Patrick McKay
Data Operations Manager - Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), World Food Programme
Patrick McKay is the UAS Data Operations manager for WFP, as well as the Regional UAS Co-ordinator for the Southern African region, where he manages WFPs first UAS hub. Patrick joined WFP in 2004 as a mobile data collection specialist before moving into IT operations management followed by UAS operations. In 2019 he was the co-ordinator for the first official activation of drones during cyclones Idai and Kenneth.
As part of his work in the UAS hub, Patrick is looking into innovative ways of using UAS technology to improve the way humanitarians respond and communicate in emergencies as well as for emergency preparedness activities. Patrick has participated in training activities, UAS search and rescue operations, flood modelling missions, and post disaster mapping. He leads the UAS Connectivity Technical Working Group,and is currently working on projects which aim to use UAS to provide connectivity following natural disasters.
