Speakers

Nate Ernst is a recognized leader in the critical-infrastructure aviation sector, known for helping utilities and energy operators adopt advanced airborne technologies (manned and unmanned) with a pragmatic, operationally grounded approach. As President of The Tactien Group, Nate advises some of the nation’s largest infrastructure operators—electric utilities, oil & gas majors, and critical-asset owners—on aviation strategy, program development, regulatory navigation, and the integration of aviation platforms into mission-critical operations.

With a career spanning manned and unmanned operations, Nate has led efforts across the entire lifecycle of airborne tech adoption, from field-level operations and technology validation to enterprise-scale program design. He has supported operators in standing up flight operations, shaping regulatory pathways, developing standards-aligned inspection programs, and conducting independent evaluations of industry. His unbiased, “operator-first” perspective has positioned him as a trusted advisor to industry leaders seeking clarity in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Nate’s work includes supporting major utilities with grid-hardening and wildfire-mitigation objectives; designing multi-platform airborne remote-sensing programs; validating technologies through structured vetting events; and supporting operators with right-of-way inspection modernization. His programmatic insights are shaped by direct field experience, including hundreds of flight hours across diverse environments and collaboration with best-in-class aviation, engineering, and data-processing partners.

Recognized for his ability to translate complex aviation requirements into actionable roadmaps, Nate has authored and contributed to industry standards, and he frequently advises stakeholders on emerging regulatory frameworks. 

Today, Nate leads Tactien’s mission of helping infrastructure operators adopt airborne technologies with confidence—balancing innovation with safety, compliance, and operational pragmatism. His work continues to shape how major operators leverage aerial technology to enhance reliability, efficiency, and long-term resiliency across the electric grid and energy systems.