UND Aerospace Hall of Fame

Education

University of North Dakota, 1984
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies

Career Experience

1978-2017: University of North Dakota
Flight Instructor; Chief of Flight Simulator Instruction; Chief Flight Instructor; Director of Flight Operations; Director of the UAS Center for Education, Research, & Training, a DoD Center of Excellence

1981-2017: North Dakota National Guard
Maintenance Officer and Supervisor; 19th Supply Squadron, Maintenance Squadron, and Logistics Squadron Commander; 119th Support Group Commander; Executive Officer/J-5 in North Dakota Joint Force Headquarters; Chief of Staff, North Dakota Air National Guard; Assistant Adjutant General

Career Accomplishments

Palmer flew more than 10,000 hours and later was heavily involved in establishing UND's first international training programs. He rose to be the Chief Flight Instructor and Director of Flight Operations before his first "retirement" from UND.

He later returned to lead what was then known as the UAS Center for Education, Research, and Training in October 2010, and was integral to the governor's Airspace Integration Team that resulted in North Dakota's selection as one of six national UAS test sites, which today exists as the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.

Led the group responsible for the development of Veterans Memorial Park, where the visitors center is named in his honor. He co-chaired the military affairs committee of the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, volunteered with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and served on the governor's Task Force for Veterans Affairs.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1987
Bachelor of Science in Meteorological Studies

Career Experience

2009-2020: Delta Air Lines
Senior Meteorologist

1991-2009: Northwest Airlines
Senior Meteorologist

1987-1991: University of North Dakota
Research Associate Doppler Radar Group

1978-1982: United States Navy
Aerographer's Mate Second Class Petty Officer

Career Accomplishments

Received numerous awards and the Naval Achievement Medal while deployed in the Indian Ocean for his aviation briefing and forecasting capabilities leading up to Operation Eagle Claw, and crucial special operation missions for the United States Navy.

Instrumental on a team of researchers who developed the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) system to detect and alert for wind shear at airports.

Helped lead the integration of the Northwest and Delta meteorologist teams following the 2008 merger of the airlines.

Received Delta Air Lines' "Keep Climbing Award" for his work in forecasting through hazardous volcanic eruptions and typhoons in the Pacific Ocean.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1980
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Career Experience

AV Experts:
LLC President/CEO; Grob Egrett G-520

Airborne Resources, Inc.
Director of Operations/Chief Pilot; C-131, Cheyenne IV, Eurocopter SA-318C, BO-105, and PA 31-350

Airborne Imaging, Inc.
Founder and President; DC-3

Pro Air
Boeing 737

Legend Airlines
DC-9

Eastern Airlines
DC-9

Rollins Aviation
Captain; Gulfstream 1159, Lockheed JetStar, Lear Jet, and Westwind

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company; Cox Enterprises
Captain: Gulfstreams and Lear Jets

Cameron-Henkind Corp
Chief Pilot; Gulfstream 1159, Lear Jet, and Citation

Raytheon Missile Test Division
Lockheed T-33 Research Pilot

Aero Systems, Inc.
Atmospheric Research/Weather Modification

Pioneer Aero
Beech-18 Marine Mammal (Tursiops sp) Surveys

Republic of South Africa, Dept of Civil Aviation
Bethlehem Weather Modification Experiment Chief Pilot

International Jet
Lear Jet

Mitsubishi
MU-2 Check Pilot

A&P Mechanic with Inspection Authorization

Career Accomplishments

Arne spent his summers at UND conducting weather modification flights and working as a CFII-MEI during the school year. After graduation, he flew over 1,200 hours seeding thunderstorms and crossing the Atlantic Ocean single pilot during 11 seasons in South Africa and Kansas, laying a solid foundation for his career.

With two companies and a mixed fleet of aircraft, Vasenden continues conducting sensor testing for the defense industry and developing novel techniques for atmospheric research, including a hyperspectral sensor suite for the EPA and recovery of the Space Shuttle Columbia. He's flown over 23,000 hours in 55 aircraft.

Arne has been an integral part of the Perlan Project, flying the towplane to record heights (47,100 feet) and permitting the Perlan glider to achieve a world altitude record (76,154 feet). The team has been a finalist for the Collier Trophy three times. He's also been involved in testing hydrogen engines and fuel cells for aviation use.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1988
Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Career Experience

2001-Present: Northwest/Delta Air Lines
Captain; Line Check Airman; UND Propel Liaison/Mentor; Delta Brand Ambassador; Flown the A320, A330, A350, B757, B767, and DC9

2005-2007; 1989-1996: University of North Dakota
Lead Instructor Jet Spectrum Program; FAA DPE; Captain/Instructor Cessna Citation, Beechjet 400A, King Air C90A and Beechcraft 1900C; Flight Instructor for all fixed-wing including tailwheel/aerobatics, seaplane, and helicopter courses

1998-2001: Midwest Express Airlines
First Officer MD-88/81/82; ALPA Training Committee Chairman; MD80 series Aircraft Systems Instructor

1996-1998: Skyway Airlines
Director, Flight Standards & Training; Captain; Check Airman Beechcraft 1900D

Career Accomplishments

Is a gold seal CFI with seven flight instructor ratings: Airplane single engine, Airplane multi-engine, Helicopter, Gyroplane, Glider, Instrument Airplane, and Instrument Helicopter.

Was awarded the Delta Air Lines prestigious Chairman's Club award in 2023, and Delta Flight Operations Employee of the Quarter in 2022.

Based on his extensive instructor experience gained while at UND, he was recruited out of his new hire class at Skyway Airlines to be a Captain/Check Airman and then the Director of Flight Standards & Training.

Todd has flown over 17,000 flight hours and holds type-ratings on 10 turbine/turbojet aircraft.

Strong supporter of UND by establishing scholarship endowments and sponsoring the UND Flight Instructor of the Month program.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1993
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies, Minor in Atmospheric Sciences

Career Experience

1993-Present: Sun Country Airlines
Captain; Director of Operations; System Chief Pilot; Base Chief Pilot; Aircrew Program Designee; Line Check Pilot; Simulator Proficiency Check Pilot; Boeing 727 Flight Engineer; Customer Service; Crew Shuttle Driver

2005-2010: South Saint Paul Police Department
Patrol Officer

1994-1996: Wings Incorporated Flight School
Flight Instructor

Career Accomplishments

Instrumental in establishing and ensuring the success of the Sun Country Airlines College Bridge Program that debuted at UND.

Key role in transitioning Sun Country Airlines successfully to the B737 as the initial cadre, and developer of the B737 training program.

Played an important role in the expansion of Sun Country Airlines, which has tripled in size since he joined management.

Throughout his leadership career, focuses on protecting employees and making sure that they are taken care of professionally and personally at all levels.

During the industry lulls, served as Patrol Officer for the South Saint Paul Police Department.

Volunteered as a co-pilot with the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force flying the B-25.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1976
Bachelor of Science in Business Aviation

Career Experience

1980-2012: Republic, NWA, and Delta Air Lines
Flight Engineer (B-727); First Officer and Captain (Convair 580); First Officer and Captain (DC-9); Captain (A-320)

1980-1986: Minnesota Air National Guard
Pilot (C-130)

1979: U.S. Air Force Pilot Training
T-37, T-38

1976-1978: University of Minnesota - Anoka Airport
Flight Instructor

Career Accomplishments

In 2023 Patrick was awarded The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 continuous years of safe flying.

EAA Chapter 25 President from 2000 to 2003 and currently on the Board of Directors. During his time he started two scholarships. The first one was the Ken Dahlberg/EAA Chapter 25 Scholarship, at UND, for $1000 and is now up to $3000 annually.

Participated on the Board of Directors of the MN Aviation Hall of Fame from 2013 to 2019 and started three scholarships.

Has been the Scholarship Committee Chairman since 2019 for the Minnesota Pilots Association and has started four scholarships.

Patrick is a General Aviation enthusiast with a Cessna 206 on amphibious floats and is currently building a wood and fabric airplane called a Pietenpol.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1970
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Education

Arizona State University, 1975
Master of Arts in Education

Florida State University, 1984
Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Development

UND Athletics: Associated Press All-American Football Player, twice named UND Athletics Hall of Fame, two sport letterwinner

Career Experience

2000-2016: University of North Dakota
Dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences; CEO of the UND Aerospace Foundation

1998-2000: Delta Air Lines
Director of Training; Director of Tech Ops Training

1984-1998: Singer / Hughes Aircraft / Raytheon
Director of Training Systems; Senior Scientist

1970-1978: United States Air Force
Pilot; Instructor Pilot and Research Instructor Pilot  (Human Resources Laboratory); Faculty (US Air Force Academy)

Finalist 1975 USAF Systems Command Junior Officer of the Year

Career Accomplishments

Recognized internationally as an authority in the Training, Instructional Design, and Education fields, publishing over 40 Technical Reports and Refereed Journal Articles.

Developed the concepts of Training Systems Engineering and Scalable Simulation Technology applied to the B-2, F-117, and other military aircrew training systems.

During his time as Dean, the college expanded its graduate offerings with all departments, offering both Masters and Doctoral degrees, and conducted over $143 million in funded research awards.

Author of the book Nowhere But North Dakota capturing his 16 years as Dean of the Odegard School.

Awards: Dean Emeritus 2016 and Recipient of the State of North Dakota Meritorious Service Medal

Education

University of North Dakota, 1970
Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, AFROTC Commission

Career Experience

1981-2010: Alaska Airlines
Captain; First Officer; Flight Engineer (B-727, B-737, MD-80); Instructor Pilot; Check Airman; FAA Designated Examiner for Type-Ratings

1977-1981: United Airlines
Flight Officer (DC-8, B-727, B-737)

1970-1993: United States Air Force and Montana Air National Guard
Headquarters Director of Operations for Montana ANG; Pilot F-106; Weapons Systems Officer in F-4

Career Accomplishments

Lyle has flown over 30,000 flight hours in everything from his homebuilt AirCam to the F-106 to the B-737.

Developed the Ops Plan for the Air Defense of North America for the Montana ANG that eventually was standardized for all of NORAD.

Set a world record for flying supersonic and launching an unguided Genie AIR-2 that detonated just seven feet from its target at a closure rate of 4,070 miles an hour.

Was instrumental in launching the MD-80 at Alaska Airlines serving as an instructor pilot, FAA Designated Examiner and producing training materials.

Mentored hundreds of professional pilots, took the initiative to speak to every freshman class at UND Aerospace from 1993-2001.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1990
Bachelor of Science Aeronautical Studies, Minor in Space Studies

Student Athlete
Three-year starting defensive back for UND Football

Career Experience

2005-Present: JetBlue Airways
Newark Base Chief Pilot; Captain; Gateway Programs Manager; Talent Acquisition; Vets in Blue; DE&I Liaison

2000-2005: Midwest Express Connect (Skyway)
Captain; First Officer

1994-2000: United States Navy (Active Duty)
Operations and Tet Control Officer (USMEPCOM); Physics/Football Coach Naval Academy Prep School; Engineering Officer

1990-1993: University of North Dakota
Flight Instructor; Advisor Black Student Union

Career Accomplishments

Eric has flown over 16,000 flight hours and has type ratings in the A320/A321, E190, 328JET, BE-1900D.

Instrumental in founding the JetBlue Foundation Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Academy Initiative. Organized and facilitated seven ACE academies through OBAP.

Successfully grew the JetBlue University Gateway Program from two schools and two dozen pilots to six schools/seven campuses and 300+ pilots, 75+ of which are now JetBlue Pilots.

Developed Mentoring Programs for the Gateways, New Hire Pilots and VetConnect Program, has mentored hundreds of young people interested in aviation careers.

Received The Joint Service Accommodation Medal for leading the Syracuse MEPS unit as the acting Commanding Officer extended 6 months past commitment.

Since graduating in 1979, Hart has more than 42 years of airline operations experience. Until 2009, Hart held a variety of directing roles at Northwest Airlines, Inc. with expertise in operations control, passenger service, aircraft servicing, international operations, government and airport relations, facilities, and flight dispatch.

Since 2009, Hart has worked for Delta Air Lines as General Manager for Airman Certification Standards at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Hart has also served as the team leader of the Frozen Flyers since 2008 for the Minnesota Polar Bear Plunge, which benefits the Special Olympics.

In 2020, his team raised more than $270,000, and has raised more than $1 million since joining the Frozen Flyers.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1979
Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Administration

Career Experience

2009-Present: Delta Air Lines
General Manager, ACS MSP

1979-2009: Northwest Airlines, Inc.
Director, Operations Control, MSP; Director, International Operations, MSP; Director, Station Operations, NRT; Director, Customer Service, MSP - Aircraft Cleaning; Director, Emergency Management; Director, System Operations Control

Career Accomplishments

Over 42 years of airline operations experience. Specific expertise in operations control, passenger service, aircraft servicing, international operations, government and airport relations, facilities, and flight dispatch.

Delta Chairman's Club honoree (2012)

Served as the team leader of the Frozen Flyers since 2008 for the Minnesota Polar Bear Plunge which benefits Special Olympics. In 2020, his team raised over $271,000 to benefit Special Olympics. From 2008-2020, the Frozen Flyers have cumulatively raised over $1 million.

Recently selected into the Delta R.I.S.E. program. R.I.S.E. is the Delta mentorship program which matches mentor partners with mentors to advance Delta's leadership profile.

Starting his career in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant as an Air Traffic Control Specialist, Koslosky went on to serve as a Planning Supervisor, Operations Manager, and Executive Director for multiple airports in Wisconsin and Michigan.

From 1986 to 1991, he was Executive Director of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority before being named Executive Director of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a position he held until 2012.

Koslosky was directly involved in the creation of two degree programs at UND: the Airport Administration degree granted through the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, and the Aeronautical Studies degree granted through the College of Arts & Sciences.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1976
Bachelor of Science in Business & Public Administration - Airport Administration

Career Experience

2012-2017: Prein & Newhof Engineers
Senior Aviation Consultant

1991-2012: Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Executive Director

1986-1991: Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority
Executive Director

1981-1986: Dane County Regional Airport
Operations Manager

1976-1981: Wisconsin Department of Transportation-Bureau of Aeronautics
Planning Supervisor

Career Accomplishments

Mr. Koslosky served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in control tower and radar approach control facilities.

Recipient of countless industry recognitions, including the Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) Award of Excellence, and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Chairman Resolution

Mr. Koslosky was directly involved in the creation and execution of two new 4-year degree programs at UND, including the Airport Administration degree granted through the College of Business & Public Administration, and an Aeronautical Studies degree granted through the College of Arts & Sciences.

Adams has more than 40 years of civil and military aerospace experience, specializing in business development and strategies support with emphasis in avionics. He served the United States Air Force as a B-52 combat flight crew member during the Vietnam conflict, where he was awarded the USAF Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

Adams would go on to co-found Accord Technology, where, during his tenure as COO, he achieved FAA approval for the industry's first advanced GPS sensors used in ADS-B technologies.

In 2015, Adams co-founded Aerospace Business Development, where he has since served as Managing Director. Four years later, in 2019, he co-founded AviaGlobal Group, another aerospace business development venture.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1975
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Aviation Administration

Career Experience

2019-Present: AviaGlobal Group LLC
Co-Founder & Managing Member-Development

2015-Present: Aerospace Business Development LLC
Co-Founder & Managing Director

2015-2016: Aspen Avionics, Inc.
Executive Vice President

2008-2015: Accord Technology LLC
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

Career Accomplishments

Hal Adams has over 40 years of civil and military aerospace experience, specializing in business development and strategies support, with emphasis in avionics.

Adams partnered with Accord Software & Systems to found Accord Technology. During his tenure as COO, Accord Technology achieved FAA approval for the industry's first advanced GPS sensors used in ADS-B and precision approaches.

Aspen Avionics acquired Accord Technology in 2015 and Adams was Executive VP of Aspen until leaving in February 2017 to devote full time to ABD. He is still an investor in Aspen Avionics.

Life experience includes USAF B-52 combat flight crew member and operations during the Vietnam conflict, awarded the USAF Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. He is a U.S. FAA commercial pilot with an instrument rating and Certified Flight Instructor.

From 1979 through 2018, Dubuque's roles at the University of North Dakota included Chief Flight Instructor, Assistant Director of Flight Operations, and Director of Extension Programs. He helped establish eight extension sites on behalf of the UND Aerospace Foundation to provide flight training, which included partnerships with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, as well as Cirrus Aircraft. Currently, the Phoenix extension site flies more than 45,000 flight hours annually.

Dubuque is also credited with buying and selling more than 300 aircraft for the University, and his strategy of owning rather than leasing aircraft saved millions of dollars for UND.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1981
Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Administration

Career Experience

1979-2018: University of North Dakota
FAA Designated Pilot Examiner; Director of Extension Programs; Assistant Director of Flight Operations; Chief Flight Instructor; Assistant Chief Flight Instructor

1975-1979: Grand Forks Aviation
General Manager

Career Accomplishments

Bought and sold over 300 aircraft for the University of North Dakota. His business acumen to own, not lease, aircraft has saved millions of dollars for UND Aerospace.

As an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) he has certified over 1,000 pilots, many UND students and instructors.

Established eight extension sites for UND Aerospace Foundation to provide flight training. This included partnerships with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Cirrus Aircraft. Currently the Phoenix site flies over 45,000 flight hours annually.

Developed innovative marketing campaigns that raised the awareness of UND Aerospace.

Serving as Chairman of the Board for the UND Aerospace Foundation since 2008, Martin spent many years of his career in airline leadership positions. In 1980, he joined the team that founded People Express Airlines, where he served as Managing Officer and helped lead the airline to $1 billion in revenue, 5,000 employees, and 130 aircraft in just five years.

After merging with Continental Airlines and acquiring Frontier Airlines in 1986, Martin would go on to serve as President for Frontier and later as Regional Vice-President for Continental. He is also credited with establishing the first university pilot bridge program between an airline and UND in the early 1980s.

While at UND, Martin was the first student president of the Student Aviation Advisory Council in 1969, and was on the first UND Flying Team to compete in the annual NIFA SAFECON competition.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1971
Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Administration

Career Experience

2008-Present: UND Aerospace Foundation
Chairman of the Board

1987-1991: Continental Airlines
Regional Vice-President

1986-1987: Frontier Airlines
President

1980-1986: People Express Airlines
Managing Officer

1972-1980: Northwest Airlines
Reservation Management; Sales Representative; Tour Sales Management

Career Accomplishments

During his tenure as Chairman of the UNDAF Board, Robin Hall was built and numerous new student scholarship dollars were secured.

In 1980 joined the start up team that founded People Express Airlines, which in five years grew to $1 Billion in revenue, over 5,000 employees, and 130 aircraft before being merged with Continental Airlines in 1986.

Established the first university pilot bridge program between an airline and UND in the early 1980s. Over 100 recent UND graduates started at People Express Airlines as Flight Engineers.

When People Express Airlines acquired Frontier Airlines in 1986, Larry Martin was chosen to serve as the Frontier Airline President.

First student president of the Student Aviation Advisory Council (SAAC) in 1969.

Proud to have been on the first UND Flying Team to compete in the NIFA competition.

Since his graduation in 1985, Haugaard has served as a Captain, Director of Pilot Hiring, and System Chief Pilot for Horizon Air. Before finishing at UND, Haugaard also worked as a flight instructor and as a charter pilot for Northern Airway.

UND Aerospace recognized Haugaard for his role in bringing more than 500 UND alumni to fly for Horizon Air via a university partnership valuing academic experiences for aspiring pilots. He's credited with mentoring many professionals in the industry, as well as serving as an Industry Trustee on the Board of Directors of the Aviation Accreditation Board International for 12 years.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1985
Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Administration

Career Experience

1985-Present: Horizon Air
Captain; Director of Pilot Hiring; System Chief Pilot

1983-1985: Northern Airways
Charter Pilot

1982-1983: University of North Dakota
Flight Instructor

Career Accomplishments

Paved the way for over 500 UND alumni to be hired at Horizon Air through a unique revolutionary partnership that valued academic experiences.

Mentored many professionals in the aviation industry, making the people he worked with his proudest accomplishment.

Part of the Horizon Air leadership team that brought about many innovations to the industry, such as Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches, Heads-up display (HUD), and flying to reduced minimums.

Served as an Industry Trustee on the Board of Directors of the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) for 12 years.

Boerboon is perhaps best known as an air show performer, having flown in more than 100 events and creating the one-of-a-kind Yak 110 - a combination of two Yak 55 aircraft with an additional jet engine. But since 1999, Boerboon has flown for Delta Air Lines as an Airbus 320 Captain.

Before joining Delta, he flew for Grand Canyon Air Tours and American Eagle Airlines between 1992 and 1999. Boerboon won the US National Aerobatic Championship in 2003 and 2007 in the Advanced category, as well as in 2010 in the Unlimited category. He's a member of both U.S. Advanced and Unlimited Aerobatic teams, having flown in multiple World Aerobatic Championships with numerous awards and accolades.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1992
Bachelor of Science in Airway Science/Aircraft Systems Management

Career Experience

2004-Present: Air Show Performer
Pilot: Yak 110 and Jet Waco

1999-Present: Delta Air Lines
Captain: Airbus 320

1994-1999: American Eagle Airlines
Pilot: Jetstream 32, Saab 340, and ATR 42/72

1993-1994: Grand Canyon Air Tours
Cessna 206/207 & 402

1992-1993: University of North Dakota
Aerobatic Flight Instructor: Tailwheel & Spin Training

Career Accomplishments

Inspires the next generation of aviation professionals by performing in over 100 air shows.

Performs at EAA AirVenture 2012-present.

Keynote speaker for numerous aviation events.

Created the Yak 110 by combining two Yak 55s and adding a jet engine; it is a one of a kind aircraft.

Won the US National Aerobatic Championship in the Advanced category in 2003 and 2007, and Unlimited category in 2010. Member of both US Advanced and Unlimited Aerobatic teams and flew at multiple World Aerobatic Championships with numerous awards and accolades.

Member of the 1989 and 1990 National Championship NIFA UND Flying Team and regional Top Pilot.

Education

University of North Dakota, 1978
Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration

Career Experience

2015-present: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Regional Vice President

2003-2015: Bombardier Aerospace
Business Aircraft Sales Director

1993-2003: Beechcraft Sales, Inc/Raytheon Aircraft Company
Regional Sales Director

1978-1993: Elliott Beechcraft
Sales Manager

1975-1978: University of North Dakota
Flight Instructor

Career Accomplishments

Has received the top sales award at Beechcraft, Raytheon, and Bombardier, including the Olive Ann Beech Award and Salesman of the Year

Served the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences by sitting on all of the Dean's Search Committees to assist in selecting the future leaders of the college (1999 and 2016)

Has been supporting UND aviation students for decades through an established Aviation Department scholarship

Attributes his success in the aviation industry to his experiences at UND, including: serving as the President of Alpha Eta Rho, Chairman of the Student Aviation Advisory Council, and Assistant Coach of the UND Flying Team

Education

University of North Dakota, 1977
Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
Master's in Business Administration

Career Experience

2012-present: The Boeing Company
Director of Aviation Business Consulting

2010-2012: Pinnacle Airlines
Senior Vice President of Operations

2009: Delta Air Lines
Vice President of Flight Operations and System Operations Control

1977-2009: Northwest Airlines
Vice President; System Operations Control Managing Director; System Operations Control Operations Planner; Flight Dispatcher; Transportation Agent

1976-1977: University of North Dakota
Aircraft Dispatcher

Career Accomplishments

Served on the Department of Transportation's National Task Force to develop model contingency plans to deal with lengthy airline on-board ground delays

Led the System Operations Control (SOC) Center for one of the largest US Airlines

Was instrumental in the successful merger of two of the world's largest SOCs: Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines (2009)

Education

University of North Dakota, 1978
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology

Career Experience

1995-present: Fargo Jet Center LLC
Chief Executive Officer

1975-1997: Weather Modification LLC
Chief Executive Officer; President; Vice President; Director of Electronics; Weather Research Pilot; Summer Electronics Radar Technician

1975-1977: University of North Dakota
Part-time Meteorological Radar Technician

Career Accomplishments

400+ internships offered through Weather Modification LLC and Fargo Jet Center LLC: 387 UND pilot internships since 1974 and 62 meteorologists internships since 1996

Business Innovator of the Year, awarded by University of North Dakota's Center for Innovation (2001)

Small Business Exporter of the Year, awarded by North Dakota's U.S. Small Business Administration (1997)

Education

University of North Dakota, 1986
Bachelor of Business Administration

Career Experience

1995-present: Fargo Jet Center LLC
Co-Founder; President

1993-present: Weather Modification LLC
Vice President

1990-1992: Aon plc
Sales Representative

1986-1990: Securian Financial
Group Representative

Career Accomplishments

Vice President at Weather Modification, Inc. (1992)

Co-Founded Fargo Jet Center (1995)

Promoted to President of Fargo Jet Center, Inc. (2001)

Fargo Jet Center, Inc. was awarded "2010 Business of the Year" from the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce

Elected Chairman of the National Air Transportation Association (2012)

The University of North Dakota's involvement with the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) predates the department of aviation. The UND Flying Club, spearheaded by John Odegard, began competing at the National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) in 1966. It was at this national event of collegiate aviation programs where Odegard networked with individuals and gained access to curriculum that would serve as the basis of what was later approved to start the aviation program at UND.

It took nearly 20 years of competing at the National SAFECON for UND to secure a National Championship. In 1985, Coach Kent Lovelace led his team to an astounding victory over the rival teams. Winning this competition on the national stage propelled UND's aviation program to be considered a leader in collegiate aviation. The first victory started an unmatched period of success with UND winning seven consecutive national championships from 1985 through 1991. UND elevated the level of competition for the nation that continues to this day. The success of the 1985 National Championship Flying Team helped shape the future of aviation education and prominence at UND today.

Kent Lovelace, Coach

Robert Beckner, Assistant Coach

Phillip Hein, Assistant Coach

Joe Johnson, John Caturina, Rob Geisler, William Ward, Timothy Kutchera, Charlie Kalvoda, Bill Schuelter, Rod Reynolds, Steve Church, Grant Smith