ACG 101 June 25th 2025 Aerospace & Defense Panel

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Event Details

When:

June 25, 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM PDT

Where:
Location Name
The Provence Room at The Westlake Village Inn

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Overview

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ACG 101 will host its annual Aerospace & Defense (A&D) Summit on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025
 
Defense contractors and defense focused PE and VC backed companies continue to pursue investments and acquisitions in unmanned and autonomous systems, AI/MBL, sensing, connectivity, cybersecurity, quantum computing, space technologies, advanced materials and additive manufacturing. Top A&D leaders in our region will update us on how their businesses are leveraging these and other emerging technologies.
 

Agenda

  • 5:30PM - 6:30PM: Networking, Drinks & Apps
  • 6:30PM - 7:45PM: Panel Discussion
  • 7:45PM- 8:30PM: Q&A & Final Networking

Register Now! 

  • Members: $99
  • Non-Members: $150

*** Dress is business casual

*** Drinks and appetizers will be served at the event

ACG 101 encourages Uber or other ride share options when drinking alcoholic beverages

 

Speakers

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Zac Turke, Moderator

Sheppard Mullin
Co-Head of M&A

Zachary Turke is a corporate partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Los Angeles office.  He is head of the Mergers & Acquisition team and its Government Business Group, which encompasses Sheppard’s aerospace & defense practice.

Zac’s practice focuses on mergers & acquisition transactions across a wide variety of industries.  He works with private equity firms, public companies, family-owned business, strategics and entrepreneurs in industries such as aerospace & defense, consumer products, business services, software & technology, video games & esports, cannabis, healthcare, apparel & beauty, manufacturing, retail and food & beverage.  Over his career with Sheppard Mullin, Zac has successfully closed over 200 M&A transactions.

He also helps clients with debt and equity financings, venture capital investments, corporate governance and joint ventures and strategic alliances.

Zac specializes in getting deals done.  He is adept at making complex issues comprehensible and finding practical solutions to legal problems.  He is an avid writer and speaker with respect to areas of corporate law.  He holds a law degree from Harvard Law School and B.A. from Duke University.  He has been recognized as a leader by Super Lawyers, the Legal 500 and the M&A Advisors.

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Andrew Williamson, Industry Update

Calabasas Capital
Managing Director

Mr. Williamson is a Managing Director at Calabasas Capital where he advises emerging growth companies and investors in aerospace and defense, software and technology. He has more than 17 years’ experience in investment banking and corporate development in addition to CFO and operating management roles in private equity and venture capital backed companies. He was CFO of the Merex Group and Kellstrom Defense, a private equity backed aerospace and defense company. Previously he was Managing Director of Angeles Capital Group, Director of Alexander Dunham, Associate of Gerard Klauer Mattison (now BMO Capital Markets) and Associate of Chanin Capital Partners (now Duff & Phelps). Mr. Williamson was a Senior Manager at Oracle Corporation and Treasury Services Corporation, a private equity backed enterprise software company acquired by Oracle. Prior to that, he spent four years at Price Waterhouse where he was qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CAANZ). Mr. Williamson received his MBA from the John E. Anderson Graduate School of Business at UCLA where he was selected as a Venture Fellow and received his Bachelor's of Commerce degree at the University of Western Australia.

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Nicholas J. Pittas, Industry Update

United Capital Funding Group, LLC
National Sales Manager

Nicholas J. Pittas is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial finance and banking industry, with a particular expertise in serving small and middle market government contractors. As the National Sales Manager at United Capital Funding, a subsidiary of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, Pittas spearheads the firm's government contracting finance initiatives, leveraging his extensive background to drive strategic marketing efforts and business development across major U.S. hubs including Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, Tampa, and Columbus.

Prior to joining United Capital Funding, Pittas held the position of Senior Vice President and Industry Leader for Defense Contracting and Government Services at TBK Bank, SSB, where he distinguished himself as a pivotal figure in the government contracting sector. Additionally, Pittas’ comprehensive expertise is underscored by his nearly 10 years with Wells Fargo Capital Finance and Wells Fargo Bank, where he honed his skills in commercial lending, credit risk management, and portfolio management. His involvement is further enunciated through organizations including the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), Professional Services Council (PSC), and Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA).

A graduate of Washington Adventist University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an alumnus of the American Institute of Banking’s Commercial Lending School, Pittas combines academic rigor with practical experience. Known for his unwavering dedication to his craft and his passion for coffee, Pittas continues to be a driving force in the aerospace and defense finance sector, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to United Capital Funding. Nicholas and his wife live in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina.

 

Hosted by: ACG
Chapter
101 Corridor
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