Tennyson Retires, Stearns Promoted to General Manager of Stevens Aviation’s Dayton (DAY) Operations Facility

Jan. 25, 2013
Tennyson is retiring after 26 years of service at Stevens Aviation.

DAYTON, OHIO (Jan. 24, 2013) - Stevens Aviation, a diversified aircraft service provider offering expertise in the areas of aircraft maintenance and modification, fixed-base operations and flight services, today announced that Ron Tennyson, general manager of the company’s Dayton, Ohio, (DAY) facility, is retiring on March 31, 2013.  To fill his position, the company has promoted Phil Stearns, previously technical sales manager, to the role of general manager.

Stearns’ promotion is effective immediately.  Tennyson will remain on staff until the end of March to see the U.S. Air Force T-1A modification project to its conclusion and ensure a smooth transition as Stearns takes charge of the Dayton operation.

Tennyson is retiring after 26 years of service at Stevens Aviation, having joined the company in 1986 after retiring as a major from the U.S. Army.  He began as a charter pilot at Stevens’ Louisville (Ky.) FBO and then moved into aircraft sales, where he honed his customer service skills. By the time Stevens sold the Louisville facility in 1990, Tennyson had ascended to general manager.  He then transitioned to Dayton, where he increased annual sales from $5 million to $15 million and oversaw the $2 million upgrade of Stevens’ Dayton operation in 2006, turning it into one of the Midwest’s premier MRO facilities.

In 2010 Tennyson led Dayton to a highly successful partnership with Camber Corp. to upgrade the training capabilities of the Air Force’s T-1A aircraft, a military version of the Beech 400A.  The dynamic program is an appropriate crowning achievement to Tennyson’s career, along with the record $3.5 million in EBITDA Stevens’ Dayton facility achieved in 2012.

“Ron will be greatly missed here at Stevens,” said Stevens Aviation President Neal McGrail.  “We wish him the very best in his retirement, and we greatly appreciate his tremendous efforts in both Louisville and Dayton.”

Stearns has been with Stevens for more than six years and holds an MBA from Franklin University. Asked how he was able to grow both the civilian and military sides of the business, Stearns replied: “My job was not simply to go in and get quotes from customers.  My goal was to become an integral part of their business and become the default choice for maintenance, upgrades and information.”

“While serving as our technical sales manager, Phil always placed customers first while striving to exceed their expectations,” said McGrail.  “His approach to customer service and strong business acumen makes him uniquely qualified to lead Stevens’ Dayton facility.”

“Phil comes from a sales background and customer service is his top priority, which makes him the ideal leader to succeed Ron Tennyson,” added Stevens Aviation Director of Marketing and Program Sales John Rigby.  “Phil is a true asset to the company, and we are pleased he has chosen Stevens Aviation as the place to advance his career goals.”

About Stevens Aviation:

For more than 60 years, Stevens Aviation has been committed to making its customers successful. Stevens provides factory authorized services for Bombardier, Piaggio and Embraer aircraft and FAR145 authorized services on Cessna Citation, Raytheon and other civilian aircraft.  Stevens Aviation also supports the U.S. Department of Defense on a number of significant depot maintenance, modification and upgrade programs.  Stevens is a diversified aircraft service provider offering expertise in the areas of: aircraft maintenance, modification and refurbishment, aircraft sales, aircraft management, flight services and fixed base operations.  Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Stevens operates facilities in Denver, Colo. (BJC); Nashville, Tenn. (BNA); Dayton, Ohio (DAY); and Greenville (GYH) and Greer, S.C. (GSP).