LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Avian Holdings, Inc. announced Monday, April 6, 2026, the appointment of George F. Franz as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking an important milestone in the company’s ongoing growth across government and commercial markets and its continued evolution as an employee-owned company.
Franz joined AVIAN in 2013 and has steadily advanced through several critical leadership roles across the organization. After initially serving as a Senior Instructor and Curriculum Developer supporting NAVAIR’s College of Program Management, Franz transitioned to the corporate side of the organization and led the Test & Evaluation | Flight Support sector in 2021 and was selected as AVIAN’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) in January 2022. Less than two years later, Franz was also named President of AVIAN, LLC, leading strategy, culture initiatives, and the execution of AVIAN’s long-term growth objectives.
As COO and President, Franz strengthened operational performance, culture-driven initiatives, and meaningful connections across AVIAN’s employee-owner community. This focus on people, execution, and growth has positioned AVIAN for continued momentum as a trusted partner to its defense and national security customers.
Before joining the private sector, Franz built a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer, graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS), and NAVAIR acquisition leader. During his military service, he deployed in multiple operational squadrons and later spent more than a decade supporting NAVAIR in key leadership and technical roles. His assignments spanned combat flight operations, flight test, systems engineering oversight, and program management of major acquisition programs, experiences that shaped a leadership philosophy centered on trust, transparency, and teamwork—principles he now emphasizes across AVIAN’s culture and customer relationships.
Franz’s leadership is also reflected in his deep commitment to the Southern Maryland community and to advocacy on behalf of the Navy and local employers. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors and chairing the Government Relations Committee for the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, underscoring AVIAN’s commitment to the warfighter and to the communities where its employee-owners live and work.
These combined experiences have positioned Franz to lead AVIAN as Chief Executive Officer. “I am thankful for the trust placed in me as we look ahead,” Franz said. “It is an honor to carry forward the culture, customer focus, and employee-ownership vision that continue to make AVIAN special for our employees and a trusted partner for our customers.”
Franz succeeds AVIAN’s co-founder, Kevin Switick, as CEO marking a new era in the company’s journey. Switick, a fellow USNTPS grad, and naval aviator, will stay onboard as the company’s Chairman of the Board.
“George has a deep understanding of government needs, modern business operations, and the unique strengths of a mid-tier GovCon firm,” Switick said. “He is right leader, at the right time, to take AVIAN to new heights.”
About Avian Holdings, Inc.
Avian Holdings, Inc. is a mid-sized employee-owned parent company that connects the capabilities, people, and strategy behind its subsidiaries, AVIAN, LLC; Level Up, LLC and Sapphire Solutions, LLC. For more than two decades, Avian Holdings has served customers across its portfolio by being resourceful, responsive, and reachable. These values anchor how it supports industry partners and the warfighter.
AVIAN, LLC, our flagship subsidiary, is where our culture and credibility were built. AVIAN delivers program, financial, and logistics management; engineering and systems engineering; test and evaluation of crewed and uncrewed aerial, surface, and sub-surface systems; workforce development and training; and communication strategy and graphic design. AVIAN is known for proactive, proficient, and productive professionals who take pride in doing the right thing, creating raving fans, making it easy for them, and getting the job done. For more information, visit www.avian.com.
Level Up, LLC specializes in cyber security, all-source research and analysis, big data analytics, and information technology consulting for the intelligence community. Level Up’s reputation for dependability and technical precision strengthens our portfolio’s reach into high-demand national security domains. For more information, visit www.levelupllc.com.
Sapphire Solutions is a distinguished solutions provider, renowned for its expertise in Digital/Systems Engineering, Flight Test Safety/Certification, Risk Management, Technology Road Mapping, Quality, Training/Workforce Development, and Strategic Leadership for a variety of government and commercial clients. Sapphire Solutions equips government and industry partners with technical insight for strategic decision-making. For more information, visit: www.gosapphiresolutions.com.
