2017 AMT Next Gen Award: Alan Sikarskie

Nov. 21, 2017
Aftermarket & Distribution Business Unit Director, 39, Parker Hannifin Corp., Stratoflex Products Div., Keller, TX

Alan Sikarskie had a deep interest in high-tech electronic systems at an early age. His high school electronics instructor encouraged him to investigate avionics systems in the military to get exposure to cutting-edge electronic and software systems.

His training includes an avionic and electronic systems apprenticeship with the U.S. Air Force, an associate’s degree in computer engineering technology from Weber State University, bachelor’s degree in industrial technology and management from Ferris State University, and master’s in business administration from Western Michigan University. He is also a graduate from University Texas Austin’s Institute for Managerial Leadership Program.

He has worked for U.S. Air Force, GE Aviation, Elbit Systems, United Technologies Corp., and most recently Parker Aerospace as aftermarket and distribution business unit director. His responsibilities at Parker Aerospace include leading a circa $40 million/year aircraft in-service product improvement and retrofit (PI&R) business as well as leading a circa $30 million/year distributor network. One product improvement program recently completed is upgrading the F-15 brake shuttle valve system for the U.S. Air Force. The higher reliability F-15 shuttle valve program saved both time and money by increasing the mean time between unscheduled removals (MTBUR).

He also is supporting the U.S. Navy Reserves as a maintenance material control officer (MMCO) sustaining the C-40 aircraft at VR-59. Sikarskie’s duties include supporting compliance of the weight and balance program and assisting with controlling daily workload and assignment of maintenance priorities. In this role he has the opportunity to learn and grow as he works alongside the impressive sailors in the maintenance department.

Nominated by Mike Downing, president, Cerebro Marketing: “I’ve known Alan Sikarskie since we served together in the U.S. Air Force in 1998. At Parker Aerospace, Alan has driven growth with the network of value-added distributors as well as expanding market share by launching project improvement and retrofit business opportunities. Alan’s team has also supported the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) Southwest Regional FAR 147 PAMA Olympics held at Tarrant County College, Northwest Campus Aviation Department by donating critical hose assembly materials.” 

As to future plans, Sikarskie would like to stay in the aerospace and defense industry and progress into more senior leadership positions focusing on business management and business development roles.