Our Principal Advisors
Hugh McElroy, CEO
Hugh McElroy, CEO
Hugh McElroy, CEO
Governance, Corporate Leadership, Market, Strategy and M&A
Transformational leader in global industry delivering excellence in aerospace, military, energy, and non-profit market sectors. 40+ years of business experience with a strong and diverse operational background spanning manufacturing, MRO services and distribution in publicly and privately held companies. 30 years in C-suite positions with the most recent 20yrs+ as President/ CEO. Led multiple business “turn-arounds” and transactions in NA, SA, EMEA and APAC. Grown companies through an intense focus on performance excellence, stakeholder value, strategy, ESG and employee engagement. Leadership and executive roles in midmarket aerospace corporations such as UNC, BBA and Signature as well as large corporations such as Avco Lycoming and General Electric. Bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and Executive programs at Emory University Goizueta Business School and Duke University Fuqua School of Management.
Former FAA DER - Engineering Representative, FAA DAR -Airworthiness Representative, FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certification. Private Directors Association, Extensive Board service with chairperson experience.
Deborah Wells
Hugh McElroy, CEO
Hugh McElroy, CEO
Lean Manufacturing, Strategic Supply Chain and MRO services
VP Strategy and Business Improvement for Global Engine Services. Sr. Director of Global Strategic Sourcing at United Technologies Corp (UTC/RTX). Additionally, her experience stems from various senior roles at Pratt & Whitney Canada including Leading Engine MRO in West Virginia, Aftermarket Strategic Business Development and P&WC’s Aerospace Component Service group, as well as time spent at HVAC manufacturer, Carrier as financial controller. She has led many PWC locations to Gold lean performance and established global locations for PWC component repair. Graduate of Midwestern State University with bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Accounting. Executive Masters at University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
David Wheeler
Hugh McElroy, CEO
David Wheeler
Corporate & Commercial Transactions, Compliance & Ethics, IP, Tax and Litigation
Experienced legal executive with over twenty years of big firm and in-house experience managing a broad spectrum of domestic and international issues for private and public companies, including M&A, joint ventures, corporate governance, compliance and ethics, international trade compliance, commercial contracts, and operations and supply chain matters. Extensive experience working with private equity groups, representing them in buying and selling portfolio companies, negotiating against them on behalf of other clients, and representing management teams in private equity buy-outs. Recognized as a hands-on General Counsel and business partner who helps business leaders achieve strategic and tactical goals. He has a demonstrated history of proactively addressing legal issues and implementing effective strategies to meet business objectives, support growth, and reduce risks. University of Vermont B.S B.A., University of Cincinnati J.D.. Certified Public Accountant, Member American Bar Association, Member Association of Corporate Counsel.
Wael Saeed
Alton Johnson
Alton Johnson
Finance, M&A, FBO services
Certified Public Accountant with increasing roles of responsibility in Finance through CFO for companies such as Signature Flight Support, Aviation Service International Group (ASIG), Signature TechnicAir, and Global Engine Services (GES). He holds multiple collegiate degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Pr
Finance, M&A, FBO services
Certified Public Accountant with increasing roles of responsibility in Finance through CFO for companies such as Signature Flight Support, Aviation Service International Group (ASIG), Signature TechnicAir, and Global Engine Services (GES). He holds multiple collegiate degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College with corporate sponsored executive leadership education at Duke University. Over 20 years of experience with strong focus on M&A activities, strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting, controllership, and cash management.
Alton Johnson
Alton Johnson
Alton Johnson
Logistics, Supply Chain and facility Management
Experienced and capable leader that has excelled through progressive and challenging leadership roles culminating as the Global Supply Chain corporate VP responsible for asset management strategy, planning, and execution of a complex supply chain including logistics and trade compliance in ci
Logistics, Supply Chain and facility Management
Experienced and capable leader that has excelled through progressive and challenging leadership roles culminating as the Global Supply Chain corporate VP responsible for asset management strategy, planning, and execution of a complex supply chain including logistics and trade compliance in civilian and military customer environments. 20+ years military experience with US Army Aviation in expanding and increasing levels of responsibility. 20+ years civilian experience in commercial and business aviation sectors leading Supply Chain in an operational footprint spanning 14 global company locations holding $100m+ in assets with $450M in annual purchasing transactions. Extensive experience in global logistics, import-export compliance, international civilian aircraft regulatory requirements, purchasing governance and US/ International contracting. Broad working knowledge and understanding of integrated manufacturing and MRO operations, Global Supply Chain functions and aircraft fleet management of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. Graduate of Embry Riddle University. FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification. Executive Leadership education at Duke University.
Mark Stubbs
Alton Johnson
Mark Stubbs
Sales, Marketing, BD, M&A
CCO and CFO with 10+ yrs in aviation C-suite in both public and private companies with a proven track record in process improvement, cost management, compliance, and financial strategy. Senior level positions in Business Development and Operations have provided additional opportunities to build expertise in busine
Sales, Marketing, BD, M&A
CCO and CFO with 10+ yrs in aviation C-suite in both public and private companies with a proven track record in process improvement, cost management, compliance, and financial strategy. Senior level positions in Business Development and Operations have provided additional opportunities to build expertise in business strategy and analysis, contract negotiations, sales management, operational efficiencies and integration, and team management. Mark’s innovative and pragmatic approach to problem solving reflects his comprehensive background and demonstrates abilities to effectively manage global business in a dynamic business climate. Graduate of California Polytechnic State with BS degree in Finance and MBA.
Ian Cheyne
Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt
Engineering, Quality, Compliance
Highly accomplished executive in a broad range of technical and engineering roles having increasing responsibility in Manufacturing and MRO up to Chief Technical and Regulatory Officer and company President / GM of International Governor Service. Career experience at corporations such as Rolls Royce, Airwo
Engineering, Quality, Compliance
Highly accomplished executive in a broad range of technical and engineering roles having increasing responsibility in Manufacturing and MRO up to Chief Technical and Regulatory Officer and company President / GM of International Governor Service. Career experience at corporations such as Rolls Royce, Airwork, Duncan Aviation, Dallas Airmotive and Standard Aero. Experienced in leadership of QA, Engineering and program management. Graduated Cardiff University in the UK with a B. Eng degree in Mechanical Engineering. Six Sigma Black Belt. Former FAA DER Designated Engineering Representative. Former President of the Board of Directors or the Aeronautical Repair Station Association.
Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt
Market Research, Branding, Communications and Multi-Channel Marketing
Depth of experience in product positioning and analysis, new product development, customer research and the application of research to strategic marketing planning, brand management and development of communications messaging. Four decades in global aviation industry at
Market Research, Branding, Communications and Multi-Channel Marketing
Depth of experience in product positioning and analysis, new product development, customer research and the application of research to strategic marketing planning, brand management and development of communications messaging. Four decades in global aviation industry at airframe OEMs, service companies and MRO organizations both privately and publicly held. Responsible for the market research that defined the Beechcraft/Hawker 4000 business jet. Introduced to North America of the Astra business jet and the MBB BK-117 twin-turbine helicopter (now Airbus EC-135). Co-Authored the eBook: “Business Aviation Marketing Today – Winning in the Face of Adversity and Change” published in 2016 addressing significant changes in the business aviation sector post the Great Recession of 2008-2009. Degrees with honors in business management from the University of Miami and in mass communications from Loyola University. A passion for aviation that includes building and currently flying a Vans RV-8 two-seat sport plane. Flying keeps him in touch with industry issues relating to pilot and airspace regulations in addition to being a lot of fun. Having witnessed some of the major up and down periods of aviation and analyzed industry mistakes made during the past 40 years; having participated in promoting the growth of fractional and membership programs and their impact on aviation; he offers a great deal of insight that can be applied to today’s decision making in aviation.