East Alton, IL, June 25, 2008 – Rick Brainard has been appointed Vice President of Sales for the company effective June 9, 2008. He will manage all sales operations for the company’s facilities in Grand Junction, CO, East Alton, IL, Dallas, TX, and Hiawatha, IA.
Previously, Brainard held the position of General Manager at West Star Aviation’s Grand Junction facility since September 2005. Prior to assuming his role as General Manager, he served as Director of Avionics and Modifications. He has also served in various management positions for McKinney Aerospace, Garret Aviation, and Allied Signal. Dave Krogman, Director of Hangar Operations, will take over as General Manager of the Grand Junction facility.
“West Star has been growing at such a rapid pace that we realized the company needed a dedicated top-level sales management position,” said Jim Swehla, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Rick has been instrumental in that growth. His extensive sales and management experience, strong leadership skills, and passion for success made him the natural choice for the position.”
Ryan Malutinok has been appointed Interior/Paint Manager for the company effective June 23, 2008. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of paint, upholstery, wood, and finish at the East Alton facility.
Malutinok began employment at West Star in 2003 when he served as a Falcon A&P mechanic at the East Alton facility. He quickly proved his dedication and was promoted to Falcon Project Manager. Eventually, Malutinok became Paint Department Manager and managed all aspects of the paint shop.
Malutinok’s accomplishments and quality of experience will continue to play a part in the growing success of West Star. “I hope to accomplish the highest quality in the industry at a reasonable price with the lowest downtime possible,” says Malutinok.
Dan McKillips has joined the company as a Regional Sales Manager. Dan will be responsible for the Southeast region of the U.S., which includes the states: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
McKillips has over 11 years of experience in the aviation industry. Prior to accepting the position at West Star he worked as the Director of Maintenance for Acxiom. His primary responsibilities with West Star Aviation include sales activities for the Southeast Region as well as maintaining and building new customer relationships.
“Getting the position with West Star has been the best thing to ever happen to my family and me,” says McKillips. “It’s great to talk to customers with confidence knowing they are going to receive the best service by the most skilled people in the industry.”
Cheryl Galloway has joined the company as a Program Sales Manager.
Galloway brings several years of aircraft maintenance sales experience to her new position. She has prior experience with Dassault Falcon Jet and Pentastar Aviation, as well as sales experience with SimuFlite Training.
Galloway obtained an aviation degree from Embry-Riddle University and holds an A&P License. She will be remotely located in her Cary, North Carolina office.
West Star Aviation, Inc. specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, and accessory services. In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; and Dallas, TX, West Star has a Hiawatha, IA, location that specializes in the acquisition and sales of surplus avionics. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation, Inc. is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise and provides world-class customer services in all of the organization’s divisions. For additional information visit www.weststaravion.com or call 800-922-2421.
