Maddison D. Gay is the chief executive officer and co-founder of CorePilot, a company she established to bring innovative software solutions to the aviation aftermarket. Her career reflects a combination of strategic leadership, financial expertise, and a deep passion for aviation. Throughout her professional journey, she has demonstrated a commitment to driving operational improvements, fostering growth, and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Ms. Gay earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and economics from the University of Georgia. Her academic background provided a strong foundation in financial analysis, investment strategy, and business operations, equipping her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the corporate world. While at the university, she actively participated in programs that enhanced her leadership abilities, including The Corsair Society, Deer Run Fellows, Leonard Leadership Scholars, and the Student Managed Investment Fund. Her achievements were recognized through several prestigious accolades, including the Deer Run Global Fellowship, the Barclays Inspiring Excellence Scholarship, and a National Merit Scholarship from Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Ms. Gay’s career began at Barclays, where she worked as an analyst. In this role, she developed a deep understanding of financial markets and corporate strategy, analyzing investment opportunities and advising clients on financial decisions. She then transitioned to Sumeru Equity Partners as an investor, where she evaluated and supported high-potential ventures. Her investment banking and private equity tenure positioned her as a dynamic force in the financial sector, where she was among the few women making strides in the industry. Ms. Gay was the first female hire at her investment firm. Since then, she has seen the representation of women in investment banking, private equity and the tech industry grow significantly.
Ms. Gay continued her ascent by joining Circle Internet Services Inc. as chief of staff, where she played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion. She co-led the self-service revenue division, driving substantial growth and increasing the company’s market presence. Her ability to identify growth opportunities and implement strategic initiatives contributed to the company’s success. This experience further refined her leadership capabilities and prepared her for the entrepreneurial venture that would define the next phase of her career.
Ms. Gay’s extensive experience collaborating with software companies led her to consider leveraging her expertise to create her own business. This idea gained momentum as she reflected on her lifelong connection to aviation, which was ingrained in her from an early age. As the daughter of a third-generation Air Force pilot who flew F-16s, Ms. Gay developed an early appreciation for the aviation industry. Her upbringing involved relocating every two years due to her father’s military career, a lifestyle that deepened her understanding of aviation and fueled her passion for the field. This background served as the catalyst for CorePilot, a company focused on integrating software solutions into the aviation aftermarket.
Founding CorePilot marked a significant milestone in Ms. Gay’s career. As chief executive officer, she leads the company’s strategic vision, overseeing product development, business operations, and market expansion. Her leadership has positioned CorePilot as a forward-thinking player in the aviation software space. She is dedicated to innovation and efficiency, aiming to enhance the industry’s technological landscape. Another career highlight for Ms. Gay was achieving her goal of becoming a chief executive officer before the age of 30. This accomplishment exemplifies her ambition, dedication, and ability to execute her vision. Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute to the company’s success. She hopes to be remembered as someone enjoyable to work for and with, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Gay enjoys skiing, competing in half-marathons, golfing, traveling, and engaging in community service. She values continuous learning and personal development, often dedicating time to reading and staying informed about industry trends. Looking ahead, she envisions positioning CorePilot as a leading software solution within the aviation sector while aspiring to start a family. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young professionals, particularly women seeking to break into male-dominated fields. Through perseverance, strategic thinking, and a passion for innovation, Ms. Gay continues to make a lasting mark on the aviation and technology industries.