Rick Ducharme
Metron Aviation, based in Dulles, Va., named Rick Ducharme executive vice president of industry relations. Ducharme joins Metron Aviation from FAA where he was deputy chief operating officer, Air Traffic Organization. He has more than 30 years of aviation experience across the full range of FAA operations including en route, oceanic, terminal and system operations services.
During his time at FAA, Ducharme provided full executive direction and oversight for the safety, security and performance of the U.S. National Airspace System, airspace management, performance targets, mission support and infrastructure. In addition to these accomplishments, Ducharme spearheaded the 2009 agreement with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to ensure safe and continuous aviation operations.
Rick Lepre
Southeast Aerospace, of Melbourne, Fla., named Rick Lepre contracts director.
Lepre brings more than 25 years of government and commercial contracts experience. He began his career working for Grumman Aerospace on the Navy F-14 Program and has experience in airframes, avionics and services as well as subcontracting and export control. Most recently he was contracts director on a U.S. Department of State Program at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida.
Daniel Hodgins
Pro Star Aviation, based in Londonderry, N.H., named Daniel Hodgins sales manager.
Hodgins is an aviation industry veteran of 25 years spanning the commercial, corporate and military sectors. Hodgins has held positions of responsibility ranging from avionics technician to founding partner and president of an aircraft engine parts company. He was most recently with West Star Aviation as its northeast sales manager.
Mid-Continent Appointments
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics, of Wichita, Kan., announced a series of personnel additions and promotions.
Baylee Cunningham was named engineering assistant; Brett Ballard was named certification engineer; Bruce Christensen was named electrical design engineer; Mary Kay Chavez was appointed True Blue Power program analyst, systems integration; Peter Elliott was named international sales manager; Sean Schafer was appointed to avionics programs sales; and Marissa Reddick was promoted to supply chain manager.
Rajinder Rai
Endicott Interconnect Technologies, of Endicott, N.Y., promoted Rajinder Rai to chief technology officer (CTO). In his new position, Rai will be responsible for monitoring new technologies, overseeing the selection of research projects, generating a technology road-map and ensuring its progress and assessing the potential of new product introduction.
Rai has 16 years of experience in the high-tech electronics industry. He has held a variety of design and development engineering positions as well as various senior management and executive roles, most recently as vice president of engineering at Endicott Interconnect.
Capt. William Allen
JetBlue Airways appointed Capt. William Allen director of operations. In his new role, Capt. Allen will direct and support all JetBlue operational functions, regulatory compliance and command and control procedures surrounding flight activity.
Allen is a retired U.S. Navy senior officer. Previously, he has flown the B737, MD80, DC9, A319/20/21 and E-170 aircraft and worked as a flight engineer on the B727.
Prior to joining JetBlue, he was an instructor at US Airways for 15 years. Allen has served as JetBlue’s E190 Fleet Captain, and most recently served as JetBlue’s director of fleet programs and standards.
Duncan Aviation Appointments
Duncan Aviation named Rodolfo Rodriguez regional manager, located in Mexico.
Rodriguez has been working with Duncan Aviation since 2007 as a sales representative in Mexico. As regional manager, Rodriguez will support aircraft operators, management organizations and other service providers in Mexico with the goal of maintaining and building relationships, providing customer service, educating operators and learning more about the regulatory issues within the region. Prior to Duncan Aviation, Rodriguez was a Naval Officer for the Mexican navy. He retired in 2000 after 21 years of service.
The company also named Richard Gardner regional manager in Australia and New Zealand. Gardner has been supporting Duncan Aviation since 2007, working as an international representative in New Zealand. Prior work experience includes employment with Air New Zealand and Pacific Turbine. Through his own company, SinglePoint Assist, Gardner became involved with supporting Duncan Aviation customers in Australia and New Zealand.
James Curtis
James Curtis has joined Kansas Aviation as director of sales.
Curtis brings 20 years of diverse aviation experience ranging from direct aircraft maintenance to aviation sales and MRO business development.
Michael Grana
Michael Grana joined Banyan Air
Service, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as aircraft sales associate. Grana has an extensive background in the aviation industry. He has five years of aircraft sales experience, has held several positions as a corporate pilot and has assisted in corporate aircraft management. He is a commercial fixed wing and helicopter pilot with flight instructor ratings in single and multi-engine aircraft. He also holds a type rating for the Citation 500 series aircraft.