Dean Keck

Dean joined the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) in April 2020 and now serves as the Airspace Manager. He coordinates ARI efforts to realize and integrate Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Urban Air Mobility concepts and industry technologies into the National Airspace (NAS). Prior to joining the staff at TAMU-CC, he served as the Deputy Director for Nevada’s UAS Test Site. Dean served 22 years as a Combined Arms Officer and AH-64A Apache and AH-64D Longbow aviator and holds an FAA commercial, instrument and UAS Part 107 certification. His service includes a variety of Command and Leadership positions including several overseas and combat deployments including operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following duties as the Multi-National Corps and Forces - Iraq airspace manager during the Surge in Iraq, Dean commanded an aviation battalion in the 1st Cavalry Division.

Dean holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and Master’s degree in Computer Science and Information Management.