Forum Sponsors
The Sentinel Defense Forum at SMU: The Business of Aerospace, Defense & National Security
Join us on Tuesday, April 21 on the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøcampus to explore the current state of the aerospace and defense industry, and what it means for North Texas. You’ll hear local success stories and a forward-looking vision for what’s next. This event is free and registration is required.
The 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox School of Business and Lyle School of Engineering invite you to attend the inaugural Sentinel Defense Forum. The event convenes leaders from industry, finance, investment, academia and the non-profit sector to discuss trends and opportunities in aerospace, defense and national security.
PANEL 1 | State of Aerospace and Defense Today: Where Are We Going? From Brick-and-Mortar to Defense Tech
Moderated by , Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Coltata Holdings
Tim Booher, Senior Vice President, Leidos
Nader Jalili, Dean, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøLyle School of Engineering
Ryan Morfin, Founder & Managing Partner, IronGate Capital Advisors
Matt Muns, CEO & Chairman, Redhawk Federal Solutions
PANEL 2 | Success Stories and Startups: How to Build a Great Aerospace and Defense Company
Moderated by , Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Coltata Holdings
Bryan Perkins, Founder & CEO, Novaria Group
Will Edwards, Founder & CEO, Firehawk Aerospace
Suresh Narayanan, Founder & CEO, Jets MRO, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox MBA Alumni
Antonio Sanchez, Chief Strategy Officer, Quantum XChange
Forum Details
Location
51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox Collins Executive Education Center, 3150 Binkley Ave, Dallas, TX 75205
Date
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time
5 P.M. - Registration Opens, 5:30 P.M. - Panel Begins, 7 P.M. - Reception
Registration
Registration is free but is required to attend.
Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.
Eddie Rickenbacker