Christopher Smith

About Christopher Smith

I’m passionate about using drone technology to bridge the gap between education, innovation, and real-world impact. In my current role as Program Manager with the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), I’m leading the rollout of a new UAS education program at West Georgia Technical College. I work with instructors, students, and community partners to build hands-on learning experiences that prepare the next generation of drone professionals for success in an evolving industry.Before joining USI, I spent over two years at Georgia-Pacific as a UAS Technical Lead, where I expanded our UAV operations to more than 35 certified pilots and launched training programs that helped 20+ operators earn their FAA Part 107 certification. My background in LiDAR, mobile mapping, and thermal imaging has given me a deep appreciation for how drone technology can improve efficiency, safety, and opportunity—both in the field and in the classroom.

Experience

1. Program Manager Flight Instructor

   Usi

   Sep 2025 — Present · Atlanta, GA, US

   As Program Manager with the Unmanned Safety Institute, I oversee the implementation and growth of USI’s UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) education partnership with West Georgia Technical College. In this role, I serve as the on-site lead responsible for launching, managing, and expanding the college’s drone training and certification programs in alignment with USI’s national standards and FAA regulations.

Education

• Georgia State University

  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Marketing

  2002