Zach Whittle

About Zach Whittle

For 11 years as an Air Force pilot, my career was defined by curiosity and rigor. I became a product manager to apply that same focus to building better tools for others. Joining ForeFlight, I assumed my domain expertise was my primary advantage. I was wrong. My experience could guide, but not define the product vision for ForeFlight’s diverse customer base and ambitious growth goals. I learned a valuable lesson when growing a product portfolio: experience doesn\'t scale—empathy does.This philosophy became my guide. As Group Product Manager for our military and government products, I put it into practice. I led a 40-person cross-functional business unit, evolving our flagship product, launching new ones, and keeping the team laser-focused on customer and business value through a highly disruptive change in company ownership.My leadership style is built on adaptability. I know how to coax mature teams out from rigid frameworks to spark creative disruption. I know how to feed hungry, immature teams the clarity and structure they need to vector all their thrust in a direction that delivers results for the business. Flying taught me precision. Product taught me adaptability. My drive is to build teams and products that thrive in that balance: disciplined where it matters, experimental where it counts.I am currently exploring Director of Product roles at SaaS companies where I can lead teams built on curiosity, ownership, and empathy. If you\'re looking for that leader, let\'s connect.

Experience

1. Principal Product Manager

   IFS

   Apr 2026 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

Education

• Universidad de Salamanca

  Semester Abroad - Business, Spanish Immersion

  2010

• Washington State University

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

  2014 — 2017

• James Madison University

  Bachelor’s Degree (B.B.A), International Business

  2007 — 2011

• Shift

  Veteran Transition Program

• University of Washington

  Inclusive Product Management Accelerator