Heli hires: MD Helicopters grows leadership team

MD Helicopters expands its leadership team.

MD Helicopters is growing its leadership team with the appointment of Daniel Searcy to the role of vice president of Aftermarket, Todd Heussner to the position of vice president of Operations & Supply Chain and Fred Kaplan to chief financial officer (CFO).

“MD Helicopters is making significant progress in improving our customer support and these promotions and hires will be instrumental in continuing our success.” said Ryan Weeks, president, MD Helicopters. “Each of these individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication, strategic vision, and leadership in their respective roles and I look forward to their continued impact as part of our executive team.”

Previously senior director of Aftermarket Customer Support, Searcy will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s aftermarket business from spare parts and repair and overhaul to customer service, technical support and the planned fielded fleet upgrades.

Searcy will also oversee the marketing department and programme management for both aftermarket and production. He will focus mainly on on-time delivery, working with supply chain and operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle University and has been a member of the MDH team for more than 10 years.

Heussner’s new role will see him take responsibility for leading manufacturing and supply chain strategies. He has a wealth of experience in US Army logistics and civilian experience working for Leidos, Ernst & Young, and Georgia Iron Works. Heussner holds an MS in Logistics Management, an MS in National Security and Strategy from the US Army War College and holds a Six Sigma Green Belt.

Backed by more than 35 years of experience in defence and aerospace, aviation, and consulting industries,  Kaplan has held various c-suite roles, including CEO, chief operating officer and CFO, in public and private sectors. He has served in the CFO position at O’Hare International, Midway International, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Kaplan holds an MS in Finance from the University of Illinois and his BS in Commerce with a major in Finance from Depaul University, Chicago.

Meanwhile, earlier this month MD Helicopters promoted Weeks to the role of president with immediate effective. Brad Pedersen will continue to serve as CEO working on strategic initiatives with the Board of Directors.

MD Helicopters promotions – at a glance

• Daniel Searcy, vice president of Aftermarket. (Previously senior director of Aftermarket Customer Support)
• Todd Heussner, vice president of Operations & Supply Chain. (Previously senior director, Supply Chain)
• Fred Kaplan, Chief financial officer.