Tempest Droneworx, a company specializing in cooperative autonomous systems and real-time intelligence for wildfire prevention and other applications, has appointed co-founder Dr. Dana Abramovitz as its new Chief Executive Officer. Co-founder Ty Audronis will transition into the roles of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Marketing Officer. The leadership changes come as the company moves from advanced research and development into broader commercialization and strategic growth.
According to the company, the shift is less about changing direction and more about aligning leadership with Tempest's evolution. When founded, Tempest aimed to use cooperative autonomous systems and real-time intelligence to help prevent catastrophic wildfires. Over time, the company expanded into defense, emergency response, critical infrastructure, agriculture, and real-time operational awareness. It has completed a Federal Aviation Administration Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) effort, advanced U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) initiatives, and developed platforms for various sectors.
Audronis noted that while the architect of a solution often leads a company through early stages, the business and product eventually become distinct challenges. "We've reached a stage where the best thing I can do for Tempest is focus directly on the technology, the platforms, the visualization systems, and the products that will shape our future - while Dana focuses on guiding the business side of the company she helped build from day one," he said.
Dr. Abramovitz, who previously served as COO, has led business development, contracting, operations, and strategic growth. She founded GameTank, later acquired by Ubisoft, where its flagship product evolved into Rocksmith. She holds a Master of Science in Management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a Ph.D. in Bio-Chemistry and Bio-Physics from Columbia University. "This feels like a very natural next step for us," said Dr. Abramovitz. "Ty's vision, creativity, and deep understanding of the technology are what built Tempest into what it is today. As we move into commercialization and broader growth, this alignment allows both of us to focus on the areas where we can have the greatest impact for the company, our customers, and our mission."
The leadership transition coincides with a major growth period. Tempest recently released the Corvus Platform to the public, with its first deployment at the University of Houston. Additionally, its Harbinger system is entering commercialization alongside ongoing government and advanced technology initiatives. "Our mission hasn't changed," Audronis added. "If anything, it's accelerating."
Tempest Droneworx remains focused on preventing issues from becoming serious problems through real-time insight. The company's technology aims to transform live data into actionable operational intelligence for applications ranging from wildfire prevention to defense and critical infrastructure protection. With the new leadership structure, the company is poised to scale its impact across commercial and government sectors.
