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40 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY W illiam Tsao's introduction to the aviation industry came from being a co-op intern at Robins Air Force base while finishing up his bachelor's degree in business management at Mercer University. He received his Air Force Smart Operations (AFSO21) Green Belt training from Robins AFB and his Black Belt training from Maxwell AFB. He also received a master's degree in supply chain logistics from Georgia College and State University in 2015. He also completed Squadron Officer School and is cur- rently enrolled in Air Command and Staff College and plans to complete the course by 2018. During his career, he has received a total of six Notable Achievement Awards, four Performance Awards, and four Time Off Awards. He was also nominated as a candidate for Civilian of the Quarter in 2012. Tsao has had several mentors along the way ranging from group directors to his co-workers. "I try to listen and soak in the wisdom with every piece of advice I receive," Tsao says. "I would not be the person I am today without the support and guidance of my mentors and senior leadership throughout my career. One of the most impactful mentors I have had is my squadron director, Ms. Robin Hamsley." His current job entails planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron and ensuring operations comply with legal and regulatory requirements to meet customer requirements. Nominated by Stephanie Langley, awards program manager, USAF: "William Tsao epitomizes what leading by example means as he tackles each new process or obstacle with a "can-do" attitude that is contagious. His open, sincere demeanor makes one proud to be a member of his team. Mr. Tsao is an adamant proponent of process discipline and easily obtains buy-in from the people who actually perform the work. He was monumental in stabilizing the propeller and wing shops for the squadron. His strategic forethought allowed the squadron's footprint to expound and create capacity for five additional numerical control machines freeing 24,000 square feet of floor space. He puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform at the highest level possible." "The best way to give back to this industry is to improve our processes and ensure we keep the workload we have while gaining new workload in areas where we have the capacity and capability," he says. WILLIAM TSAO Exchangeable Production Support Center Flight Chief, 28, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, USAF D uncan Aviation itself is what really drew Jamie Harder into the industry. Becoming a part of the organization allows her to be inspired by the hard work and dedication that goes into making the industry as safe as it is. Harder attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE, where she obtained her BS in accounting with an emphasis in accounting and economics. Being at Duncan Aviation has given Harder the opportunity to be mentored both formally and informally by team members throughout the organization. Each of the department managers has taken time to educate her on the industry and the issues that arise in their departments. The managers have taken time to give her tours of the aircraft they are working on to help gain knowledge and an understanding of their business unit. Jeff Lake, chief operating officer, has served as her primary mentor since arriving at Duncan Aviation. He took the time to make sure she understood how the organization worked and suggested resources she could reach out to for support. Harder's current title is the controller, but she will be tran- sitioning to the chief financial officer position within the next six months. Currently she manages and directs the financial transaction activities of the company to create and maintain complete and accurate financial records and provide timely and accurate financial and operating informa- tion. She works with teams to initiate and manage the development and maintenance of comprehensive financial planning and analysis capabilities and systems to support the company's financial goals and objec- tives. Throughout the year, she provides financial counseling on the company's financial affairs including analysis of new opportunities. Nominated by Jennifer Monroe, senior talent acquisition special- ist, Duncan Aviation: "Working on the team assigned to conduct outside audits of Duncan Aviation's financial records, Jamie's interest of the aviation industry grew, as did her desire to work for Duncan Aviation. Her ability to see the big picture and desire to constantly improve processes has allowed Jamie to continue to grow professionally and has provided a huge benefit for Duncan Aviation through increased efficiencies." Harder wants to educate the industry, starting with Duncan Aviation team members, about the importance of a healthy orga - nization and industry. She wants to find ways to continue to partner with other organizations to develop new programs that provide solutions to our industry's as well as customer's needs. JAMIE HARDER Controller, 32, Duncan Aviation, Lincoln, NE