Spotlight 802: Blain Newton, CIO of BETA Technologies

Spotlight 802 is a monthly speaker series that brings engaging voices from across Vermont to share their insights, experiences, and expertise. Each month features a new speaker exploring a wide variety of topics - ranging from innovation and entrepreneurship to athletics, culture, and community impact. Whether you're looking to be inspired, learn something new, or spark meaningful conversations, Spotlight 802 is your front-row seat to ideas that shape our world.

Each evening consists of free appetizers from 5:30-6:00pm, followed by a speaker and Q&A from 6:00 to 7:00pm in the South Burlington Public Library Auditorium within City Hall (180 Market Street).

BETA Technologies started with a simple question: what if we could build a better way to fly? Today, that idea is being designed, built, and flown right here in Vermont. Blain Newton of BETA Technologies joins Spotlight 802 for an open conversation about the work behind it, the people and community driving it forward, and what it means to build aviation's next chapter responsibly. It's a chance to see where flight is headed, and the role Vermont is playing in getting it there.

Blain Newton is the Chief Information Officer at BETA Technologies, where he leads enterprise software, data systems, IT infrastructure, and internal product quality across the company. He focuses on building the digital backbone that supports BETA's aircraft development, manufacturing, and global operations. Before joining BETA, Blain spent more than two decades in healthcare technology leadership, holding senior roles at companies including IDX Systems, GE Healthcare IT, Allscripts, and HIMSS Analytics, where he led large scale software, data, digital transformation initiatives across complex enterprise organizations.