Advisory Board – South Carolina Aerospace Industry

SC Aerospace is led by a private-sector advisory board with representatives from small to large aerospace-related firms from across the state.

SC Aerospace Chairman

Don Myers

Director of Aerospace Sales & Marketing
Toray

Myers' Bio
Don Myers is the Director of Aerospace Sales & Marketing at Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. Don has been with Toray since 2010 and is responsible for leading the management of their commercial aerospace unit. His primary roles include the integration of new aerospace programs, program management, long range business planning and marketing strategies in the aerospace sector, as well as global customer support strategy. During his time at Toray, Don has led the team responsible for developing the architecture to support Toray’s global prepreg demand in the Boeing Commercial Aircraft programs.
Prior to joining Toray Composites (America) Inc., he worked in the corporate and general aviation industry as a source consultant and in rotary and fixed wing acquisitions. Don is a prior military aviator and has extensive experience with commercial, military, and corporate aircraft operations, sales and finance, supply chain management, and Federal Aviation Regulations.
Don is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, but his military and professional career have moved him across the U.S. a number of times. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and in 2012 completed Advanced Certifications for Senior Executives at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Don lives in the Puget Sound area of Washington State and enjoys flying, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and college football.
SC Aerospace is led by a private-sector advisory board with representatives from small to large aerospace-related firms from across the state.

SC Aerospace Chairman

Don Myers
Director of Aerospace Sales & Marketing
Toray
- Myers’ Bio
  Don Myers is the Director of Aerospace Sales & Marketing at Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. Don has been with Toray since 2010 and is responsible for leading the management of their commercial aerospace unit. His primary roles include the integration of new aerospace programs, program management, long range business planning and marketing strategies in the aerospace sector, as well as global customer support strategy. During his time at Toray, Don has led the team responsible for developing the architecture to support Toray’s global prepreg demand in the Boeing Commercial Aircraft programs.
  Prior to joining Toray Composites (America) Inc., he worked in the corporate and general aviation industry as a source consultant and in rotary and fixed wing acquisitions. Don is a prior military aviator and has extensive experience with commercial, military, and corporate aircraft operations, sales and finance, supply chain management, and Federal Aviation Regulations.
  Don is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, but his military and professional career have moved him across the U.S. a number of times. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and in 2012 completed Advanced Certifications for Senior Executives at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
  Don lives in the Puget Sound area of Washington State and enjoys flying, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and college football.
Advisory Board Members

Abdel E. Bayoumi
Director, USC McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research, Associate Dean for Corporate Relations
University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing
- Bayoumi’s Bio
  Dr. Bayoumi has over 35 years of teaching and research experience. Currently, he is Director of the USC Center for Predictive Maintenance, Associate Dean for Corporate Relations and Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Before joining USC, he was Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University, a project manager at Hewlett-Packard Company, and Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University. He has been actively involved in developing strong programs in mechanical, nuclear and biomedical engineering. His research activities have been focused in predictive maintenance, big data analytics, and predictive maintenance, mechanical behavior of materials, manufacturing, design, and health monitoring systems. He has published 3 book chapters, over 100 papers and supervised more than 15 Ph.D. and 40 MS students.
Morgan Brady
Managing Partner
Composite Resources
- Brady’s Bio
  Bio coming soon
Hunter Dalton
President & CEO
Cumberland Highstreet Partners, Inc.
- Dalton’s Bio
  Over 30 years of experience in aerospace specialty materials manufacturing with ATI in leadership positions encompassing engineering, global procurement, operations management, domestic US and international sales and commercial executive for aero engine and airframe markets as well as overall business P&L responsibilities.
  Aerospace is a technology-based industry. The aerospace “mentality” has always been focused on absolute quality and performance. The aerospace industry is dynamic and constantly evolving to improve mankind’s ability to fly – safely and efficiently.
Jerry Ellison
President
JBE, Inc.
- Ellison’s Bio
  Bio coming soon
Leslie Farmer
Communication, Greenville & Field Team Operations
Lockheed Martin
- Farmer’s Bio
  Leslie Farmer is the Communications Lead for Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, S.C. site and Field Team Operations organization. In this capacity, she is responsible for executive communications, community and media relations, and employee communications. Both the Greenville and Field Team Operations organizations provide comprehensive aircraft sustainment and modification services and consist of a total team of approximately 2,000 people. Ms. Farmer graduated with honors from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and currently serves on the South Carolina Aerospace Advisory Council. In 2018, she received the Charter Champions Award from Greenville Technical Charter High School. She is also a member of the company’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, Women’s Impact Network and the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, she served as the Director of Marketing at Meals on Wheels of Greenville.
Darren Friberg
Director of Business Development
SpinTech LLC, Smart Tooling product line
- Friberg’s Bio
  Darren Friberg, Director of Business Development, is responsible for identifying customer requirements and leading the effort to provide more efficient and lower cost production of complex composite parts with trapped or captive geometries, such a ducts, missile bodies, spars and control surfaces, using Smart Tooling’s reusable shape memory polymer tooling system.
  Mr. Friberg has over 25 years of industry experience including engineering, logistics and distribution, new product development, and business development. Prior to joining SpinTech in 2019, Mr. Friberg was Director of Business Development at TIGHITCO, South Carolina.
  Mr. Friberg started his career as an aerospace engineer at McDonnell Douglas holding positions of increasing responsibility from engineering to business development at The Boeing Company and gained wide experience in all areas of aircraft, systems, structures, composites, propulsion, and production methods. Subsequently,
  Mr. Friberg used his engineering background to help develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for his customers, and has lead sales and business development teams at companies including: TRW Lucas Aerospace cargo systems division; AmSafe Bridport, a leading cargo restraint and engineering textiles company; and, The Gill Corporation, a leading supplier of composites panels and honeycomb core.
  Mr. Friberg holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University.
Stan Griffs
Director of Operations
RBC AeroStructures
- Griffs’ Bio
  Stan Griffs received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1994 from Clemson University. He has been in manufacturing for over 20 years. For the last 8 years, he has been the Director of RBC AeroStructures which manufactures control rods and swaged tubes for the commercial and military markets. In 2014, he relocated his facility from Georgia.
  Aerospace is a technically challenging field. The concept of seeing your product flying around the world, supporting the US military across the globe, and ultimately touching the lives of billions of people makes for a very rewarding career. It’s also a fast growing, secure field of work that will be in demand for years to come.
Ashley Holbrook
Director of State and Local Government Operations
Boeing South Carolina

Paul Kumler
President
KTM Engineering
- Kumler’s Bio
  Paul V. Kumler has over 30 years engineering and senior management experience. Mr. Kumler spend the majority of his career in the aircraft industry with experiences at Cessna Aircraft , The Boeing Company, and Lockheed Martin. He currently serves as president of KTM Solutions, Inc, an engineering services company he founded in April 2005. Mr. Kumler received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University. He also completed several graduate engineering courses at Wichita State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of South Carolina. Outside of the office, Mr. Kumler participates in numerous volunteer activities, primarily through his church. Mr. Kumler married and the proud parent of a son and daughter who are currently pursuing their own career paths. Mr. and Mrs. Kumler currently live in Simpsonville, South Carolina.
Mike Leatherwood
Owner/President
Leatherwood Manufacturing
- Leatherwood’s Bio
  My Aerospace career started out when I joined the US Air Force back in 1960. It was not a tough choice to become involved in manufacturing of tooling and parts for various aircraft and support equipment for both military and commercial aviation. With my enjoyment of building things, I founded Leatherwood Manufacturing in 1986. It has been most enjoyable in working with the US Military in building aviation products such as US Navy Aircraft component parts and Launch and Recovery Equipment for Navy Aircraft Carriers.
  In 2005, Leatherwood got the opportunity to enter into a new field of manufacturing and assembly of Commerical Aircraft Components and Assemblies and we continue to build on these programs today. My experience in the Aerospace Business has been very enjoyable and rewarding.
Tomas Lindsta
Vice President & General Manager South Carolina, GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace

Jason Marlin
President
Champion Aerospace
- Marlin’s Bio
  With 15 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Jason Marlin brings extensive first hand aerospace manufacturing experience to the SC Aerospace Advisory Board. Jason is the President of Champion Aerospace, which is located in Liberty, SC, and has held Director level positions at aerospace companies located in the New York, Chicago and Philadelphia areas. He has a passion for aviation, technology and personnel development.
  Like many children, I was always amazed with the power of flight and had a desire to be part of it. The aerospace industry is a growth industry that embraces new technologies, which made it a great opportunity for professional growth.
John Miller
Director of Business Development
JBE, Inc.
- Miller’s Bio
  John has a 20 year business background in healthcare and manufacturing and is a South Carolina native. He is responsible for bringing aerospace work to JBE and adding a location in the Charleston, SC area to support the Boeing plant in 2014.
  Man’s desire to fly fascinates me and I want to work in a field where we are making this desire a reality with cutting edge technology.
Dan O’Conner
Managing Director
PinPoint Solutions
- O’Conner’s Bio
  Daniel (Dan) O’Connor is a career Aerospace professional with over 30 years of experience in Engineering, Engineering Management, Program Management, and Business Development. He has supported both large and small companies that include Boeing Defense and Commercial aircraft, General Dynamics, Lockheed and D3 Technologies/LMI Aerospace.
  Prior to joining the Westport team, Dan built, staffed and managed the D3/LMI Southeast Engineering Division in Greenville, SC. During his tenure there as Director of Engineering, he procured and/or managed the support of new aircraft development programs with Lockheed, Boeing, Airbus, Honda Jet, Spirit Aerospace, Triumph and many more. During this time, Dan has also been active in support of the Upstate Aviation Cluster for efforts to stimulate growth and attract aviation companies to South Carolina and is an active member of the South Carolina Aerospace Advisory Board since 2015.
  Currently, Dan is focused on supporting his clients with the right staffing to support their growth efforts in South Carolina and throughout the US.
Steve Prout
President
Solar Atmospheres
- Prout’s Bio
  Steve Prout joined Solar Atmospheres in the Fall of 2013 to establish Solar’s newest vacuum heat treating facility in Greenville, South Carolina. This facility gained Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Accreditation Program) accreditation within 90 days of start-up in September, 2015 and AS9100 approval shortly thereafter. Solar specializes in vacuum heat treatments and is capable of supporting research and development activity through large scale production. Solar also operates a 24 foot long vacuum furnace in the Greenville facility, the largest vacuum furnace in the US Southeast.
  Steve started his career in commercial heat treating and brazing in 1996 and has held a variety of positions in the heat treating world before coming to Solar. These roles include Production Manager, Plant Manager, Business Development Manager, and General Manager for organizations such as Paulo Products Company, Bluewater Thermal Solutions and Bodycote. Steve is a member of the ASM International, the Metal Treating Institute and serves on the Business Advisory Board for his alma mater Bryan College in Dayton, TN as well as serving on the Board for Coldstream Christian Camp in Adams, TN.
Paul Witt
VP of Mobile Services
Constant Aviation
- Witt’s Bio
  I’ve been in the corporate aviation field for 23 years. My Career started with Cessna Citation in Greensboro North Carolina, where I worked my way up from a technician on the shop floor to General Manager of the facility. I continued my career at Stevens Aviation in Greenville South Carolina as Executive Vice President of Operations.
  Recently, I left Stevens Aviation to accept a role with Constant Aviation. My role with Constant aviation is Vice President of Mobile Services. In this role, I will be responsible for the mobile repair teams that are stationed around the country and the growth of the business. Constant Aviation is new to South Carolina and has opened an office at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU).
Steve Townes
President and CEO
Ranger Aerospace
- Townes’ Bio
  Steve Townes, a well-known entrepreneur in the aerospace services arena, is President, CEO and a Director of Ranger Aerospace, the company that he founded in early 1997. He is also chairman of ACL AirShop, an air cargo services and leasing company with operations at 40 of the world’s largest cargo hub airports.
  Townes’ diverse background spans three decades in the commercial, corporate, and military aviation industry. Before going independent with Ranger Aerospace in 1997, he was previously Vice Chairman, and earlier President, of Sabreliner Corporation’s heavy aircraft services divisions. Townes was Executive Vice President of Stevens Aviation, a $115 million multi-city aviation services chain which more than doubled in size and made two acquisitions while Townes was its chief operations, marketing and technical services officer.
  Townes has also been Vice President of Major Programs and Marketing of the Dee Howard Aerospace Corporation, as well as a Program Leader and Marketing Leader in LTV Aerospace and Defense. Townes is an engineering graduate of West Point. Steve earned the coveted Eisenhower Award upon graduation there. He also holds an MBA from Long Island University and completed the PMD program at Harvard Business School. Steve named his company in honor of special operations forces, where he also has personal heritage. He served in the 1st/75th Ranger Battalion as a young airborne infantry officer, and graduated #1 from the Army’s Ranger School.
Kenneth P. Rusterholz
President & Chief Executive Officer
TIGHITCO
- Rusterholz’s Bio
  Mr. Rusterholz as President & CEO has overall responsibility and accountability for the execution performance of TIGHITCO across all elements of its business model. This is inclusive of the three divisions: AeroStructures, Insulation Products, and Overhaul Support Services. Mr. Rusterholz has joined TIGHITCO in early 2019 with over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries and disciplines having demonstrated transformational leadership skills with a proven track record of developing and implementing strategies that bring rapid and sustained value. Prior to joining TIGHITCO, Mr. Rusterholz has served in executive leadership positions with such organizations as Unitech Aerospace, B/E Aerospace and Allied Signal. Mr. Rusterholz holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine/Mechanical Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven, and multiple Professional Development Programs from the Kellogg School of Management, Harvard Business School, Chicago Business School and other institutions.

SC Aerospace is led by a private-sector advisory board with representatives from small to large aerospace-related firms from across the state.

SC Aerospace Chairman

Don Myers

Director of Aerospace Sales & Marketing
Toray

Don's Bio
Don Myers is the Director of Aerospace Sales & Marketing at Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. Don has been with Toray since 2010 and is responsible for leading the management of their commercial aerospace unit. His primary roles include the integration of new aerospace programs, program management, long range business planning and marketing strategies in the aerospace sector, as well as global customer support strategy. During his time at Toray, Don has led the team responsible for developing the architecture to support Toray’s global prepreg demand in the Boeing Commercial Aircraft programs.

Prior to joining Toray Composites (America) Inc., he worked in the corporate and general aviation industry as a source consultant and in rotary and fixed wing acquisitions. Don is a prior military aviator and has extensive experience with commercial, military, and corporate aircraft operations, sales and finance, supply chain management, and Federal Aviation Regulations.

Don is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, but his military and professional career have moved him across the U.S. a number of times. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and in 2012 completed Advanced Certifications for Senior Executives at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Don lives in the Puget Sound area of Washington State and enjoys flying, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and college football.

SC Aerospace is led by a private-sector advisory board with representatives from small to large aerospace-related firms from across the state.

SC Aerospace Chairman

Don Myers

Director of Aerospace Sales & Marketing
Toray
- Myers’ Bio
  
  Don Myers is the Director of Aerospace Sales & Marketing at Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. Don has been with Toray since 2010 and is responsible for leading the management of their commercial aerospace unit. His primary roles include the integration of new aerospace programs, program management, long range business planning and marketing strategies in the aerospace sector, as well as global customer support strategy. During his time at Toray, Don has led the team responsible for developing the architecture to support Toray’s global prepreg demand in the Boeing Commercial Aircraft programs.
  
  Prior to joining Toray Composites (America) Inc., he worked in the corporate and general aviation industry as a source consultant and in rotary and fixed wing acquisitions. Don is a prior military aviator and has extensive experience with commercial, military, and corporate aircraft operations, sales and finance, supply chain management, and Federal Aviation Regulations.
  
  Don is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, but his military and professional career have moved him across the U.S. a number of times. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and in 2012 completed Advanced Certifications for Senior Executives at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
  
  Don lives in the Puget Sound area of Washington State and enjoys flying, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and college football.
Advisory Board Members

Abdel E. Bayoumi

Director, USC McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research, Associate Dean for Corporate Relations
University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing
- Bayoumi’s Bio
  
  Dr. Bayoumi has over 35 years of teaching and research experience. Currently, he is Director of the USC Center for Predictive Maintenance, Associate Dean for Corporate Relations and Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Before joining USC, he was Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University, a project manager at Hewlett-Packard Company, and Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University. He has been actively involved in developing strong programs in mechanical, nuclear and biomedical engineering. His research activities have been focused in predictive maintenance, big data analytics, and predictive maintenance, mechanical behavior of materials, manufacturing, design, and health monitoring systems. He has published 3 book chapters, over 100 papers and supervised more than 15 Ph.D. and 40 MS students.
Morgan Brady

Managing Partner
Composite Resources
- Brady’s Bio
  
  Bio coming soon
Hunter Dalton

President & CEO
Cumberland Highstreet Partners, Inc.
- Dalton’s Bio
  
  Over 30 years of experience in aerospace specialty materials manufacturing with ATI in leadership positions encompassing engineering, global procurement, operations management, domestic US and international sales and commercial executive for aero engine and airframe markets as well as overall business P&L responsibilities.
  Aerospace is a technology-based industry. The aerospace “mentality” has always been focused on absolute quality and performance. The aerospace industry is dynamic and constantly evolving to improve mankind’s ability to fly – safely and efficiently.
Jerry Ellison

President
JBE, Inc.
- Ellison’s Bio
  
  Bio coming soon
Leslie Farmer

Communication, Greenville & Field Team Operations
Lockheed Martin
- Farmer’s Bio
  
  Leslie Farmer is the Communications Lead for Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, S.C. site and Field Team Operations organization. In this capacity, she is responsible for executive communications, community and media relations, and employee communications. Both the Greenville and Field Team Operations organizations provide comprehensive aircraft sustainment and modification services and consist of a total team of approximately 2,000 people. Ms. Farmer graduated with honors from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and currently serves on the South Carolina Aerospace Advisory Council. In 2018, she received the Charter Champions Award from Greenville Technical Charter High School. She is also a member of the company’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, Women’s Impact Network and the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, she served as the Director of Marketing at Meals on Wheels of Greenville.
Darren Friberg

Director of Business Development
SpinTech LLC, Smart Tooling product line
- Friberg’s Bio
  
  Darren Friberg, Director of Business Development, is responsible for identifying customer requirements and leading the effort to provide more efficient and lower cost production of complex composite parts with trapped or captive geometries, such a ducts, missile bodies, spars and control surfaces, using Smart Tooling’s reusable shape memory polymer tooling system.
  
  Mr. Friberg has over 25 years of industry experience including engineering, logistics and distribution, new product development, and business development. Prior to joining SpinTech in 2019, Mr. Friberg was Director of Business Development at TIGHITCO, South Carolina.
  
  Mr. Friberg started his career as an aerospace engineer at McDonnell Douglas holding positions of increasing responsibility from engineering to business development at The Boeing Company and gained wide experience in all areas of aircraft, systems, structures, composites, propulsion, and production methods. Subsequently,
  
  Mr. Friberg used his engineering background to help develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for his customers, and has lead sales and business development teams at companies including: TRW Lucas Aerospace cargo systems division; AmSafe Bridport, a leading cargo restraint and engineering textiles company; and, The Gill Corporation, a leading supplier of composites panels and honeycomb core.
  
  Mr. Friberg holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University.
Stan Griffs

Director of Operations
RBC AeroStructures
- Griffs’ Bio
  
  Stan Griffs received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1994 from Clemson University. He has been in manufacturing for over 20 years. For the last 8 years, he has been the Director of RBC AeroStructures which manufactures control rods and swaged tubes for the commercial and military markets. In 2014, he relocated his facility from Georgia.
  Aerospace is a technically challenging field. The concept of seeing your product flying around the world, supporting the US military across the globe, and ultimately touching the lives of billions of people makes for a very rewarding career. It’s also a fast growing, secure field of work that will be in demand for years to come.
Ashley Holbrook

Director of State and Local Government Operations
Boeing South Carolina

Paul Kumler

President
KTM Engineering
- Kumler’s Bio
  
  Paul V. Kumler has over 30 years engineering and senior management experience. Mr. Kumler spend the majority of his career in the aircraft industry with experiences at Cessna Aircraft , The Boeing Company, and Lockheed Martin. He currently serves as president of KTM Solutions, Inc, an engineering services company he founded in April 2005. Mr. Kumler received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University. He also completed several graduate engineering courses at Wichita State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of South Carolina. Outside of the office, Mr. Kumler participates in numerous volunteer activities, primarily through his church. Mr. Kumler married and the proud parent of a son and daughter who are currently pursuing their own career paths. Mr. and Mrs. Kumler currently live in Simpsonville, South Carolina.
Mike Leatherwood

Owner/President
Leatherwood Manufacturing
- Leatherwood’s Bio
  
  My Aerospace career started out when I joined the US Air Force back in 1960. It was not a tough choice to become involved in manufacturing of tooling and parts for various aircraft and support equipment for both military and commercial aviation. With my enjoyment of building things, I founded Leatherwood Manufacturing in 1986. It has been most enjoyable in working with the US Military in building aviation products such as US Navy Aircraft component parts and Launch and Recovery Equipment for Navy Aircraft Carriers.
  
  In 2005, Leatherwood got the opportunity to enter into a new field of manufacturing and assembly of Commerical Aircraft Components and Assemblies and we continue to build on these programs today. My experience in the Aerospace Business has been very enjoyable and rewarding.
Tomas Lindsta

Vice President & General Manager South Carolina, GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace

Jason Marlin

President
Champion Aerospace
- Marlin’s Bio
  
  With 15 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Jason Marlin brings extensive first hand aerospace manufacturing experience to the SC Aerospace Advisory Board. Jason is the President of Champion Aerospace, which is located in Liberty, SC, and has held Director level positions at aerospace companies located in the New York, Chicago and Philadelphia areas. He has a passion for aviation, technology and personnel development.
  Like many children, I was always amazed with the power of flight and had a desire to be part of it. The aerospace industry is a growth industry that embraces new technologies, which made it a great opportunity for professional growth.
John Miller

Director of Business Development
JBE, Inc.
- Miller’s Bio
  
  John has a 20 year business background in healthcare and manufacturing and is a South Carolina native. He is responsible for bringing aerospace work to JBE and adding a location in the Charleston, SC area to support the Boeing plant in 2014.
  Man’s desire to fly fascinates me and I want to work in a field where we are making this desire a reality with cutting edge technology.
Dan O’Conner

Managing Director
PinPoint Solutions
- O’Conner’s Bio
  
  Daniel (Dan) O’Connor is a career Aerospace professional with over 30 years of experience in Engineering, Engineering Management, Program Management, and Business Development. He has supported both large and small companies that include Boeing Defense and Commercial aircraft, General Dynamics, Lockheed and D3 Technologies/LMI Aerospace.
  
  Prior to joining the Westport team, Dan built, staffed and managed the D3/LMI Southeast Engineering Division in Greenville, SC. During his tenure there as Director of Engineering, he procured and/or managed the support of new aircraft development programs with Lockheed, Boeing, Airbus, Honda Jet, Spirit Aerospace, Triumph and many more. During this time, Dan has also been active in support of the Upstate Aviation Cluster for efforts to stimulate growth and attract aviation companies to South Carolina and is an active member of the South Carolina Aerospace Advisory Board since 2015.
  
  Currently, Dan is focused on supporting his clients with the right staffing to support their growth efforts in South Carolina and throughout the US.
Steve Prout

President
Solar Atmospheres
- Prout’s Bio
  
  Steve Prout joined Solar Atmospheres in the Fall of 2013 to establish Solar’s newest vacuum heat treating facility in Greenville, South Carolina. This facility gained Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Accreditation Program) accreditation within 90 days of start-up in September, 2015 and AS9100 approval shortly thereafter. Solar specializes in vacuum heat treatments and is capable of supporting research and development activity through large scale production. Solar also operates a 24 foot long vacuum furnace in the Greenville facility, the largest vacuum furnace in the US Southeast.
  
  Steve started his career in commercial heat treating and brazing in 1996 and has held a variety of positions in the heat treating world before coming to Solar. These roles include Production Manager, Plant Manager, Business Development Manager, and General Manager for organizations such as Paulo Products Company, Bluewater Thermal Solutions and Bodycote. Steve is a member of the ASM International, the Metal Treating Institute and serves on the Business Advisory Board for his alma mater Bryan College in Dayton, TN as well as serving on the Board for Coldstream Christian Camp in Adams, TN.
Paul Witt

VP of Mobile Services
Constant Aviation
- Witt’s Bio
  
  I’ve been in the corporate aviation field for 23 years. My Career started with Cessna Citation in Greensboro North Carolina, where I worked my way up from a technician on the shop floor to General Manager of the facility. I continued my career at Stevens Aviation in Greenville South Carolina as Executive Vice President of Operations.
  Recently, I left Stevens Aviation to accept a role with Constant Aviation. My role with Constant aviation is Vice President of Mobile Services. In this role, I will be responsible for the mobile repair teams that are stationed around the country and the growth of the business. Constant Aviation is new to South Carolina and has opened an office at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU).
Steve Townes

President and CEO
Ranger Aerospace
- Townes’ Bio
  
  Steve Townes, a well-known entrepreneur in the aerospace services arena, is President, CEO and a Director of Ranger Aerospace, the company that he founded in early 1997. He is also chairman of ACL AirShop, an air cargo services and leasing company with operations at 40 of the world’s largest cargo hub airports.
  
  Townes’ diverse background spans three decades in the commercial, corporate, and military aviation industry. Before going independent with Ranger Aerospace in 1997, he was previously Vice Chairman, and earlier President, of Sabreliner Corporation’s heavy aircraft services divisions. Townes was Executive Vice President of Stevens Aviation, a $115 million multi-city aviation services chain which more than doubled in size and made two acquisitions while Townes was its chief operations, marketing and technical services officer.
  
  Townes has also been Vice President of Major Programs and Marketing of the Dee Howard Aerospace Corporation, as well as a Program Leader and Marketing Leader in LTV Aerospace and Defense. Townes is an engineering graduate of West Point. Steve earned the coveted Eisenhower Award upon graduation there. He also holds an MBA from Long Island University and completed the PMD program at Harvard Business School. Steve named his company in honor of special operations forces, where he also has personal heritage. He served in the 1st/75th Ranger Battalion as a young airborne infantry officer, and graduated #1 from the Army’s Ranger School.
Kenneth P. Rusterholz

President & Chief Executive Officer
TIGHITCO
- Rusterholz’s Bio
  
  Mr. Rusterholz as President & CEO has overall responsibility and accountability for the execution performance of TIGHITCO across all elements of its business model. This is inclusive of the three divisions: AeroStructures, Insulation Products, and Overhaul Support Services. Mr. Rusterholz has joined TIGHITCO in early 2019 with over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries and disciplines having demonstrated transformational leadership skills with a proven track record of developing and implementing strategies that bring rapid and sustained value. Prior to joining TIGHITCO, Mr. Rusterholz has served in executive leadership positions with such organizations as Unitech Aerospace, B/E Aerospace and Allied Signal. Mr. Rusterholz holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine/Mechanical Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven, and multiple Professional Development Programs from the Kellogg School of Management, Harvard Business School, Chicago Business School and other institutions.

Advisory Board Members

Abdel E. Bayoumi

Director, USC McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research, Associate Dean for Corporate Relations
University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing

Abdel's Bio

Dr. Bayoumi has over 35 years of teaching and research experience. Currently, he is Director of the USC Center for Predictive Maintenance, Associate Dean for Corporate Relations and Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Before joining USC, he was Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University, a project manager at Hewlett-Packard Company, and Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University. He has been actively involved in developing strong programs in mechanical, nuclear and biomedical engineering. His research activities have been focused in predictive maintenance, big data analytics, and predictive maintenance, mechanical behavior of materials, manufacturing, design, and health monitoring systems. He has published 3 book chapters, over 100 papers and supervised more than 15 Ph.D. and 40 MS students.

Mark Harris

South Carolina Site Director
GKN Aerospace

Mark's Bio

Mark Harris has over 30 years of aerospace experience and is currently the South Carolina Site Director for GKN Aerospace. In this role,he oversees theassembly of advanced compositeand alloy structuresas well as state-of-the-art manufacturing ofinlet lip skins for the Boeing 737 MAX and 777X.GKN’s South Carolina operations are comprised oftwo facilities in Orangeburg that encompass more than 275,000square feet.Prior to joining GKN,Mark worked as an executive in aerospace manufacturing and completed a 25-year career in the US Air Force, retiring as a Colonel.In his last role in the Air Force, hecommanded the 437th Maintenance Group at Joint Base Charleston.In that capacity, he led 1,600 people and managed the world’s largest fleet of C-17 aircraft supporting worldwide operations.He has anin-depth background in all aspects of aircraft production, logistics and sustainment having directed flight line, heavy maintenanceand manufacturingoperations on more than 20airframes.Mark holds Master’s Degrees in Organizational Management from The George Washington University, Human Resource Management from Webster University and Military Operational Arts and Sciences from Air University.

Jerry Ellison

President
JBE, Inc.

Jerry's Bio

Leslie Farmer

Communication, Greenville & Field Team Operations
Lockheed Martin

Leslie's Bio

Leslie Farmer is the Communications Lead for Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, S.C. site and Field Team Operations organization. In this capacity, she is responsible for executive communications, community and media relations, and employee communications. Both the Greenville and Field Team Operations organizations provide comprehensive aircraft sustainment and modification services and consist of a total team of approximately 2,000 people. Ms. Farmer graduated with honors from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and currently serves on the South Carolina Aerospace Advisory Council. In 2018, she received the Charter Champions Award from Greenville Technical Charter High School. She is also a member of the company’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, Women’s Impact Network and the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, she served as the Director of Marketing at Meals on Wheels of Greenville.

Darren Friberg

Director of Business Development
SEKISUI Aerospace Corporation

Darren's Bio

Darren Friberg is currently the Director of Business Development at SEKISUI Aerospace Corporation in Atlanta, GA. Though based in Georgia, he and SEKISUI support the Boeing 787 program with environmental control ducting as well as parts for the Boeing Interiors Responsibility Center, making him an integral part of the South Carolina aerospace supply chain.

Mr. Friberg has over 25 years of industry experience including engineering, logistics and distribution, new product development, and business development. Prior to joining SEKISUI, Mr. Friberg was the Director of Business Development, Smart Tooling with Spintech and has served as the Director of Business Development at TIGHITCO, South Carolina as well.

Mr. Friberg started his career as an aerospace engineer at McDonnell Douglas holding positions of increasing responsibility from engineering to business development at The Boeing Company and gained wide experience in all areas of aircraft, systems, structures, composites, propulsion, and production methods. Subsequently,

Mr. Friberg used his engineering background to help develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for his customers, and has lead sales and business development teams at companies including: TRW Lucas Aerospace cargo systems division; AmSafe Bridport, a leading cargo restraint and engineering textiles company; and, The Gill Corporation, a leading supplier of composites panels and honeycomb core.

Mr. Friberg holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University.

Steve Townes

President and CEO
Ranger Aerospace

Steve's Bio

Steve Townes, a well-known entrepreneur in the aerospace services arena, is President, CEO and a Director of Ranger Aerospace, the company that he founded in early 1997. He is also President & CEO of ACL Airshop, an air cargo logistics services and equipment leasing company with operations at over half of the world’s largest cargo hub airports. Steve was the inaugural Chairman of SC Aerospace for two years when these initiatives first began in South Carolina, and was a member of the SC Aerospace Task Force prior to the formation of SC Aerospace.

Townes’ diverse background spans four decades in the commercial, corporate, and military aviation industry. Before going independent with Ranger Aerospace in 1997, he was previously Vice Chairman, and earlier President, of Sabreliner Corporation’s heavy aircraft services divisions. Townes was Executive Vice President of Stevens Aviation, a $115 million multi-city aviation services chain which more than doubled in size and made two acquisitions while Townes was its chief operations, marketing and technical services officer.

Townes has also been Vice President of Major Programs and Marketing of the Dee Howard Aerospace Corporation, as well as a Program Leader and Marketing Leader in LTV Aerospace and Defense. Townes is an engineering graduate of West Point. Steve earned the coveted Eisenhower Award upon graduation there. He also holds an MBA from Long Island University and completed the PMD program at Harvard Business School. Steve named his company in honor of special operations forces, where he also has personal heritage. He served in the 1st/75th Ranger Battalion as a young airborne infantry officer, and graduated #1 from the Army’s Ranger School.

Ashley Holbrook

Director of State and Local Government Operations
Boeing South Carolina

Eric Smith

Vice President of Sales, Advanced Materials
Re:Build Manufacturing

Eric's Bio

Eric Smith is the Vice President of Sales for the Advanced Materials Group of Re:Build Manufacturing in Rock Hill, SC. He has 15+ years experience in sales and marketing in the advanced materials sector and has held sales leadership roles with PPG Industries, Saertex USA, and Hexcel Corporation. He has served in multiple leadership roles with the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering. Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts from Allegheny College.

Mike Leatherwood

Owner/President
Leatherwood Manufacturing

Mike's Bio

My Aerospace career started out when I joined the US Air Force back in 1960. It was not a tough choice to become involved in manufacturing of tooling and parts for various aircraft and support equipment for both military and commercial aviation. With my enjoyment of building things, I founded Leatherwood Manufacturing in 1986. It has been most enjoyable in working with the US Military in building aviation products such as US Navy Aircraft component parts and Launch and Recovery Equipment for Navy Aircraft Carriers.

In 2005, Leatherwood got the opportunity to enter into a new field of manufacturing and assembly of Commerical Aircraft Components and Assemblies and we continue to build on these programs today. My experience in the Aerospace Business has been very enjoyable and rewarding.

Steve Prout

President
Solar Atmospheres

Steve's Bio

Steve Prout joined Solar Atmospheres in the Fall of 2013 to establish Solar’s newest vacuum heat treating facility in Greenville, South Carolina. This facility gained Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Accreditation Program) accreditation within 90 days of start-up in September, 2015 and AS9100 approval shortly thereafter. Solar specializes in vacuum heat treatments and is capable of supporting research and development activity through large scale production. Solar also operates a 24 foot long vacuum furnace in the Greenville facility, the largest vacuum furnace in the US Southeast.

Steve started his career in commercial heat treating and brazing in 1996 and has held a variety of positions in the heat treating world before coming to Solar. These roles include Production Manager, Plant Manager, Business Development Manager, and General Manager for organizations such as Paulo Products Company, Bluewater Thermal Solutions and Bodycote. Steve is a member of the ASM International, the Metal Treating Institute and serves on the Business Advisory Board for his alma mater Bryan College in Dayton, TN as well as serving on the Board for Coldstream Christian Camp in Adams, TN.

Jason Marlin

President
Champion Aerospace

Jason's Bio

With 15 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Jason Marlin brings extensive first hand aerospace manufacturing experience to the SC Aerospace Advisory Board. Jason is the President of Champion Aerospace, which is located in Liberty, SC, and has held Director level positions at aerospace companies located in the New York, Chicago and Philadelphia areas. He has a passion for aviation, technology and personnel development.
Like many children, I was always amazed with the power of flight and had a desire to be part of it. The aerospace industry is a growth industry that embraces new technologies, which made it a great opportunity for professional growth.

Kenneth P. Rusterholz

President & Chief Executive Officer
TIGHITCO

Kenneth's Bio

Mr. Rusterholz as President & CEO has overall responsibility and accountability for the execution performance of TIGHITCO across all elements of its business model. This is inclusive of the three divisions: AeroStructures, Insulation Products, and Overhaul Support Services. Mr. Rusterholz has joined TIGHITCO in early 2019 with over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries and disciplines having demonstrated transformational leadership skills with a proven track record of developing and implementing strategies that bring rapid and sustained value. Prior to joining TIGHITCO, Mr. Rusterholz has served in executive leadership positions with such organizations as Unitech Aerospace, B/E Aerospace and Allied Signal. Mr. Rusterholz holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine/Mechanical Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven, and multiple Professional Development Programs from the Kellogg School of Management, Harvard Business School, Chicago Business School and other institutions.Man’s desire to fly fascinates me and I want to work in a field where we are making this desire a reality with cutting edge technology.

Paul Witt

VP of Mobile Services
Constant Aviation

Paul's Bio

I’ve been in the corporate aviation field for 23 years. My Career started with Cessna Citation in Greensboro North Carolina, where I worked my way up from a technician on the shop floor to General Manager of the facility. I continued my career at Stevens Aviation in Greenville South Carolina as Executive Vice President of Operations.
Recently, I left Stevens Aviation to accept a role with Constant Aviation. My role with Constant aviation is Vice President of Mobile Services. In this role, I will be responsible for the mobile repair teams that are stationed around the country and the growth of the business. Constant Aviation is new to South Carolina and has opened an office at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU).

Dr. Arunachalam Lakshminarayanan

Strategy, Business Development
Rolls-Royce Power Systems

Arun's Bio

Dr. Arunachalam Lakshminarayanan comes with 15 years of experience in the alternative energy space from both – industry and academia. With a firm belief in sustainable energy, he strives to strike a balance between technology, business and economics.

With a wide range of experience in leading teams, business strategy, project management, he is keen to help reshape the aviation industry towards sustainability & electrification with UAM, AAM and eVTOLs by engaging the industry, academia and local communities.