Our Team

Barjes Alotaibi

CEO

Barjes Alotaibi is the CEO and founder of ARCS Aviation, established in 2012 to enhance training through advanced technology solutions. He acts as Principal Investigator (PI) on several ARCS projects with the USAF, AFWERX, US Navy, and RSO, just to name a few. With over 30 years at Aramco, including 20+ years in aviation, Mr. Alotaibi has extensive management and flying experience, accumulating over 7,500 accident-free hours. He has held roles such as Chief Pilot and Fleet Manager, developing SOPs and checklists that improved training and reduced costs. His expertise and dedication have been pivotal in ARCS Aviation’s growth and expansion.

Brian Bleck

President

Brian Bleck is the President of ARCS Aviation, with a background in Government and the private sector, and diverse knowledge ranging from Law to Software Development. He has extensive experience in software engineering, and also holds a JD from Washington & Lee University School of Law, along with degrees in Economics and Architecture from the University of New Mexico. Previously, he worked at Los Alamos Laboratory with a DOE L-level clearance, focusing on smart nuclear infrastructure and augmented reality technologies. At ARCS, Brian manages internal operations, fosters customer relationships, and drives performance and financial goals, leveraging his detail-oriented approach and problem-solving skills.

Sacha Berwin

Chief Software Architect

Sacha Berwin, Chief Software Architect at ARCS Aviation, is an expert in a wide range of software including AR, VR, MR, XR, AI, and ML. With over 30 years in technology and expertise in C++, C#, Python, Java, Swift, and Obj. C, he leads our team of developers and is our software development expert. He has robust expertise in the design and development of entire stacks from concept, flow, graphics, programming, UX to a finished product. He has translated those skills to develop high-level Augmented Reality systems for ARCS Aviation. Sacha has significantly advanced ARCS’s AR capabilities and is known for his problem-solving skills and strong software knowledge.

Sydney Dunaway

Director of Operations

Sydney Dunaway is the Director of Operations at ARCS Aviation, with previous leadership and management experience. She is a Tennessee Technological University graduate, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Communications and Event Planning.

Sydney manages our corporate main office in Cookeville, TN as well as handles employee relations, manpower optimization, process improvement, and more. She has excellent organizational skills and helps keep the team running smoothly at all times. ARCS Aviation believes that Sydney’s efficiency and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to the team!

Natalie LaFlam

Marketing & Project Coordinator

Natalie LaFlam is the Marketing & Account Coordinator at ARCS Aviation and assumes a variety of roles in both marketing/ PR and account management. A University of South Carolina graduate with a degree in mass communications and advertising, and minors in business and graphic design, Natalie also holds a private pilot license and is a Tennessee National Guard reservist. She manages our aviation curriculum and coordinates our Army and USAF projectsNatalie also handles all visual communications for business development; she keeps our website and social media up-to-date and helps us put our best foot forward when presenting to clients. Her blend of aviation, military, marketing, and project management skills is a key asset to ARCS.   

Gary Goldsmith

Business Advisor

Gary, a Business Advisor at ARCS Aviation, oversees our projects with the Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) and our Air Force end-users. He advises on project deliverables, progress, and risk analysis. With over 18 years in aviation and military roles, including AC-130U Aircraft Commander, Squadron Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, and Director of Operations, Gary is now a First Officer at Southwest Airlines. He holds a BS in Business and Economics from Virginia Military Institute and an MA in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma. His leadership, decision-making skills, and integrity are invaluable to the team.

Nathan Melton

Software Developer

Nathan Melton is a software developer at ARCS Aviation, specializing in augmented reality training solutions. He aids the development team on a variety of solutions including our Phase III Air Force contract, enhancing training and operational efficiency. Nathan holds a BS in Computer Science from Tennessee Technological University, where he volunteered with the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). His expertise in mobile app development and high-stakes prototyping makes him a valuable asset to the ARCS team.

OUR GREATEST ASSET IS OUR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS:

Our diverse team includes retired military professionals with over 20 years of experience, military contractors, software architects, and industry experts. Our management team has led large-scale projects and worked at FAA-approved training centers, while our software development team excels in AI, machine learning, and extended reality.