Executive Committee
President John Goglia, after decades of experience as a mechanic at United Airlines and US Airways, was the first and only FAA certified mechanic to receive a presidential appointment to the National Transportation Safety Board, serving from August 1995 to June 2004. He played a key role in focusing international attention on the increasing significance of aircraft maintenance in aviation accidents.
John now fills his time as an independent aviation safety consultant, adjunct professor at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, and president of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association. Among numerous other accolades, he is recipient of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association/Flight Safety Foundation Joe Chase Award and the FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. His 40 plus years of experience in the industry has made him a sought-after consultant, expert, speaker, and writer. He is a frequent contributor to Forbes Magazine and author of Torqued, a monthly column appearing in AINOnline. |
Vice President Ken MacTiernan is in his third decade of service as an aviation maintenance technician for American Airlines in San Diego. Ken joined the United States Air Force right out of high school, where he served as a B-52 mechanic at Castle Air Force Base.
In 2002, he founded and became director of the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association, a non-profit organization that promotes Charles E. Taylor and the aviation maintenance craft. He is also a founding director for the AMTSociety, where he served as chairman for the Maintenance Skills Competition and scholarship program. Ken has served as a director of the Northrop Rice Foundation since 2012. He also serves as vice president of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association. He currently lives in San Diego and is married with three children. |
Secretary/Treasurer Todd Curtis is a risk assessment professional in the air transportation arena, with expertise and experience as a systems engineer, online marketer, and data analyst.
Todd analyzes complex technical environments and presents the results of appropriate analyses so that decision makers, from insurance companies in need of a predictive model for expected losses to airline passengers comparing accident rates, can make rational and informed choices. |
Sergeant At Arms/Chief Judge John Koza is a System Safety Engineer and Flight Safety Investigator for GE Aerospace based in Lynn, Massachusetts. His 20+ year aviation career includes previous roles as a regional aircraft maintenance manager with FedEx and multiple roles at Pratt & Whitney including Commercial Flight Safety Investigator. Koza is a FAA certificated mechanic and has exercised this privilege in various capacities at US Airways, Standard Aero, and GE Aerospace.
Mr. Koza holds a Masters in Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, a Bachelors in Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Certificates in Aviation Safety and Security from The University of Southern California and in Human Factors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a director for the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association and a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators. |
Directors
Aaron Anderson
Global Segment Manager Civil Aftermarket Transparencies, PPG Aerospace Aaron started flying at 14. After securing his private pilot license at 18 he discovered he enjoyed aircraft maintenance and eared his mechanic certificate. By age 29 Aaron had worked his way through maintenance and quality roles and became director of maintenance for a part 145 repair station. He's overseen airline contract line maintenance facilities, startups, aircraft repair service organizations, and component sales in the general aviation, commercial, and military markets. For the last 16 years, Aaron has served as manager of PPG's global market segment for civil aftermarket transparencies. |
Victor Bontorno
Director – Distribution & Ground Support Test Equipment, Barfield Inc. Victor is a sales management and development executive with more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. He has demonstrated the ability to lead with empathy and confidence, and the strong desire to serve a purpose greater than himself. His career started in 1985 at Monmouth Aircraft Service at Allaire (BLM) Airport in NJ. Victor’s journey has also taken him to AVSCO, A Barfield Company, on to NETJETS, Manager for Penn Yan Aeroparts and Division Sales Manager for AAR Cooper Aviation. For the past 17 years, Victor has been the Director of Distribution, Ground Support Test Equipment (GSTE) Sales and GSTE Repairs and Trading at Barfield Inc, an Air France KLM Engineering and Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) Company. Victor’s leadership and interest in helping others also allowed him to serve the Greater Miami Aviation Association (GMAA) as President for 5 years. He is a long-time judge and supporter of the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. |
Kevin Brickner
Senior Vice President, Technical Operations, American Airlines Kevin is responsible for overseeing line and base maintenance; engineering, planning and production support for airframes, engines and components; and aircraft supply chain operations, among many other responsibilities. Most recently, Kevin was vice president – Safety and Operations Integration, where he was responsible for overseeing the airline's safety and regulatory compliance programs throughout the airline and the airline's environmental sustainability program. He also led the operations program management office. Kevin began his career with the airline as a financial analyst in 1996 and then moved into technical operations. During the America West-US Airways merger, he served as managing director – Technical Operations Integration. In 2009, he was promoted to vice president – Technical Services, where he directed the technical operations planning, engineering and quality teams. Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh. |
Stewart D’Leon
Director, Environmental & Technical Operations, National Business Aviation Association At NBAA Stewart serves dual roles as the staff liaison for the maintenance and technical committees, and the environmental sustainability focal point. In line with these efforts, he participates as an observer on several International Civil Aviation Organization working groups under the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection. Prior to his time at NBAA, Stewart served in a variety of roles during his 14 years at Gulfstream Aerospace, including the previous 5 years as a field service representative supporting the US Air Force special mission fleet at Joint Base Andrews, MD. Before joining the team at Gulfstream, he served in the United States Air Force as an aircraft communication/navigation systems technician. Stewart is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a master’s in aviation safety. He holds an FAA mechanic certificate, private pilot certificate, and is a certified NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician. Most recently, he obtained the NBAA Certified Aviation Manager credential. |
Tom Doxey
President, Breeze Airways Tom leads the new airline that began service in May 2021. Breeze’s mission is to make the world of travel simple, affordable and convenient, using technology, ingenuity and kindness to improve the travel experience. Tom previously served as senior vice president technical operations. There he oversaw all of United’s global technical operations functions, including line and base maintenance, engine and component maintenance, engineering, aircraft reliability, supply chain, stores, facilities maintenance, ground service equipment maintenance, and other related functions. During his tenure at United, Tom also served as vice president and chief financial officer. Prior to joining United, Tom served as vice president of fleet and corporate finance at Allegiant. He was responsible for all aircraft and corporate finance transactions, materials planning, fleet planning, technical purchasing, stores and the financial management of airframe and engine heavy maintenance programs. Tom also held various roles in financial planning and analysis at Allegiant. Before joining Allegiant, Tom held a variety of positions at Merrill Lynch and oversaw multiple fleet and finance-related groups at US Airways. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, where he was a collegiate baseball player, and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. |
Greg Feith is a former NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator and “Go-Team” captain, and spent more than 21 years with the Safety Board serving as the Investigator-In-Charge or U.S. Accredited Representative for numerous high profile aircraft accidents, including Valujet in the Florida Everglades; American Eagle ATR-72 in Roselawn; Korean Air Boeing 747 in Guam; among many others. He led a team of mountain climbers to 21,000 feet on Mt. Illimani in Bolivia to investigate Eastern Airlines Flight 980, the highest controlled-flight into terrain (CFIT) crash in aviation history.
Greg received a BS Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; he holds Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Instrument Instructor (CFII), and Small Unmanned Vehicles pilot certificates. He has won numerous NTSB and aviation industry awards including the Aviation Week and Space Technology Laurel Award in 1996, and the 2001 ERAU Distinguished Alumni Award. In addition, Greg is the Co-Inventor of the LapKidz (LapKidz.com), an aviation child safety restraint (ACSD) device for infant/toddlers under the age of 24 months; and he is a partner in In-Flight Labs (inflightlabs.com), a company that has developed a suite of “SMART” electronic systems which include SMART ELT, a distressed aircraft tracking system utilizing the on-board aircraft ELT. Greg conducts safety lectures world-wide, appears regularly in aviation safety-related television programs such as MAYDAY, Seconds to Disaster, and Why Airplanes Crash, and he is the Aviation Safety Analyst for NBC News (winning a National Emmy Award as part of the NBC News team). In January 2016, Greg was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation, an elite group of professionals who have made significant contributions in aviation and aerospace. |
Les Frank
Managing Director of Aircraft Maintenance, FedEx Express Les is accountable for line technical operations and internal/external customer satisfaction at FedEx’s Memphis hub. In this role among other things, he has responsibility for FedEx’s total dispatch reliability goal, a multimillion dollar budget, and promoting a safe, inclusive work environment. He serves as Chairman of the Aircraft Maintenance Employee Handbook Committee which determines seniority based work policies for all of FedEx’s domestic maintenance personnel, ensuring a system wide harmonious work environment,. Les's aviation career began in the United States Air Force as a tactical fighter aircraft maintenance specialist. He's held previous positions at Continental Airlines, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines and FedEx to include Managing Director Field Line Maintenance both Easy & West, covering100+ locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, Managing Director LAX Base Maintenance which included Part 121, 145 & 91responsibility accomplishing major work through the “C” check level with multiple support/fabrication shops. Additional roles included Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Avionics Tech, Technical Crew Chief, Aircraft Maintenance Manager, Project Manager, Production Manager, and Senior Manager. He also served as a Shop Steward for the TWU. Les is a 1992 recipient of the American Airlines Employee of the Year Award and the 2013, 2016, and 2023 FedEx Five Star Award. |
Andy Hakes
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, AireXpert Andy's Buffalo-based organization works with airline leadership teams to implement technology-driven solutions that drive efficiency across the MRO value chain with a focus on development of technical expertise and talent. Prior to this role, Andy owned and managed an MRO which supported major and regional airlines and previously served as an aircraft maintenance technician for several cargo and passenger air carriers. An FAA licensed mechanic since 1989, Andy supports many individual and organizational initiatives to develop and support inspired and knowledgeable aircraft maintenance professionals. |
Kurt Kinder
Vice President, Maintenance Operations, Southwest Airlines Kurt is responsible for the daily operation and frontline teams, including Aircraft Maintenance, Material Stores, and Maintenance Operations Control. Kurt's background includes more than thirty years with Alaska Airlines where he served as vice president of maintenance and engineering. During his time at Alaska he worked as an aircraft mechanic and eventually moved into leadership roles with progressively increasing responsibilities. He started his aviation career nearly four decades ago working on crop dusters. In addition to his FAA mechanic license, he earned his MBA from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. Kurt loves spending time at his cabin with his four grown sons and three grandsons. |
Kevin Kirkpatrick
Vice President, Aftermarket Affairs, Pratt & Whitney Kevin is the vice president, Aftermarket Global Operations, at Pratt & Whitney. In this role, he is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for Pratt & Whitney’s Aftermarket Operations in Commercial Engines, which is comprised of: 15 engine and repair centers located in the United States, China, New Zealand, Singapore, and Turkey; GTF aftermarket operations industrialization; aftermarket supply chain; repair sales; and aftermarket transformation projects and initiatives. Kevin has over 20 years of diverse Pratt & Whitney experience in positions of increasing responsibility, including prior leadership roles in Military Engines as vice president, Fighter & Mobility Programs, and in Commercial Engines Aftermarket Operations as executive director, AMO Asia Pacific. Most recently, Kevin was the general manager, Hot Section Module Center (HSMC) for Pratt & Whitney Global Operations. In this role, Kevin led the end-to-end HSMC value stream in East Hartford, Connecticut, and West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as the Amercon and ACT operations in Pennsylvania and New York. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Huntington University and earned an MBA from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. Kevin Kirkpatrick is the vice president, Aftermarket Global Operations, at Pratt & Whitney. In this role, he is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for Pratt & Whitney’s Aftermarket Operations in Commercial Engines, which is comprised of: 15 engine and repair centers located in the United States, China, New Zealand, Singapore, and Turkey; GTF aftermarket operations industrialization; aftermarket supply chain; repair sales; and aftermarket transformation projects and initiatives. Kevin has over 20 years of diverse Pratt & Whitney experience in positions of increasing responsibility, including prior leadership roles in Military Engines as vice president, Fighter & Mobility Programs, and in Commercial Engines Aftermarket Operations as executive director, AMO Asia Pacific. Most recently, Kevin was the general manager, Hot Section Module Center (HSMC) for Pratt & Whitney Global Operations. In this role, Kevin led the end-to-end HSMC value stream in East Hartford, Connecticut, and West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as the Amercon and ACT operations in Pennsylvania and New York. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Huntington University and earned an MBA from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. Kevin Kirkpatrick is the vice president, Aftermarket Global Operations, at Pratt & Whitney. In this role, he is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for Pratt & Whitney’s Aftermarket Operations in Commercial Engines, which is comprised of: 15 engine and repair centers located in the United States, China, New Zealand, Singapore, and Turkey; GTF aftermarket operations industrialization; aftermarket supply chain; repair sales; and aftermarket transformation projects and initiatives. Kevin has over 20 years of diverse Pratt & Whitney experience in positions of increasing responsibility, including prior leadership roles in Military Engines as vice president, Fighter & Mobility Programs, and in Commercial Engines Aftermarket Operations as executive director, AMO Asia Pacific. Most recently, Kevin was the general manager, Hot Section Module Center (HSMC) for Pratt & Whitney Global Operations. In this role, Kevin led the end-to-end HSMC value stream in East Hartford, Connecticut, and West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as the Amercon and ACT operations in Pennsylvania and New York. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Huntington University and earned an MBA from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. Kevin Kirkpatrick is the vice president, Aftermarket Global Operations, at Pratt & Whitney. In this role, he is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for Pratt & Whitney’s Aftermarket Operations in Commercial Engines, which is comprised of: 15 engine and repair centers located in the United States, China, New Zealand, Singapore, and Turkey; GTF aftermarket operations industrialization; aftermarket supply chain; repair sales; and aftermarket transformation projects and initiatives. Kevin has over 20 years of diverse Pratt & Whitney experience in positions of increasing responsibility, including prior leadership roles in Military Engines as vice president, Fighter & Mobility Programs, and in Commercial Engines Aftermarket Operations as executive director, AMO Asia Pacific. Most recently, Kevin was the general manager, Hot Section Module Center (HSMC) for Pratt & Whitney Global Operations. In this role, Kevin led the end-to-end HSMC value stream in East Hartford, Connecticut, and West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as the Amercon and ACT operations in Pennsylvania and New York. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Huntington University and earned an MBA from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. |
Alan Stolzer
Dean, College of Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Alan is responsible for the academic and administrative oversight of the college's Daytona Beach campus. He is Professor of Doctoral Studies and teaches Safety Management Systems in ERAU’s Ph.D. in Aviation program. He is the lead author on two books on SMS published by Ashgate Publications. Alan holds a Ph.D. in Quality Systems from Indiana State University, and degrees from ERAU and the College of the Ozarks. He also holds an ATP, CFI, and an A&P certificate, and was previously a DPE, issuing more than 100 certificates and ratings on behalf of the FAA. He has flown more than 8,000 hours as pilot-in-command. |
Bill Willetts
Vice President, Snap-on Industrial Bill is responsible for overseeing all sales operations for North America for Snap-on Industrial. Snap-on has a dedicated Commercial and Industrial sales force in every sector of the United States and Canada serving all critical industries including aerospace. Bill started his career with Snap-on in rural North Carolina in 1994 as an Industrial Account Manager. Since then, he has been promoted many times with increased responsibility and currently serves as Vice President working from the world headquarters in Kenosha WI. Bill holds a degree in Business Administration and Computer Science from Bob Jones University and an MBA from Strayer University in Washington DC. |
James Viola
President and CEO, Vertical Aviation International (VAI) James is the President and CEO of the Vertical Aviation International (VAI). Previously, he served in the Federal Aviation Administration achieving the position of Acting Deputy Associate Administrator, Aviation Safety. Viola is on the Department of Transportation Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee to the FAA and has testified before Congress on safety issues and priority policy issues to the vertical flight industry. He is the Chairman of the International Federation of Helicopter Associations and holds a master’s degree in international relations. |
Don Wright
Vice President, Maintenance & Engineering, Alaska Airlines Since August 2021, Don has led the Seattle-based maintenance and engineering team as they embark on a journey of significant fleet growth and technology innovation. In this role, Don oversees the safety, compliance and operational performance of the airline's mainline Boeing and Airbus fleet and reports to Chief Operating Officer Constance von Muehlen. Born in Sydney, Australia, Don began his career in aviation as an aircraft maintenance engineer with Qantas before joining Continental Airlines. He worked throughout Asia/Pacific, Europe and Latin America in various technical/leadership roles before moving to Los Angeles as director of technical operations for Continental in 1997. Don continued with the carrier through the merge of Continental and United Airlines in 2010, completing more than 32 years of service and serving as United’s vice president of maintenance operations for his last six years before retiring in 2020. Don also serves as a Trustee on the Board of Air Camp, a non-profit inspiring students across the country to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) using aviation and aerospace as the medium. Don and his family live on Orcas Island, WA. |
Management
Crystal Maguire
Vice President Operations Crystal manages oversees council initiatives and logistics for the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. Her "day job" is executive director of the Aviation Technician Education Council, the trade association that represents and advocates on behalf of aviation maintenance technician schools certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Through ATEC, Crystal also manages an industry coalition, Choose Aerospace, bringing together aerospace stakeholders to address one of the biggest threats to continued industry growth: the availability of a diverse, qualified technical workforce. Crystal also serves as of counsel to Denver-based, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP where she counsels aviation companies in commercial transactions and general corporate matters. She is a former author of Aviation Week’s InsideMRO safety and regulatory column and a frequent contributor to AMT Magazine. |
Tarra Ruttman
Administrative Coordinator Tarra is responsible for council day-to-day operations and logistics for the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. She is primarily responsible for team registrations, sponsor commitments, and administration of the council's Phoebe Omlie Scholarship. Tarra also serves as operations manager for the Aviation Technician Education Council, program manager for Choose Aerospace, and administrative coordinator for the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association. |