Major: Aviation Administration, B.S. Business Administration

Year of Graduation: 1979

Current Position: Vice President, Air Transport Business Development, Inc.

Hometown: Racine, WI


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

After graduation, I was a Flight Instructor at UND for a semester. I was recruited by Raytheon (Beech Aircraft Corp. then) to be the second employee for the newly-formed Regional Aircraft Division as an administrative assistant. I was then able to use my experience in regional airlines and marketing/sales to move to other positions at a new-start manufacturer, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce and MTU in Berlin, Germany.

What is the best part of your current job?

My current job offers a high level of autonomy. At this and my previous position I have been able to base myself out of an office in my house. Though often I find myself working late at night, there is usually at least one dog at my feet and a comfortable chair I chose beneath me. I also enjoy the challenge of running a small business where the affect every decision is felt.

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

Having a University education specialization in Aerospace helped set me apart from many other competing job candidates. When people knew about UND, they ALWAYS said, “Yea, that’s a great place”. Having that pedigree on a resume always was another positive attribute that helped get a job.

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

A vast amount of the commercial aircraft industry has moved away from the USA during the last 20 years. Since so many jobs are with non-US companies, it is critical to exhibit some level of international comprehension or experience to appeal to this large pool of potential employers.