Mission‑Ready
Leadership.
Patriot‑Proven
Process.

We’re an operator-led search partner that helps aerospace and defense companies make the few hires that actually determine whether they scale, or stall.

Your partners in executive aerospace & defense search.

With over 30 years of aerospace and defense experience, The Patriot Group has built a disciplined, operator-led approach to executive search: the Patriot Method. It is a structured process designed to identify, evaluate, and deliver leaders who can step in and perform immediately. We focus on proven operators with real, relevant experience who align with both the mission and the culture.

We operate with a high standard of integrity, direct communication, and accountability, because at this level anything less costs companies time, money, and momentum.

Our reputation is built on one thing: delivering people who actually move the business forward. No fluff. No guesswork.

A method, not a one-size-fits-all.

Our proprietary process serves as the foundation, never the full blueprint. We use this proven framework as a starting point, then tailor every step to your company’s structure, leadership style, and hiring workflow.

Backed by decades of industry experience, we solve complex hiring with precision, speed, and strategic clarity.

  1. 01 Job Planning
  2. 02 Recruiting
  3. 03 Screening
  4. 04 Candidate Recommendation
  5. 05 Offer and Acceptance
  6. 06 Onboarding
  7. 07 Retention

Run by someone who’s actually been downrange.

Portrait of Carolyn V. Dickey

Carolyn V. Dickey

President & Co-Founder

Leads operations and marketing. As one of the founding members she helped grow the company from a start-up to an established executive search firm. An experienced nurse with over 35 years of healthcare experience.

Portrait of Zach Salazar

Zach Salazar

Director of Recruiting

Over a decade in operations, client service, and B2B sales, with a relationship-driven, execution-focused approach to search. As the firm’s Director of Recruiting he drives talent strategy, leading the search and placement of top technical and operational talent across Aerospace, Defense, and Unmanned Systems.

David Dickey and Zach Salazar at the Tectonic Defense Summit 2026
Tectonic Defense Summit 2026

We are Patriots and We are family. Two generations of Patriots in the industry.

  • 30+
    Years in aerospace & defense
  • Bronze Star
    Founder & operator
  • Two generations
    Patriots in the industry
  • A&D only
    Exclusive industry focus

Tell us what you’re solving for.

info@thepatriotsgrp.com(657) 204-5922

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