Don Mathis

About

Don Mathis is an experienced CEO, executive, innovation leader, Navy veteran, and investor, with a broad track record across emerging technology markets ranging from early-stage startups to Fortune 50 enterprises. He has successfully financed, launched, scaled, and sold businesses, with deep experience across AI and robotics, autonomous systems, defense applications, digital health, cybersecurity, data enablement, media and advertising, and IoT. Don is currently Founder and CEO of SkyfireAI, an AI-native autonomous and swarming drone operations company focused on public safety, defense, emergency response, and critical infrastructure. SkyfireAI is building technology that enables faster response, richer situational awareness, and scalable multi-drone mission operations in complex, mission-critical environments. Most recently before SkyfireAI, Don was a senior executive at Comcast NBCUniversal, where he served as GM / SVP of Growth. In that role, he helped establish new ventures and strategic initiatives designed to broaden the company’s offerings, enter new markets, and drive enterprise transformation. Don serves on a number of private and public boards, has held CEO and COO roles in three successful early- and mid-stage high-growth technology companies prior to SkyfireAI, and began his career at McKinsey. His work has centered on building and backing companies at the intersection of technology, market transformation, and operational execution. Don also served in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Commander. He began his Naval career as a Flight Officer in the maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare community, flying aboard the P-3 Orion, and later served with Navy Expeditionary Combat Command as a reserve officer after business school. He ultimately held both Executive Officer and Commanding Officer roles with highly deployable joint-service combat logistics units supporting forward-deployed warfighters. Don deployed / mobilized three times in support of Global War on Terror operations. Don holds a commercial pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings, and is an avid gravel cyclist. He is married with two children and lives outside of New York City.

Experience

Education