Wally Massenburg
Executive Advisor - Aerospace Innovation | BlackmoreConnects
Transformational Leader. Operational Architect. P & L Driven Strategist.
Wally supports operators & executive team navigating change, transformation & growth in A & D Sector.
Wally Massenburg brings uncommon leadership experience across both government and Fortune 100 aerospace organizations — the kind of operational firepower that drives real value creation inside portfolio companies and strategic targets alike. Here are five signature accomplishments that define his ability to deliver results.
1.Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (CEO Equivalent)
Led One of the Largest Acquisition & Sustainment Commands in the World
As Vice Admiral and CEO-equivalent of Naval Air Systems Command, Wally commanded 38,300 personnel, 11 aircraft carriers, and a $26.2B budget. He oversaw R&D, engineering, logistics, contracting, and MRO across the entire aviation enterprise.
🔹 Improved readiness from 30% flyable to 95% task-ready
🔹 Cut system command costs by $2.8B annually
🔹 Reduced personnel headcount by 17,500
🔹 Streamlined fleet operations by consolidating aircraft types
🔹 Accelerated fleet recapitalization timelines by 3+ years
“Wally’s approach mirrors what PE firms look for post-close — scalable systems, operational accountability, and leadership that unlocks enterprise value.”
2.Architect of the U.S. Naval Aviation Enterprise (COO Equivalent)
First “Profit & Loss” Operating Model Ever Deployed in U.S. Government
As the first Chief Operating Officer of Naval Aviation (1999–2007), Wally oversaw 180,000+ personnel, 3,827 aircraft, and a $40.2B annual budget.
Under his leadership, Naval Aviation transformed from a siloed, underperforming bureaucracy into a cross-functional enterprise aligned to measurable readiness and cost-efficiency.
🔹 Increased mission-ready aircraft from 30% to 95%
🔹 Reduced annual operating cost from $12.4B to $8.0B
🔹 Rightsized force from 212,000 to 180,000 personnel
🔹 Reinvested $4B+ annually to modernize aging assets
🔹 Created a P&L-style performance model — first of its kind in U.S. government
“Wally architected one of the most effective horizontal transformation models ever executed in a large public-sector enterprise — precisely the mindset needed for PE portfolio turnarounds.”
3. Senior Director, Raytheon – Patriot Air & Missile Defense Sustainment
Scaled a Global Platform Through Sustainment-Led Growth
At Raytheon, Wally led sustainment strategy for Patriot Integrated Air Missile and Radar Systems across domestic and international markets. He built a cross-functional operating model that delivered both readiness and revenue expansion.
🔹 Grew company valuation from $20M to $800M+
🔹 Shifted strategy from defense to commercial automotive
🔹Secured a $1B commercial purchase order with a major automaker
🔹 Expanded international footprint to 137 personnel
🔹 Built a global production facility and 500+ patent IP portfolio
“Wally combines deep defense industry acumen with boardroom-ready business sensibility — ideal for both corporate carve-outs and growth-stage industrials.”
4. Senior Advisor, Board Member, Equity Partner – Clear Motion Inc. (Formerly Levant Power)
Guided a Deep-Tech Startup from DoD Prototype to $800M Commercial Enterprise
Wally joined Clear Motion at inception, steering the company from a four-person MIT-founded startup into a global innovator of vehicle active suspension technology. He opened defense acquisition channels with a collaborative development of a formal DoD Program of Record and led a strategic pivot into commercial automotive markets – transforming a military-grade prototype into a mass-market breakthrough.
🔹 Grew company valuation from $20M to $800M+
🔹 Shifted strategy from defense to commercial automotive
🔹Secured a $1B commercial purchase order with a major automaker
🔹 Expanded international footprint to 137 personnel
🔹 Built a global production facility and 500+ patent IP portfolio
“Wally’s ability to lead strategic pivots and commercialize cutting-edge technology is a blueprint for PE-backed growth — from founder-led startups to market-ready industrial platforms.”
5.Strategic Advisor & Venture Mentor – Atlas Devices, LLC
Transformed a Mission-Driven Tech Venture into a Scalable Access Engineering Business
Wally supported Atlas Devices through a critical transformation from a niche tactical gear startup into a growth-stage access engineering company. Founded by MIT engineers and initially known for the “Ascender” — a rapid vertical extraction tool adopted by U.S. Special Forces — the company needed to evolve beyond its single-product identity.
Wally guided the leadership team to reposition Atlas as a solutions provider for high-risk operational access, realigned strategic goals, and mentored through a complex founder separation. The result: a high-performance business with institutional contracts and significant EBITDA growth.
🔹 Repositioned the business from tactical product to scalable “access solutions” platform
🔹 Navigated founder exit and ensured leadership continuity
🔹 Secured $27M+ in contracts with strong pipeline visibility
🔹 Built a sustainable, profitable model with positive EBITDA
🔹 Enabled strategic growth into industrial, defense, and first responder markets
“Wally brings the kind of strategic clarity and founder-alignment skill set that turns promising IP into long-term enterprise value — essential for early-stage ventures and PE carve-outs alike.”
HOW HE HELPS
For Executives
- Strategic advisory for owner- led businesses
- Growth playbook development
- Operational readiness & turnaround planning
For Teams in Transition
- Post-merger alignment
- Supply chain or compliance restructuring
- Board-level guidance
LET’S COLLABORATE
- Owner- operators not yet ready for PE
- Executives seeking strategic co-pilots
- CEO’s driving innovation within
📞 Get in Touch
Wally is available for short-term strategic engagements, executive coaching, board advisory roles, and growth initiatives across portfolio companies.
🔗 Contact Blackmore Connects to engage Wally Massenburg, click here →TALENT ACQUISITION INTRODUCTION – A/D
📥 Or email: [email protected]