Matthew Ziska

Matthew "Zuma" Ziska has a diverse work experience spanning several industries. Matthew "Zuma"​ currently serves as the Vice President of Business Development for Commercial & USG Initiatives at AURA Network Systems since January 2020. Prior to this, they founded and served as the CEO of Ziska Unmanned Machines Associates, Inc. (ZUMA) Inc. starting from December 2016. In this role, they provided program management, business development, and consulting services for emerging technologies in the DOD and commercial unmanned systems communities.

Before their entrepreneurial endeavor, Ziska worked as the Senior Director of Business Development at Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. from January 2020 to March 2021. Matthew "Zuma"​ also served as the Senior Program Manager/Director of Business Development at AeroVironment from October 2011 to October 2016. In this position, they managed and grew a $30M/year contract for Tier I SUAS aircraft technology development, products, and services in OCONUS locations.

Ziska's career started in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviator in 1982, where they held various positions such as Commanding Officer, XO, Ops O, Maintenance, and Safety Officer in support of Naval Aviation squadrons/organizations. During their time in the Navy, they accumulated over 3500 flight hours and over 300 carrier landings flying F/A-18's and F-4 Phantoms. Matthew "Zuma"​ also served as an F/A-18 instructor and adversary pilot, training new students and instructors in tactical utilization of the Navy's F/A-18 Hornet Strike Fighter.

Ziska also has experience working with Northrop Grumman Corporation as a PM and BD, managing a $36M Services contract with responsibilities for surface and subsurface naval weapon systems. Matthew "Zuma"​ also supported numerous programs and business development pursuits, contributing to over $70M in sales.

Matthew "Zuma" Ziska studied at Kansas Newman University, where they earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a BA in History. Matthew "Zuma"​ then went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Regis University. It is unclear if they completed their MBA at Regis University or pursued any further studies.