Colonel Michael Press, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Joins The SPECTRUM Group

Alexandria, Va. – July 14, 2025 – The SPECTRUM Group (TSG) is pleased to announce that Colonel Michael Press, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) has joined its firm. Colonel Press supports clients across the defense, aerospace, aviation, and government relations sectors, drawing on his more than 45 years of experience leading major aviation and defense initiatives for and between U.S. and international government and private sector clients, including in foreign military sales (FMS), direct commercial sales (DCS), defense and aerospace offsets, and related innovation and partnership domains.

“Mike brings exceptional experience, expertise, and integrity to TSG,” said Andrew J. Campbell, TSG Executive Chairman. “He will expertly support our clients in compliant multinational and international aviation, aerospace, defense, and security programs. I look forward to working together closely.”

Prior to joining TSG, Colonel Press served as CEO of Eclipse Aerospace Inc. (EAI), original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the Eclipse 550 very light jet (VLJ). Previously, as founder and owner of SPJets Aircraft, he built the world’s largest brokerage for VLJs and orchestrated more than 250 aircraft sales. Earlier, Colonel Press served as Senior Director, Business Development and as F-35 Deputy Program Manager at Northrop Grumman (NG).

“TSG is fortunate to have Mike join our team,” said TSG’s President, Major General George Close, U.S. Army (Ret.). “His deep FMS, DCS, and aerospace and defense offset program expertise will enhance many TSG practice areas, including Air Force, Civil Aviation, Defense & Aerospace, International, and M&A Support and Due Diligence.”

Colonel Press’s 24-year U.S. Air Force career culminated in his serving as FMS Regional Director for Asia and Europe for the Secretary of the Air Force, a lead executive for F-16, F-15, AWACS, and other multi-billion-dollar defense program sales and contracts with NATO allies and Asian nation partners. Earlier, as a fighter pilot, he flew 450 combat missions in Vietnam before helping start the USAF “Top Gun” school, Red Flag, where he flew Russian MiG aircraft during USAF and U.S. Navy tactics development and testing.

ABOUT THE SPECTRUM GROUP

The SPECTRUM Group (TSG) is a premier Washington, D.C.-based strategic consulting, government relations, and professional services firm. Since 1993, SPECTRUM’s diversified practice has helped U.S. and global clients achieve their defense, security, and government business objectives.

Colonel Press can be reached at (703) 683-4222 or mpress@spectrumgrp.com.