Brien Seeley is an accomplished eye surgeon and notable leader in aviation technology, with a passion for designing and building airplanes. He began his career as a medical doctor specializing in ophthalmology, and is a graduate of the University of California, San Francisco. In his free time, Seeley pursued his love of flying, earning his pilot's license and even studying aeronautical engineering to create his own experimental aircraft.

In 1981, Seeley founded the CAFE Foundation, which held annual technology prize competitions to promote cutting-edge aviation research. He spent 34 years as the president of the organization, dedicating his time to advancing aviation technologies. Seeley was also instrumental in organizing the first-ever Electric Aircraft Symposium in San Francisco, as well as designing and writing the rules for the NASA Centennial Challenge for aeronautics. In 2011, he chaired the Google-sponsored NASA Green Flight Challenge, which awarded the largest prize in aviation history.

Seeley's interest in sustainable aviation led him to found the Sustainable Aviation Foundation in 2015. The organization is dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly electric-powered aircraft by advancing relevant technologies and innovations. He is also the co-chair of the Sustainable Aviation Symposium, an event that gathers professionals to share ideas and progress in the field.