Forum Sponsors
The Sentinel Defense Forum at SMU: The Business of Aerospace, Defense & National Security
Join us on Tuesday, April 21 on the SMU campus 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 SMU Cox 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 Edward Crawford, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Coltata Holdings
Tim Booher, Senior Vice President, Leidos
Nader Jalili, Dean, SMU Lyle 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 Edward Crawford, 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, SMU Cox MBA Alumni
Antonio Sanchez, Chief Strategy Officer, Quantum XChange
Forum Details
Location
SMU Cox 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
Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.
Eddie Rickenbacker