Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the United States, announced today that Sam Davis has been officially appointed as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 17, 2025. Davis had been serving as the interim CEO since July 2024, following the resignation of former CEO Timothy P. Sheehy, who stepped down to run for the U.S. Senate in Montana.
The appointment was confirmed by the company’s Board of Directors, with Executive Chairman Jeffrey Kelter expressing enthusiasm about Davis’s official promotion. Kelter praised Davis for his contributions during the past eight months, highlighting the strong relationships he has built with employees and customers, as well as the significant accomplishments under his leadership. Under Davis’s guidance, Bridger Aerospace saw impressive growth in revenue, a substantial increase in Adjusted EBITDA, and a positive cash flow for the year.
Davis, 41, has been with Bridger Aerospace since 2019, initially joining the company as Controller. Before becoming Interim CEO, he served as Chief of Staff, where he played a key role in navigating the company’s transition to a public entity and supporting its expansion across various stages. Davis has been instrumental in driving revenue growth, improving operational efficiency, and executing strategic initiatives to broaden Bridger’s services and global reach. Prior to his tenure at Bridger, Davis worked at Oracle, Inc., Meltwater, and Natus Medical, Inc. He holds an MBA from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Boise State University. His background includes expertise in capital markets, financial reporting, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
In his statement, Davis expressed his gratitude for the Board’s confidence in his leadership. “I am honored to continue leading this incredible team and building on the results we achieved in 2024,” Davis said. He emphasized the ongoing threat of wildfires, noting Bridger’s recent work in Los Angeles and current operations in Oklahoma, demonstrating the company’s readiness to deploy its fleet year-round to protect lives, property, and the environment. “Bridger is well-positioned to remain on budget and create meaningful value for our stakeholders throughout the year,” he added.
With Davis officially stepping into the role of CEO, Bridger Aerospace continues its commitment to providing critical aerial firefighting and wildfire management services, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.