2026 HHMA Recipient

Wahid Nawabi is Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of AeroVironment (AV), a global defense technology leader redefining the future of unmanned systems across all domains. He has served as CEO and a member of the company's Board of Directors since 2016 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in September 2021. Under his leadership, AeroVironment has transformed into a disruptive force in the defense industry, focused on innovation, agility, and delivering mission-critical solutions at the speed of relevance.

With more than 30 years of experience spanning engineering, operations, and executive leadership, Nawabi brings a rare combination of vision, technical expertise, and human-centered leadership to his work. Since joining AeroVironment, he has reshaped the company's strategy, launched multiple award-winning breakthrough products, and led a cultural transformation that has driven eightfold revenue growth, expanded operating margins, and outpaced industry benchmarks.

Born in Afghanistan, Nawabi arrived in the United States as a legal refugee. His journey embodies resilience, reinvention, and determination. From rebuilding his life in a new country to leading a next-generation defense technology company, his story reflects the power of perseverance, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.

A passionate advocate for innovation with impact, Nawabi frequently speaks on leadership, the future of autonomous systems, and the evolving intersection of technology and national security. As both an engineer and business leader, he combines deep technical insight with a forward-thinking approach to advancing defense technologies. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Today, Nawabi continues to lead AeroVironment with a mission to advance technologies that protect the United States, its allies, and the future of global security.