HawkTower Welcomes David Merrill, CEO of Elroy Air, as a New Advisor

We are thrilled to announce that David Merrill has joined the HawkTower team as a new advisor. David’s extensive background in advanced robotics and air mobility will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries in the advanced air mobility sector in underleveraged California.

David Merrill, the CEO and co-founder of Elroy Air, is known for his pioneering work in drones, robotics, and hardware/software interactive systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT, where he developed the interactive learning platform that became the Sifteo project and company. David’s career has been marked by his ability to apply cutting-edge technology to real-world applications, making him a great fit for our ambitious goals at HawkTower.

A native of Santa Cruz County, David deeply understands the region’s unique technological landscape, opportunities, and imperatives. His local roots and global perspective perfectly align with our mission to foster innovation and growth on the Central Coast and beyond.

HawkTower believes that advanced air mobility will play a critical role in transforming transportation and logistics, and David’s expertise will be crucial in helping us navigate the complexities of this sector.

• In April, we announced that retired U.S. Navy Captain Bill Sherrod joined HawkTower as a venture partner — his experience and insights have already been instrumental in shaping our strategic direction.
• In May, we were selected to the Leadership Council of the AAM-focused Monterey Bay Tech Hub and have begun to actively participate in initiatives to boost technological advancements in the region. We also announced our partnership with DART (Drone and Aerial Robotics Technologies) to explore new frontiers in drone technology and aerial robotics and our cosponsorship of the Drone Pavilion at FIRA USA in October.

The addition of David Merrill to our advisory is another significant milestone. His visionary approach and technical acumen will enhance our capabilities and help us achieve our mission. We look forward to leveraging his knowledge and experience to drive innovation and create impactful solutions in advanced air mobility.

Welcome, David, and thank you.