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48 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY KASEY HARWICK Director of Maintenance, 38, Duncan Aviation, Battle Creek, MI G rowing up in Western Nebraska Kasey Harwick had limited exposure to aviation. It wasn't until a family member gradu- ated from Cheyenne Aerotech and began working at Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, NE, that he considered a career in aviation. During the summer of 1999 Duncan had an open position for an interior shop assistant. He had some experience installing custom interiors in old hot rods and applied, interviewed and officially began his aviation career. He was able to test for his mechanic's certificate after on-the-job training. The first leadership opportunity he held at Duncan Aviation was airframe team leader of a team of 30 technicians during which they performed line and heavy maintenance in a fast-paced envi- ronment. From team leader he was promoted to project manager which serves as a customer primary point-of-contact in com- municating, coordinating, and follow-up for items such as time/ labor/material quotes, preliminary invoices, progress updates, customer approvals, and debrief on work packages, resolution of squawks, and warranty issues. And he's moved up the ladder. Currently he is director of maintenance for Duncan's Battle Creek, MI, facility. He directly manages the Airframe and Accessory Department and provides oversight to the Engine Department. "As the director of maintenance it is my responsibility to promote and develop team members, provide training opportunities, and ultimately develop our team members into industry-leading technicians." Harwick has received an airframe rat- ing from Baker's School of Aeronautics, an associate of science degree from Southeast Community College, a bachelor of sci- ence degree in business from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a master's of business administration from Creighton University. Additional training was accomplished at Bombardier Customer Training and FlightSafety International. "I like to give back to the industry by hiring and developing the future leaders of business aviation," Harwick says. "Whether it's attending career fairs for our nation's military veterans or dis- cussing business aviation at local colleges, it's our goal to attract and retain smart, hardworking technicians who are looking for a career, not just a job. With the assistance of our recruiter we attend as many events as possible to gain interest in business aviation." Nominated by Jennifer Monroe, senior talent acquisition spe- cialist at Duncan: "Kasey is a forward thinker, gains trust from the teams he supervises, and is a confident leader. Kasey is also eager to volunteer his time to share his passion of aviation with students working toward a degree and those considering a career in the industry." ERIK PETERSON Chief Inspector/Maintenance Manager, 35, Bismarck Aero Center, Bismarck, ND I n fifth grade Erik Peterson took his first flight on a DC-9 and thought it was the greatest thing ever. Ever since then, he's loved aviation and everything around it. He received his bachelor's of science in aeronautics from the University of North Dakota and his A&P; certification from Westwood College of Aviation Technology in Broomfield, CO. Advanced training includes a 40-hour Boeing 727 General Familiarization course and a Continental Engine advanced fac- tory training course. After graduation he moved to Everett, WA, and worked for Goodrich Aviation Technical Services for a couple years, then on to Denver International Airport to work operations before moving to Frontier Airlines as a production control coordinator where he coordinated and managed the flow of maintenance on C-checks on Airbus aircraft. After Frontier, he moved on to work for General Electric and worked outside of aviation as an environmental health and safety coordinator. Missing aviation, he and his wife decided to move back to their hometown of Bismarck, ND, and he took a position as a mechanic for Bismarck Aero Center. Currently he is chief inspector/maintenance manager. He performs hands-on maintenance and schedules work, coordinates the individual jobs, assigns mechanics to their individual jobs, manages the training for new mechanics, and provides guidance/ assistance to the mechanics and sometimes to the avionics technicians. He gives back to the industry by speak- ing to elementary school children about what an A&P; mechanic does and how to become one. He also speaks to high school and vocational school classes. He belongs to the North Dakota Professional Aviation Maintenance Association and AOPA. Nominated by Jon Simmers, CEO, Bismarck Aero Center: "Erik keeps his composure under the most challenging circumstances. He has the ability to smooth out rough waters that quickly helps his team maintain a high level of focus required to ensure safety in our industry. At a young age, he has gained the respect and rapport of technicians that have been in the industry for 30 plus years. Erik has brought a sense of professionalism to the organization that has transformed the culture of the maintenance department. His sense of humor brings a level of commaradarie while at the same time he develops standards to help grow the consistency in which maintenance services are delivered." Peterson is focused on expanding his mechanical knowledge and skills. As for his future goals, he'd like to become a director of maintenance in a general aviation environment.