James McLaughlin

James McLaughlin has a diverse work experience spanning from 2010 to 2023. Their most recent role is as a Commercial Drone Operator at Taranis, starting in May 2023. Prior to that, they held various positions at Civil Air Patrol, including Emergency Services Training Officer - Ground, Faculty Member at Volunteer University, and Commander at the Des Moines Composite Squadron. James also served as a Squadron Commander at Des Moines Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol. Other previous roles include Field Service Technician II at Johnson Controls, Co-Director at South Des Moines Community Thanksgiving Meals, Inc, Owner/Manager at DesMoinesCPR, Telecommunications Technician Journeyman at Baker Electric-Iowa, Adjunct Faculty at Des Moines Area Community College, Worshipful Master at South Gate Lodge #657, and Paramedic at Fraser Ambulance.

James McLaughlin's education history begins with their high school diploma, which they obtained from Estherville High School in the years 1991-1994. Following this, they attended Iowa Lakes Community College from 1996 to 1998, where they pursued a degree in Flight Ops/Aviation Management, focusing on Aviation/Airway Management and Operations. Later in 2009-2010, they enrolled in Mercy College of Health Sciences, where they obtained a certificate in paramedic specialist.

In addition to their formal education, James has also obtained several certifications. In 2018, they received the TECH™ certification from BICSI. James acquired the Alarm System Installer certification from the State of Iowa in August 2019. In October 2020, they participated in the Networking Academy Learn-A-Thon conducted by Cisco. Finally, in February 2022, James acquired the FAA License Part 107 from the Federal Aviation Administration.