Picente Appoints Directors of Veterans Services & UAS OperationsView

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced the appointments of John Jones as Director of Veterans Services and Paul Rayhill as Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations effective immediately.

Both appointees bring decades of leadership, operational management and military experience to their new roles and will help advance two key county priorities: serving veterans and strengthening Oneida County's position as a national leader in UAS and its emerging technologies.

"John and Paul have dedicated their careers to service, leadership and mission accomplishment," said Picente. "John's extensive military background, current work serving local veterans and proven management experience make him exceptionally qualified to lead our Veterans Services Department. Paul's lifelong aviation expertise, entrepreneurial success and operational leadership will be invaluable as we continue growing Oneida County's UAS and advanced air mobility operations. I am confident both will serve our residents with distinction."

Jones currently serves as a veterans service officer for Oneida County, where he assists veterans and their families with disability claims, healthcare benefits, pensions and other services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Prior to joining the county, he served as a logistics manager for Lockheed Martin and completed a distinguished 29-year military career in the United States Air Force and New York Air National Guard, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant.

Throughout his career, Jones has overseen multimillion-dollar operations, managed large teams, supervised budgets, coordinated training and manpower programs, and held numerous leadership positions. He also served as commander of the New York Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, where he was responsible for more than 2,100 personnel statewide.

"I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as director of Veterans Services by County Executive Picente," said Jones. "Our veterans have earned access to the benefits and resources available to them through their service and sacrifice. I look forward to building upon the department's strong foundation and ensuring veterans and their families receive the support, advocacy and respect they deserve."

Rayhill brings nearly four decades of aviation, business and executive management experience to the position. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a veteran Navy pilot, he has accumulated more than 1,500 military flight hours and held leadership roles across aviation, aerospace, emergency medical transportation and private industry. He is also a licensed commercial pilot with 7,700 total hours logged.

Rayhill is the co-founder and former co-owner of Alder Creek Beverages and most recently served as executive vice president of sales and a member of the board of directors for Nirvana Water Sciences Corp. He also owns Aviation Services Unlimited, an FAA-certified aviation company, and previously served as president of Keystone Med-Flight, a helicopter air ambulance operation that became one of the busiest and most successful medevac services in the region before its sale in 2015.

"Oneida County has established itself as a leader in aviation innovation and unmanned aircraft systems, and I am excited to be part of its continued growth," said Rayhill. "The opportunities being created through UAS technology are transforming industries and creating jobs. I thank County Executive Picente for selecting me as the county's first director of UAS operations and I look forward to working with our partners to further strengthen our reputation as a center for aviation excellence."

Oneida County has become a national hub for UAS research, testing and commercialization through strategic investments and partnerships centered around Griffiss International Airport and the growing advanced air mobility sector. Oneida County is one of just nine UAS sites in the U.S. that is designated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

"These appointments reflect our commitment to putting highly qualified leaders in positions where they can make a meaningful impact," Picente said. "John and Paul have demonstrated excellence throughout their careers, and I look forward to working with them as we continue moving Oneida County forward."