Major: Airway Science, Aircraft Systems Management

Year of Graduation: 1993

Current Position: President, Aerospace Planning Group & VP, AXA Advisors

Hometown: Rapid City, South Dakota

Please describe the path you took from graduation to get to the job you have today:

I instructed at UND until 1994, flew for Great Lakes Aviation until 1999, then flew for America West and United Airlines. During the downturn and subsequent furlough in 2002 I began consulting the aerospace industry as an advisor with AXA Advisors. I became a principal with the firm and was promoted to Vice President of the Western Division. I formed a new affiliate and joint venture within AXA, the Aerospace Planning Group, in 2005 after our nationwide exposure subsequent to an October 30, 2004 Rocky Mountain News front-page business article featuring our unique group.

What is the best part of your current job?

Satisfaction in being a part of effecting realized goals with the families and companies I work with.

How has your education from the University of North Dakota helped you in your career?

In addition to the unparalleled aerospace curriculum, it facilitated relationships within the industry, provided insight to all the pieces that make up the aerospace whole, and developed leadership skills necessary to carry this unique industry through its good bad times.

What advice would you have for student in the aviation program today?

My degree carried a heavy emphasis in business, economics, and management. There were semesters I literally lived in Gamble Hall taking classes, all the while aspiring to be at the airport instead. Having a business background is compulsory as it leads to a holistic understanding of the company you may be with, in the industry it operates, in the country it's based, within the global economy we all live by.