Tye Payne

Tye Payne is the Assistant Director of Operations, Testing, & Evaluation for the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI), Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is responsible for ensuring smooth day-to-day operations for the Test Site while working extensively with the Chief Pilot and Safety Officer to ensure that all range operations are conducted within the regulations set forth by the FAA. He coordinates with new and returning clients to identify, quantify, and meet all testing requirements. He oversees the engineering teams and coordinates their work with the operational requirements of the clients and pilots while synchronizing with the Business Team and Executive Director to safeguard and guarantee the financial success of the organization moving into the future.

Prior to joining the ARI team, Tye served as an Emergency Rescue Supervisor for the Oil & Gas industry. As a Supervisor, Tye led multiple rescue teams at construction, refinery, and plant sites focused on confined space and high-angle rope rescue in the South Texas and New Mexico sectors. Prior to his work in Emergency Rescue, Tye served as the Safety Director in the transportation industry.

Mr. Payne is an Army veteran with leadership experience in multiple theatres of operation. Mr. Payne graduated from DeVry University with a Bachelor of Science in Project Management and from Arizona State University with a Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. He is in the process of pursuing a Doctorate’s Degree in Aviation.