AUVSI names Heather Lee acting CEO as Michael Robbins exits for SIA

AUVSI said President and CEO Michael Robbins will leave on Sept. 30 to lead the Semiconductor Industry Association, and Chief Operating Officer Heather Lee will become acting president and CEO on Oct. 1. The board has started a search for Robbins’ permanent replacement as the trade group says its advocacy and operations will continue without interruption.

Why it matters: - AUVSI is changing top leadership while keeping its policy and advocacy work in motion. - The transition affects an association that represents the uncrewed systems, robotics and autonomous technologies sector. - AUVSI said the handoff should not slow work with members, lawmakers or agency partners.

What happened: - Michael Robbins will depart AUVSI on Sept. 30. - Robbins will become president and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association. - Heather Lee will serve as acting president and CEO of AUVSI effective Oct. 1. - AUVSI’s board has launched a search for the organization’s next permanent president and CEO. - John “JC” Coffey, board chairperson and executive director at Cherokee Nation Federal, said Robbins’ selection to lead SIA reflects the profile AUVSI has built in Washington and across industry. - Coffey said Lee has the board’s complete confidence to lead the organization through the transition.

The details: - Robbins joined AUVSI in 2020 as chief advocacy officer. - AUVSI named Robbins president and CEO in 2024. - Robbins built AUVSI’s advocacy operation into one of the most active and effective in Washington, D.C. - AUVSI said its team, advocacy committees, programs and coalition work remain fully staffed and engaged. - The organization said there is no change to current priorities or pace of work. - Lee oversees engagement, industry development, strategic programs, meetings, finance and administration. - Lee helped shape strategy for AUVSI’s flagship XPONENTIAL event and its Green UAS program. - Lee has nearly two decades of leadership experience from CTIA - The Wireless Association, where she led the Super Mobility event. - AUVSI said Lee has anchored its operations and organizational growth for years.

Between the lines: - The board is framing the move as a planned succession, not a disruption. - AUVSI is emphasizing internal depth to reassure members and policymakers that its influence will continue. - Robbins’ move to SIA suggests his Washington profile has expanded beyond the uncrewed systems sector. - The organization’s focus on continuity signals the board wants the next CEO to build on existing advocacy gains rather than reset strategy. - Robbins said he leaves with confidence in Lee and the rest of the leadership team.

What's next: - Robbins will stay fully engaged through Sept. 30 to help ensure a seamless handoff. - Lee will take over as acting president and CEO on Oct. 1. - The board says its search for a permanent president and CEO will be thorough and efficient. - AUVSI said it expects to maintain the same level of engagement and responsiveness during the transition. - The new CEO will be expected to guide the association through its next phase of growth.

The bottom line: - AUVSI is entering a leadership transition from a position of strength, with internal continuity intended to keep its policy engine running at full speed.