Merlin completed its business combination and began trading on Nasdaq on March 17, 2026. Under founder and CEO Matt George, the company has secured $100 million in total contract value, including a USSOCOM IDIQ for the C-130J program, and is pursuing dual-track certification with the FAA and New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.

The newly formed seven-member Board is chaired by Matt George and comprises six independent directors. Members include Michael Blitzer as Lead Independent Director, former Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite, Amazon’s first Chief Accounting Officer Kelyn Brannon, former Air Force Comptroller Michael Montelongo, ex-Blue Origin CEO Dr. Robert H. Smith, and aerospace advisor Carolyn Trabuco.

This board blends deep defense leadership, public governance experience and aerospace technical excellence to bolster oversight. Their combined expertise is expected to support Merlin’s development of an autonomous flight operating system, execution of its civil certification roadmap and expansion of defense program contracts.