Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. has announced the planned retirement of Eric Gerratt, Chief Financial Officer.
The company also announced a succession plan for the CFO role, with the appointment of Director Anne Hayes as Deputy Chief Financial Officer and the appointment of Ernie Freedman as an independent director and Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Ms. Hayes has resigned from the Board as part of the transition and is anticipated to assume the CFO role following Gerratt’s retirement, planned for after the filing of the Company’s 10-K in March 2026.
Sam Davis, Chief Executive Officer explained: “During a time of such profound growth for Bridger, we are tremendously grateful for Eric’s guidance and leadership.
“Eric has been integral in many recent initiatives for the company ranging from the business combination with Jack Creek to the recent secured financing that will allow Bridger to sustain progress and focus on future performance.
“He has been paramount in managing our finance team and the company through recent years of growth.
“We are pleased that he will remain with Bridger through the completion of our annual SEC filings and assist in ensuring a smooth transition process.”
Eric Gerratt, Chief Financial Officer added: “It has been a pleasure and honor to lead the finance team and be a part of such an amazing organization.
“Over the last three years, it has been incredible to watch the company grow and execute its mission alongside such a passionate leadership team.
“I am confident in Anne’s ability to lead and support the Bridger team as it continues to grow and deliver for its customers, shareholders and team members.”
Davis continued: “After Eric’s decision to retire, we were fortunate Anne accepted our offer during this pivotal moment for the company.
“I have the utmost confidence that her experience as Audit Committee Chair and extensive financial knowledge will continue to underscore the company’s focus on financial resiliency.
“We are thrilled to leverage her comprehensive knowledge of our operations and her history for driving growth.
“Paired with Ernie’s extraordinary depth in public company finance and governance, this transition fortifies our foundation for sustainable expansion.
“As wildfires become more frequent and severe, our experienced leadership team is determined on delivering mission-critical solutions that protect lives, property, critical infrastructure and the environment.”
Anne Hayes served on the Board of Directors as Audit Committee Chair since 2023, garnering a deep institutional knowledge.
Hayes has two decades of experience in principal investing and hands-on financial leadership at private and publicly listed companies, most recently with Quadrant Capital Advisors in New York from 2008–2024.
She is a Certified Public Accountant and began her career with PricewaterhouseCoopers specializing in forensic accounting, mergers & acquisitions and IPO readiness.
Hayes has a proven track record guiding companies through complex capital raises, strategic acquisitions and operational growth in dynamic markets.
Her expertise in capital markets execution and disciplined financial leadership will be instrumental in Bridger’s next phase of growth.
Hayes received her Bachelor of Science in Finance with honors from Villanova University and Master of Science in Finance from the University of Denver Daniels College of Business.
Anne Hayes said of her new role: “I am honored to step into this expanded role at Bridger, a company I deeply value for its life-saving mission and bold vision.
“Having guided our Audit Committee through key milestones, I look forward to partnering with Eric on this handover and driving the financial discipline that will fuel our next chapter of growth.”
Concurrently, Bridger is pleased to welcome Ernie Freedman as the new Chair of its Audit Committee.
Freedman, a CPA with more than three decades of executive finance and audit leadership, joins the Board bringing a proven track record of steering public companies through periods of rapid growth.
Most recently, Freedman served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Invitation Homes Inc. from 2015 to 2023, where he oversaw financial operations for one of the nation’s largest single-family rental platforms.
Prior to Invitation Homes, he was the CFO of Apartment Investment and Management Company (Aimco) from 2009 to 2015, following his tenure as Senior Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis.
His career also includes leadership as CFO of HEI Hotels and Resorts, key finance roles at GE Real Estate and early audit experience at Ernst & Young LLP.
Since 2023, Freedman has advised Roots Management Group on affordable housing investments and he currently serves on the Board of Walker & Dunlop, Inc., contributing to its Audit and Risk Committee.
Ernie Freedman said: “Bridger’s commitment to excellence in aerial firefighting resonates with my passion for building resilient organizations.
“I am excited to chair the Audit Committee and support the Board’s oversight as the company navigates this dynamic growth phase with transparency and strategic insight.”
With the resignation of Anne Hayes and the appointment of Ernie Freedman, the Board size will remain at nine members.
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. has announced the planned retirement of Eric Gerratt, Chief Financial Officer.
