Orbit Leadership

Itzchak Gat, Chairman of the Board

Before becoming Orbit’s Chairman of the Board, Itzchak Gat served as Chairman of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Prior to that, he served as CEO/GM at Rafael, Elisra and Poalim Electronic Communications and as VP at the Etgar (Challenge) Fund. A retired Brigadier General, Itzchak served 27 years as a fighter pilot and a commander in the Israeli Air Force, where he also headed the Operational Requirements Department, and the Logistics and Engineering Directorate, respectively. He holds a B.Sc. in Aeronautical Engineering from Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology.

Dany Eshchar, Co-Chair

Dany Eshchar has extensive experience leading defense, high-tech and international business development organizations. Before joining Orbit, Dany served as Deputy CEO for the Israel- and US-based Aeronautics Group, where he led Sales, Marketing and Business Development efforts and managed substantial international business growth. Prior to Aeronautics, Dany headed R&D projects for the Israel Navy. He holds a Bachelors in Engineering from Israel’s Technion Institute of Technology and Masters degrees from both Technion and the University of Michigan.

Samuel Snir, VP, Sales & Business Development, North America

Samuel Snir joined Orbit Communication Systems, Inc. in 2019 as VP, Sales & Business Development, North America. Sam brings more than 30 years of experience in sales, business development and technical expertise in antenna tracking systems, airborne satcom, EO and telemetry systems for both military and commercial markets. Prior to joining Orbit Inc., Sam served in several key positions at Orbit Communication Systems Ltd. – including VP, Tracking Telemetry & EO; VP, Sales & Business Development, EMEA and Director of Customer Service – for more than three decades. He studied Computer and Mechanical Engineering at Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology, and Tel Aviv University.

Dalit Dadon, Chief Operations Officer

Dalit Dadon joined Orbit Communication Systems, Inc. in July of 2010. Dalit is responsible for the Orbit’s HR activity in the US and acts as the company’s Empowered Official (EO) for ITAR control and compliance. Dalit’s career spans over 20 years of comprehensive experience in various aspects of Finance, Administration, Export and HR management in diversified industries. Prior to joining Orbit, Dalit served as Finance and Operations Manager for Hazera Seeds Inc., a US subsidiary of Hazera Genetics Ltd (part of the Limagrain Group), a worldwide leader in the development and manufacturing of fruit and vegetable seeds. Previously, she served as Export and Office Manager for Hy Laboratories Ltd. (Hylabs), a developer, manufacturer and distributor of tools for the identification of microorganisms and molecular biology products. She holds a BA in Behavioral Sciences from Ben Gurion University, Israel, and an HR Management certificate from continued educational studies, including coursework at the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Graduate School of Business.

David Lee, Director, Sales & Business Development, Airborne Audio Management and Satcom Systems

David Lee joined Orbit Communication Systems, Inc. in 2015 as the North American Director of Sales & Business Development for Orbit’s airborne audio management and satcom systems. David brings more than 30 years of experience in business development, systems engineering, avionics integration, program management and technical sales in Electronic Warfare, airborne satcom and tactical data links in both military and commercial markets. His expertise translates into customized connectivity solutions that enhance aircrew coordination and mission effectiveness. Prior to joining Orbit, David worked for TECOM Industries, ITT Exelis, BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins. Previously, he served in the US Navy as a rotary wing aviator and acquisitions professional and continues to maintain both his commercial fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft ratings. He holds a B.Sc. from Michigan State University and is a member of the Association of Old Crows (AOC).

Michael McDonnell, Director, Sales & Business Development, Ground and Airborne Satcom, Earth Observation and Tracking & Telemetry Systems

Michael McDonnell joined Orbit Communication Systems, Inc. in 2018 as the North American Director of Sales & Business Development for Orbit’s Ground and Airborne Satcom, Earth Observation and Tracking & Telemetry Systems. Michael brings more than 30 years of experience in business and market development, government relations, field marketing and technical sales of advanced tactical and satellite communications solutions – with expertise in antenna, navigation and radar-derived identification systems – to military and commercial markets. Prior to joining Orbit, Michael worked for Boeing Aerospace, Singer Kearfott, BAE Systems, Telephonics and Cobham Antenna Systems. He holds a B.Sc. Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Oregon State University and attended Boise State University for undergraduate and University of Washington for graduate studies.

Steven Refsnider, Customer Service Manager

Steven Refsnider joined Orbit Communication Systems, Inc. in October 2010. Steve brings comprehensive technical knowledge of satellite communications systems as well as over 10 years’ experience in management of communications maintenance work centers. Prior to joining Orbit, he served as the manager of Verizon’s international maintenance center in Pompano Beach, Florida, where he led a team of technicians responsible for installing, commissioning and maintaining international digital circuits between the United States and Latin America. In addition to his professional experience, Steve served for more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, including eight years as a Master Instructor in the field of satellite communications maintenance where he was recognized for professional achievement and expert knowledge. Steve holds associate degrees in Electronics Systems Technology and Instructional Technology from the USAF Community College.