplished aerospace and defense executive with more than three decades of experience leading growth and innovation across unmanned systems, C4ISR, and defense technology markets. He currently serves as President of EagleNXT, building on senior leadership roles at L3, Northrop Grumman, and Textron Systems. Bill has a strong track record of guiding organizations through technology transition, market expansion, and strategic partnerships, and brings Secmation valuable perspective on aligning advanced capabilities with real program needs .

  • Mat Winter

    Mat Winter is a retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral with more than 35 years of distinguished service leading global science, technology, and acquisition enterprises. His final Navy roles included serving as the 24th Chief of Naval Research, overseeing the Navy’s worldwide S&T portfolio, and as Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, where he directed a $30B global program spanning production, sustainment, and international partnerships. Today he is President of Winter Strategic Solutions, LLC and advises multiple companies and non-profits, bringing Secmation unmatched expertise in technology leadership, global program management, and strategic growth.

  • Leigh Barnhill

    Leigh Barnhill is a seasoned financial executive with extensive experience guiding growth-oriented companies through strategic planning, corporate finance, and operational scaling. Currently CFO at AlphaSix, he has served in senior finance roles across the technology and defense sectors, including leadership positions as Chief Financial Officer and finance director for multiple high-growth organizations. Leigh brings Secmation valuable expertise in financial management, capital strategy, and aligning business operations with long-term growth objectives.